Mo. utility commission to skip hearing on bill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri regulators have decided not to conduct a planned public hearing about state utility legislation after the Senate leader voiced objections.

Last week, the Public Service Commission announced it would accept public comments and conduct an April 8 hearing after receiving a request from Republican state Sen. Eric Schmitt.

Commissioners decided Wednesday to skip the hearing and instead provide a response to Schmitt soon after the public comment period concludes Monday.

Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey sent a letter this week urging the regulatory commission to reconsider holding the hearing. Dempsey said he is unaware of such a hearing being held at the request of a single lawmaker.

The utility legislation would allow power companies to seek surcharges for the infrastructure costs between rate cases.