Missouri lawmakers advance bill allowing upfront utility charges

Recent legislative developments in North Carolina and Missouri are reshaping utility regulations, with significant implications for ratepayers. In North Carolina, a bill advancing through the Senate would eliminate the 2030 carbon-cutting deadline and expand the ability of utilities to charge customers for construction work on new plants before they are operational. Proponents argue this would lower costs and provide flexibility for energy providers, while opponents warn it poses risks to consumers and contradicts climate goals. Similarly, Missouri's SB4 bill would allow utilities to implement charges for new natural gas power plants before they are built, a reversal of a 1976 law designed to protect consumers from paying for unbuilt infrastructure. Advocates claim this will facilitate infrastructure growth and meet rising energy demands, but critics express concerns about the potential financial burden on low-income households. Both states are grappling with balancing energy needs and consumer protection amid evolving energy policies.