Next month, a statewide energy plan is expected to be given to Governor Jay Nixon. The Department of Economic Development’s Division of Energy is in charge of developing the plan and the House’s Energy and Environment Committee held hearings to get the public’s feedback.
Last year, Governor Nixon called for development of a comprehensive plan.
Representative Rocky Miller (R-Osage Beach), who serves as chairman of the House committee, explains what citizens had to say about the matter.
“I would say that they would want the plan to be economical, not to put a heavy burden on the rate payers of the state of Missouri,” said Miller. “In addition, they would like to have reliability. In addition, they do care about the environment. They would like for it to be environmentally friendly. There’s a lot of things going on in the state of Missouri that will help us diversify and continue moving forward with hopefully reliable and low rates.”
Currently, about 80% of Missouri’s energy is produced by coal.
Miller also thinks a different approach to Missouri’s energy rates should be considered.
“Currently, we litigate on past usage and then try to figure out the rates going forward from past usage. I’d rather look at what we plan to do in the future and let’s design our rates accordingly. Then we can talk about how the utilities are spending their money,” said Miller.
He thinks the approach could lead to lower electric rates in Missouri.
Miller would also like the plan to be a living document and reviewed every three years.
