By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – Some Missouri residents and businesses soon could see a new cost on their electric bills - one that charges them more for using less energy.
A bill sent to Gov. Jay Nixon would set criteria by which state utility regulators could approve charges for utility programs that reduce energy use.
If he signs it, the new law would take effect Aug. 28.
The assumption is that charging consumers for energy-saving initiatives ultimately would be less costly then charging them for new power plants that would be needed if electricity consumption is not curtailed.
Nixon has indicated he supports the legislation. When lawmakers passed it in mid-May, Nixon described the bill as "a pretty seismic shift" in Missouri's energy policy.