Group to recommend energy policy

A state task force to develop a long-term energy policy for Missouri has been formed by Governor Holden, who has named former Public Service Commission chairman Karl Zobrist of Kansas City to head it. He’s joined by 9 other people, none of whom work for utility companies. The coalition includes the head of the natural resources department, the spokesman for consumers in state utility rate cases, a lobbyist for small utility customers, and an electrical workers union official. The task force has 3 weeks to come up with some findings on reasons for high heating costs, and has until August first to recommend a state energy policy.