SECOND REGULAR SESSION
SENATE BILL NO. 1116
91ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY SENATOR DOUGHERTY.
Read 1st time February 6, 2002, and 1,000 copies ordered printed.
TERRY L. SPIELER, Secretary.
4521S.01I
AN ACT
To amend chapter 386, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to energy programs for low-income persons.
Section A. Chapter 386, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 386.412, to read as follows:
386.412. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the commission may consider ability to pay as a factor in setting utility rates and may establish programs for low-income residential ratepayers in order to insure affordable, reliable, continuous service to low-income utility customers. The purpose of low-income programs is to lower the percentage of income that low-income households devote to energy bills, to increase customer payments, and to lower the utility costs associated with customer account collection activities. In ordering low-income programs, the commission may require public utilities to file program evaluations, including coordination of other available low-income bill payment and conservation resources, and the effect of the program on:
(1) Reducing the percentage of income that participating households devote to energy bills;
(2) Service disconnections; and
(3) Customer payment behavior, utility collection costs, arrearages and bad debt.