HB 2448 -- Renewable Energy

Sponsor:  Still

This bill requires the Missouri Public Service Commission to have
a cost-benefit analysis performed before approving an
investor-owned utility's request for sourcing a new or expanding
a renewable energy source.  An investor-owned utility or other
entity requesting approval for sourcing a new or expanding a
renewable energy source must provide the commission all possible
locations both within and outside of Missouri that will be
considered for the facility.  The analyses will only be performed
relative to these sites.  An analysis must take into
consideration all economic benefits and costs of building,
operating, and maintaining new or expanded renewable energy
sources in Missouri versus outside Missouri's boundaries.  The
commission must evaluate all costs associated with sourcing
renewable energy from inside or outside the state, including the
cost of electricity to investor-owned utility ratepayers,
increases in Missouri unemployment payments, and any other costs.
The commission must require an electrical corporation or other
entity that may construct a renewable generation facility to
provide the information for the analysis and the means to verify
its accuracy.

The commission must examine purchased power agreements in the
cost-benefit analysis based on the location of the actual source
of the power.  Renewable energy credits must not be used to
satisfy portfolio requirements, and renewable energy costs will
be capped as specified in Section 393.1030, RSMo.

If the benefits of building in Missouri exceed the costs, the
commission must require the renewable energy facility to be built
in Missouri at locations considered in the cost-benefit analysis.
However, if the costs exceed the benefits, the commission cannot
oppose the facility being built outside the state.  Facilities
outside Missouri can only be built at locations included in the
analysis.

The commission will have rulemaking authority to develop the
process and timeline for completing the cost-benefit analysis and
may hire outside consultants to conduct the analysis.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:14 pm