MO HB1610

Requires the Public Service Commission to notify cities and counties of utility tariff increases exceeding 7 percent and provide estimates of resulting gross receipts changes, with an exception for natural gas purchase price adjustments.

Mandates cities and counties reduce business license tax rates on utility gross receipts within 60 days of a tariff increase to maintain revenue levels from the preceding 12 months plus a growth factor, unless an ordinance or order is enacted to maintain the tax rate.

Requires natural gas corporations to include the gas cost portion of net write-offs in purchased gas adjustment rates rather than base rates, with annual limits on adjustments, mandatory annual true-ups, and commission review to ensure prudent collection efforts.

Expands Utilicare Program assistance eligibility to include households that have paid or attempted to pay utility bills and clarifies that eligible households include those with elderly or disabled heads earning up to 150 percent of federal poverty level or 60 percent of state median income.

Permits utility suppliers to allow customers with arrearages incurred during the cold weather rule period to retain service by paying one-third of the arrearage plus current monthly bills over three months following the cold weather rule period.