For Immediate Release
Both Sides of the Aisle Collaborate in Protecting Consumers with Senators Nicola and McCreery Offering Successful Amendments
JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Consumers Council of Missouri applauds members of the Missouri Senate from both sides of the aisle who acted on April 8th, 2026, to pass three pro-consumer amendments that can reduce the size of anticipated utility rate increases and protect property rights. The amendments were offered from both sides of the aisle and drew ‘aye’ votes from both major parties as well.
Members of Consumers Council of Missouri (CCM) were in the State Capitol Building on April 8th for an advocacy day and focused on educating lawmakers about the dangers in Senate Bill (SB) 838 sponsored by Sen. Mike Cierpiot (R-Lee’s Summit). SB 838 would designate nuclear power as renewal energy, and by the provisions of SB 4, passed into law in 2025, might lead to consumers paying for decades-long periods of construction of nuclear power plants before electricity would be sold to ratepayers.
After several members of an advisory council of CCM visited with senators on April 8th, SB 838 was brought up for debate by Senate leadership. Fortunately, pro-consumer amendments were offered by both Sen. Joe Nicola (R-Grain Valley) and Sen. Tracy McCreery (D-St. Louis County). The Nicola Amendment bans forcing ratepayers to pay for construction work in progress (CWIP) for nuclear power generating plants. Missouri voters had banned CWIP in 1976, but the statute created by citizens petition initiative was overturned by SB 4 in 2025. The vote on the Nicola amendment was 14-13.
McCreery offered two amendments that passed. One stated that the Missouri Public Service Commission could not increase return on equity for an electric utility solely because that utility is constructing a zero-emission facility. The other protects private property rights by requiring that the Missouri Department of Transportation work with utility companies to co-locate utility infrastructure in public spaces.
Ed Bryant, executive director of Consumers Council of Missouri, said, “According to our research, utility bills in Missouri have been rising faster than inflation and wage growth. Ratepayers have been speaking up to their legislators about their high utility bills, and we believe the voices of consumers produced this important victory. We thank Senators Nicola and McCreery, our consumer champions today, as well as each senator who voted yes.”
SB 838 has now been perfected and awaits a final vote in the Senate. If Third Read by senators, it would then cross over to the House for a possible committee hearing and floor action in that chamber. The roll call vote on the CWIP amendment is available in the Senate Journal for April 8, 2026.
For more information, contact:
Ed Bryant, Executive Director
ebryant@moconsumers.org
636-219-5914
