utilities

Some Missouri lawmakers say a free market for energy could curb prices by allowing customers to shop around for better rates. But the state's largest electric companies, Ameren and Evergy, both oppose the plan.

Electricity prices are increasing and are now the fastest driver of inflation. Plus: Some lawmakers want to break up Missouri’s electric monopolies, but it's unclear if that could lower monthly bills.

Since 2021, electricity prices have increased nearly 40%, with the average household spending more than $1,800 on their bills in 2024.

Cities are grappling with how to proceed concerning the increase in data centers in Missouri. New legislation would require water permits for large-load consumers, and make them pay for grid infrastructure upgrades needed to provide them electricity.

KC Water will use nearly $2 million in new state funding to search for lead pipes in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods, starting this spring in Lykins and Columbus Park.

The Unified Government and the BPU are in discussions with three proposed data center projects code-named Project Red Wolf, Project Yardbird and Project Linda. Officials insist the projects won’t increase utility bills for other ratepayers, but similar promises elsewhere have been proven false.

Changes to Missouri's Cold Weather Rule are in effect this winter.

Last week, Deep Fission broke ground on a pilot program to bury small modular reactors underground in Parsons, Kansas. This project is the first of its kind in the United States, and comes as part of the Trump Administration’s effort to advance the nation’s nuclear power.

Regulators are trying to protect residential customers from high rates while still attracting large energy users, like data centers, to the state.

Tech companies have been building more data centers around Kansas City, spurred by the increased need for artificial intelligence. But residents are worried about the environmental impact, higher utility bills, and the long-term consequences for communities.

U.S. Sen Josh Hawley's skepticism of data centers puts him at odds with some prominent Missouri Republicans, including Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, commissions voted Monday to raise property taxes but also cut the Board of Public Utilities PILOT fee.