SB 450 - This act would allow the Missouri Public Service Commission to allow competition in the retail distribution of electrical service. The Commission may approve pilot projects for up to two years in order to identify the risks and benefits of competition. After no more than two years of such pilot projects, the Commission may implement statewide competition for the supply of retail electric energy, with a transition period of not less than three years.

In approving any tariff for competing retail electric sales, the commission shall ensure that the economic benefits of retail competition are balanced among all classes of consumers, the environment is safeguarded, the safety and reliability of the electric generation, transmission and distribution system is not impaired, verifiable stranded costs are recovered, the same standards and financial requirements are applied to all energy providers and the service areas and service restrictions provided under current Missouri statutes are maintained.

The commission shall ensure universal access to reliable electric energy service throughout the state at reasonable rates and shall ensure that retail competition is implemented with due regard for those costs reflected in the rate base of electrical corporations, as approved under current law.

OTTO FAJEN