Senate heard bill that proposes to increase utility rates.
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Senate heard bill that proposes to increase utility rates.

Date: March 15, 2016
By: Devon Yarbrough
State Capitol Bureau
Links: SB 1028

Intro: 
A bill to increase utility rates was heard by Senate Committee.
RunTime: 0:33
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: The bill proposes for energy company Ameren to no longer have to apply to increase their utility rates. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Ryan Silvey, Republican from Kansas City.

Silvey says the bill changes the process of raising utilities rates, but the bill still lets the Missouri Public Service Commission oversee the process.

Actuality:  Silvey.WAV
Run Time: 00:06
Description: This will not be a mirror of the current process, but we wanted to continue to make sure that they have a strong role in this process.

 

The bill has gained controversy over protection over consumer rights.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.

Intro: 
People came to testify against the bill to increase utility rates.
RunTime: 0:34
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: David Woodsmall, a representative of Midwest Consumer Energy Group, opposed the bill in favor of consumer rights. Woodsmall said the bill allows Ameren to raise utility rates without having to go through authority.

 

Actuality:  Woodsmall.WAV
Run Time: 00:12
Description: Customers have historically taken comfort knowing that the Commission was considering the reasonableness of such factors. SB 1028 eliminates the Commission's authority and places the inmates in charge of the asylum.

 

 

Despite the bill's opposition, representatives came to testify in support saying the bill would help consumers.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.

Intro: 
Ameren representatives came to testify in support to increase utility rates.
RunTime: 0:35
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Ameren representatives said the bill would help their business, as well as their consumers.

President of Ameren Missouri, Micheal Moehn, said the bill would help increase consumer reliability of utilities.

Actuality:  Moehn.WAV
Run Time: 00:13

Description: This is about making sure that we continue to maintain that and get in front of it and do better than that because honestly the expectations are not getting any less. The overall economy is so tied to what we produce on a daily basis.

 

Noranda representatives came to testify in support as well, saying the bill would help businesses in Missouri.

Reporting from the State Capitol, I'm Devon Yarbrough.