MISSED OPPORTUNITY OF 2013 LEGISLATURE: ENABLING ELECTRIC INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT, BETTER POWER RELIABILITY AND JOB CREATION
The Missouri Legislature missed a prime opportunity this session to enable massive new investment in our state’s electric power infrastructure. Lawmakers and supporters worked countless hours to craft and improve Senate Bill 207 and House Bill 398, the Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining Act.
Advancing ISRS
Support across Missouri continues to grow for ISRS legislation.
Exciting Momentum This Week
This week, former Sen. Kit Bond submitted a powerful op-ed in the Columbia Daily Tribune titled “Measure will keep lights on.” His words emphasized the importance of Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) legislation, and the urgent need for Missouri to invest in a new and improved infrastructure that would yield much-needed jobs, improve electric service and reliability and directly benefit communities, families and businesses across Missouri.
Unfortunately, an aging electrical grid and century-old energy regulations have prevented our investor-owned utilities from proactively making these investments so far. The good news is ISRS legislation, which would allow these utilities to quickly recover costs, encouraging them to make the most effective investments for the benefit of Missourians.
Adding to this week’s exciting momentum, Westinghouse Electric announced its renewed support for a second, promising opportunity to bring SMRs to Missouri. ISRS legislation would take us one step closer to opportunities like SMRs, and we were encouraged to see Westinghouse’s Kate Marx join other Missourians in support of ISRS this week in Jefferson City.
Thank you to former Sen. Kit Bond, Kate Marx and those who have shown support of this critical legislation. We’re confident that our state legislature understands the need for responsible regulations such as ISRS. If you haven’t already, please urge passage of this key economic developing bill in an effort to keep Missouri’s lights on.
Westinghouse Supports MO Electric ISRS Legislation
Jefferson City, MO — The company behind the development of the next-generation in small modular reactor technology, Westinghouse Electric Company, is partnering with Missouri’s electric utilities in strong support of ISRS legislation to modernize the state’s aging electrical grid.
Continue to spread the word
As the Missouri General Assembly continues work on Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) legislation, The Brattle Group, a financial and economic consulting firm, released a very encouraging report that helps quantify the economic impact that ISRS legislation will provide if it is passed.
Why Missouri Needs ISRS
Missouri's electric infrastructure is aging while consumers' expectations for reliability are rising. A new report, Electric Utility Regulatory Practices in Missouri, details the challenges and opportunities we face.
About the Author:
James R. Moody is the owner and president of James R. Moody & Associates, a Jefferson City-based consulting firm. Moody spent the first 19 years of his career working in Missouri state government, with the first 14 spent at the Department of Social Services. Moody was the Director of the Division of Family Services, Assistant Director for Business Services at the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, and Executive Deputy Director of the Department of Social Services. He then became Missouri State Budget Director in 1987. In 1989, Moody was appointed the Commissioner of Administration by Gov. John Ashcroft, and he served in that capaticy through 1992.
Public Service Commission shouldn't duplicate Legislature
The Post-Dispatch editorial "Who’s afraid of facts?" (March 28) missed the bigger point and smeared a good public servant in the process.
New Consumer Protections Added to ISRS Legislation
Good news for Missouri consumers--The Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) legislation just got better as new language is expected to be added that will bolster the already strong Public Service Commission oversight in SB207/HB398.
Tell legislators you support ISRS - a vital jobs bill for Missouri
Exciting progress is taking place in the Missouri General Assembly, and we need your help! The House and Senate are expected to vote on Infrastructure Strengthening and Regulatory Streamlining (ISRS) in the coming weeks. Please act now and make sure your legislator knows you support this critical legislation for Missouri.
