JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The Missouri House Utilities Committee has endorsed legislation that would allow electric utilities to seek permission for an infrastructure surcharge.
Power companies could ask to levy the surcharge between their formal rate cases before the Public Service Commission.
The House committee endorsed the legislation Wednesday after lowering a cap on how much could be collected and adding a requirement that power companies credit customers' electric bills if regulators disallow a cost included in the surcharge.
Supporters of allowing the surcharge contend it would help utilities invest in infrastructure improvements and would create jobs. Opponents say it would make it easier to raise electric rates.
Similar legislation already has cleared an energy committee in the Missouri Senate.
Utility infrastructure is HB398 and SB207.
Online:
Legislature: http://www.moga.mo.gov