Commerce committee advances three utility bills including SB 6 aimed at electric reliability

The Missouri Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and the Environment Committee voted to report Senate Bill 6, along with Senate Bills 4 and 5, out of committee, clearing them for potential consideration by the full Senate.

Supporters said the bills would modify and create provisions relating to electric utilities to help the state maintain reliable power as coal plants close and renewable generation increases. "Due to the closure of coal plants and Missouri investing in so much renewable power, there's a serious threat that moving forward, Missouri will not be able to meet the demand for reliable electricity," Senator Mike Sirpoy said during the hearing.

The committee recorded a "do pass" recommendation on SB 6 and also voted SB 4 and SB 5 do pass. The committee vote means the measures could be scheduled for debate and a vote before the full Missouri Senate at a later date; the committee record did not include roll-call tallies in the transcript.

Senator Mike Sirpoy, identified as the sponsor of SB 6, presented the bill and argued the changes are needed to address emerging reliability concerns. The transcript did not include details of the specific statutory changes proposed in the bills, nor did it include a committee vote count or the text of any amendments.

SB 6, SB 4 and SB 5 will be eligible for floor consideration if the Senate leadership places them on the calendar. The committee hearing and votes came during a week in which lawmakers also considered the governor's budget blueprint and other measures across several committees.