Missouri Voters See Right of First Refusal (ROFR) Legislation Raising Electricity Prices and Increasing the Power of Incumbent Utilities
Missouri voters are overwhelmingly against legislation that would increase incumbent utility control over the state’s electric power grid, according to a new poll.
The poll revealed that 6 in 10 voters say they are less likely to vote for a candidate who voted for Right of First Refusal legislation including 63% of Republicans, 68% of Democrats and 60% of Independents.
Conducted by national polling firm TargetPoint Consulting during the period of March 13-14, the poll found that a supermajority of voters agree that so-called “Right of First Refusal Legislation” currently being considered by the Missouri Legislature has many downsides for consumers. The legislation would limit competition on who can build transmission lines - the large powerlines that carry electricity from the power generating facilities to your local utility provider – and automatically grant current incumbent utility providers the right to build any new transmission lines in their service area, instead of allowing a competitive bidding process to take place.
What the Survey Says about Missouri Voters and ROFR
Raises Electricity Prices
82% of voters agree that ROFR’s elimination of competition will drive up prices and deprive customers of substantial cost savings seen in other states.
Protect Citizens, Not Utilities
83% agree that ROFR will increase power of utilities and want legislators to act in interests of citizens.
Competition Works
78% agree that competition has worked in other states and will bring substantial savings to Missouri.
Violates Free Market Principles
68% agree that ROFR simply runs against core principles of free-markets and open competition.
Bipartisan Agreement for Competition
65% say allowing competition is the best way to ensure consumers get the best deal, with majorities saying this across party lines.
