MO HB2408

Repeals section 393.150 and enacts three new sections (386.715, 386.900, and 393.150) relating to public utilities and the Public Service Commission.

Establishes a new funding mechanism for the Office of Public Counsel through assessments on public utilities, capped at two hundredths of one percent of total gross intrastate operating revenues, with payments made to the director of revenue and credited to a "Public Counsel Fund."

Allows retail electric suppliers to apply for commission approval of rate schedules for periodic rate adjustments outside general rate proceedings to recover costs of smart grid and voltage regulation technology investments.

Reduces the initial suspension period for rate schedule filings from 120 days to 90 days, with the option to extend for a maximum of 2 months (instead of 6 months).

Establishes detailed procedural requirements for rate cases, including specific deadlines for direct testimony, rebuttal testimony, surrebuttal testimony, and commission order issuance, with automatic implementation of approved rates without further commission action.

Declares the act an emergency measure effective upon passage and approval.