Time to End Missouri’s Utility Monopoly
Electric rates are rising, but you don’t have options because in Missouri, utilities are still allowed to operate as a monopoly. Making them compete to build and sell electricity like they do in other states will make sure you’re getting the best price and most options. Join the fight to bring competition to energy in Missouri.
Your Wallet, Your Choice.
Missouri used to have some of the lowest electric rates in the United States, but in recent years, electric bills have increased at one of the fastest rates in the country. In 2023, Missouri ranked 4th in the country for the most significant jump in electrical rate increases!
In fact, Missouri utility companies have averaged a four percent increase in the cost of the electricity they supply. The Consumers’ Council of Missouri reported that electric rates increased 20% from 2020 to 2023. That’s an annual cost increase of $327 for the average household.
Investor-owned utilities like Ameren, Evergy, and Liberty are planning to build a lot of new power plants and are getting approvals for big increases to electric rates to pay for it. Ameren projects it will need $13 billion just to replace retiring power plants, and that doesn’t include transmission and distribution costs. Evergy is already short 77% of the in-state power generation it needs, resulting in the purchase of expensive power from the regional market. Because Missouri does not allow competition, these monopolies can set prices, and ratepayers are forced to pay the cost to build plus the guaranteed profit the utility makes every time they build.
There is another way.
In 23 states, some type of competition with the utility is allowed, keeping costs low and giving ratepayers options. In 14 of those states, the legislature broke up the utility monopoly on building and selling electricity. Now, private companies compete to build the most reliable, efficient, and in-demand energy resources, with the costs and risks falling on private investors, not ratepayers.
Last year, Sen. Nick Schroer and Rep. Don Mayhew introduced legislation (SB 487 / HB 417) that would break up the utility monopoly and make them compete against other companies to build and sell power. Some legislators voted for it, but more support is needed. Legislators will be back at the Capitol in January, but don’t wait to get involved.
SIGN THE PETITION
I deserve energy choice.
Missouri residents should not be limited to using only one energy supply service dictated by a utility monopoly. We deserve options based on our preferences and for companies to compete for our business.
Monopolies drive up costs. Competition keeps prices in check.
I have a choice in almost every other service I purchase. Without competition, improvements in services and products are only made when the government forces utility companies to do better or the company decides to build for profit. All of these costs pass the costs directly onto ratepayers, plus their guaranteed profit. When there is competition, the customer is the priority, not profit and competition keeps prices in check.
Let the free market work for Missouri families.
I should be free from being under the thumb of utility shareholders and their business interests. Across the country, states with competitive energy markets have achieved better results, including improved pricing, more efficient generation, stronger reliability, and increased consumer choice. Let competitive energy companies, not monopolies, compete to earn my business.
Missouri’s ratepayers deserve energy choice.
It’s time for Missouri to join the ranks of states that have opened their energy markets, providing residents with the benefits of competition. We urge Missouri lawmakers to support legislation that opens the energy market, giving consumers the right to choose their electricity provider. Let energy companies compete and give Missourians a fair shot at lower costs and better service. The government shouldn’t protect monopolies; it should protect consumers.
By submitting this form, you agree to add your name to the petition that will be shared publicly with regulators, legislators, and staff and to receive updates on and consumer education on energy choice and utility-related news surrounding this issue.