Missouri Voters Say Competition Keeps Rates Lower
80% say their legislators should fight to decrease costs, not raise them
Voters continue to show very little support for proposed Missouri legislation that would increase incumbent utility control over the state’s electric power grid, according to a recent poll.
The poll found that a supermajority of voters agrees that so-called “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR) legislation, currently being considered once again by the Missouri Legislature, has many downsides for consumers.
The legislation, which failed to pass the legislature in 2023 and 2024, would limit competition on who can build transmission lines - the large power lines that carry electricity from the power generating facilities to your local utility provider – and automatically grant current incumbent electric utilities the right to build any new transmission lines in their service area, instead of allowing a competitive bidding process to take place.
Details
What Missouri Voters Think About Right of First Refusal Utility Legislation
Higher electric rates? No thanks!
Missouri voters are concerned about a little-known proposal called “Right of First Refusal” (ROFR) that eliminates cost-saving competition for power line construction, making electricity even pricier.
Missouri voters have spoken:
Electric rates are too high, and inflation is hitting hard.
Want to waste more taxpayer money?
ROFR laws block competition, drive up costs, and land states in costly court battles they’re losing. Missouri can’t afford this!
Who are they working for?
Legislators supporting ROFR laws are handing more power to big utilities—while we pay the price. Learn how Missourians feel about this unfair deal.