Energy

Scientists in a Columbia, Missouri, lab have studied how toxic chemicals affect animals and ecosystems since the 1960s. But President Trump's proposed budget would likely mean lights out. Plus: Hydroelectric power is a mainstay of the United States electrical grid, but federal hurdles could take plants offline.

Evergy Kansas Central customers will see bills increase about 8.6% to fund the construction of two natural gas plants and a solar plants. Evergy last received a $41 million rate hike in 2023.

Hydropower accounts for nearly 30% of utility-scale renewable energy in the U.S., but federal hurdles may prevent older hydroelectric plants from staying online and new projects from getting off the ground.

Many expect electricity demand to double in the Kansas City region as an array of new data centers open here to support AI and related technology. But will Kansas City utility customers end up paying the cost?

Ameren Missouri has disconnected more than 100,000 households that were behind on their bills in the past year. Advocates say Missouri laws need to change to better protect people in extreme heat.

Experts say the Panasonic plant could tap the breaks on hiring while it waits out economic uncertainty. The company can still collect hundreds of millions of dollars from Kansas even if it does.

Scientists in the Midwest and Great Plains were poised to start research to cut U.S. reliance on fertilizer imports, keep biofuel farming cost-competitive and tackle a potent greenhouse gas.

The Labadie Energy Center and the Sioux Energy Center in Missouri will have two extra years to limit emissions of mercury and other hazardous air pollutants.

About $378 million of Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funding remains to be distributed. Without federal staff, some experts and advocates worry that low-income customers won’t be able to pay for cooling as the months get hotter.

The new Missouri law allows utilities to charge customers for power plants as they are being built, rather than after they are complete. Consumer and environmental groups say it will make utilities significantly more expensive and worsen climate change.

The bill is made up of dozens of policy changes governing how utilities operate in Missouri. Utility companies say they need more power plants to meet expected demand, but critics say the bill will significantly increase costs for customers.

The bill has dozens of policy changes that affect how utility companies are allowed to operate and charge customers in Missouri.