MO SB705

The Public Service Commission must notify cities and counties of utility tariff increases exceeding 7 percent and provide estimates of annual gross receipt increases from those tariff hikes.

Cities and counties must reduce business license tax rates on utility gross receipts within 60 days of a tariff increase taking effect, calculated to maintain revenue equal to the preceding 12 months plus a growth factor based on the average additional revenue from the prior three years.

Cities and counties may elect to maintain existing tax rates without reduction if an ordinance or order to that effect was enacted after September 28, 1985.

Purchased gas adjustment rates for natural gas must include the gas cost portion of net write-offs incurred by gas corporations, with rate schedule changes designed to offset base rate decreases with purchased gas adjustment rate increases.

Eligible households that have paid or attempted to pay utility bills are now eligible for Utilicare assistance, and utility suppliers must allow customers with arrearages to retain service by paying one-third of the arrearage plus current monthly bills over three months following the cold weather rule period.