JEFFERSON CITY — A Missouri state senator has introduced legislation meant to boost consumer protections while allowing utilities to charge customers for some costs of developing a nuclear power plant.
Lawmakers are considering whether to let power companies recoup from customers the cost of an early site permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A voter-approved law bars utilities from charging customers for new power plants before they produce electricity.
Republican Sen. Jason Crowell, of Cape Girardeau, says his legislation would cap what customers can be charged at $40 million. It would also require a rebate if the plant is not built, and change funding for the state office that represents consumers before regulators.
Crowell's measure is opposed by at least one group that supports the nuclear plant proposal.
