TV ad focuses on Missouri utility legislation

Thursday, February 7, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A new television commercial promotes Missouri legislation that utility companies say will help improve the state’s electric infrastructure.

The bill would let utilities request approval for a surcharge to get reimbursed for a variety of infrastructure projects. A state Senate committee considered the measure earlier this week.

The TV spot is paid for by a group called Missourians for a Balanced Energy Future. It features a man carrying an antique telephone on a sidewalk. An announcer states when you use things from 100 years ago, it is hard to keep up. The ad argues that Missouri’s energy regulations need to be updated.

Consumer advocates argue the legislation would make it easier to raise electric rates. Its proponents include Kansas City Power & Light, Ameren Missouri and Empire District Electric Co.

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tubegrrl 3 months, 2 weeks ago

This ad and the "group" behind it are entirely a creation of Ameren's political lobbying budget, to promote their nuclear expansion plans.

MBEF is "run" by Irl Scissors, a professional, full time lobbyist. Virtually all funds are from Ameren. This is a classic fake "astroturf" group. This info is easy to find out, I don't know why they bother, shows the utter contempt Ameren holds for the average Missouri citizen.

You can agree or disagree with their position, but you should know the source from whence the info comes, so you can think for yourself.

jcb616 3 months, 2 weeks ago

As if the raising of our electric rates aren't easy enough. I can't understand why the electric companies keep begging for more money from everyone- consumers to law makers. My electric bill has nearly doubled over the last 2 years and that is with cutting back usage but my salary has not changed 1%. What are these businesses doing with their profits, most businesses use profits to improve their business. Maybe these electric companies need to take a look at other business models and adjust their budgets accordingly. When I bought my house I knew that I would need a new roof after so many years, so I have been sliding money, not a huge amount at a time, in an account specific for home improvements. That way when I need a new roof I will hopefully be able to replace it without delay. Having worked with multimillion dollar business budgets this is how it's done, not by strong arming you consumers and increasing your rates, without notice, because you failed to plan for the future.

jcb616 3 months, 2 weeks ago

As if the raising of our electric rates aren't easy enough already. I can't understand why the electric companies keep begging for more money from everyone- consumers to law makers. My electric bill has nearly doubled over the last 2 years and that is with cutting back usage but my salary has not changed 1%. What are these businesses doing with their profits, most businesses use profits to improve their business- infrastructure being a priority. Maybe these electric companies need to take a look at other business models and adjust their budgets accordingly. When I bought my house I knew that I would need a new roof after so many years, so I have been sliding money, not a huge amount at a time, in an account specific for home improvements. That way when I need a new roof I will hopefully be able to replace it without delay. Having worked with multimillion dollar business budgets this is how it's done, not by strong arming you consumers and increasing your rates, without notice, because you failed to plan for the future.

JCLifer 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Would you be happy with a utility company who raises their rates and then banks billions and billions of dollars in savings and investments?

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