The bill proposes the repeal of sections 393.1025 and 393.1030 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo) and introduces two new sections that redefine terms and requirements related to renewable energy resources. A significant change is the comprehensive definition of "alternative energy resources," which encompasses various sources such as wind, solar, methane from landfills, and nuclear energy. The terminology is modified throughout the text from "renewable" to "alternative," broadening the scope of eligible energy sources. Additionally, the bill establishes a portfolio requirement for electric utilities to generate or purchase electricity from alternative energy resources, mandating specific percentages of sales from these sources, starting at 2% and increasing to 15% by 2021. Furthermore, HB 2578 mandates that electric utilities, with certain exemptions, provide solar rebates for new or expanded solar electric systems installed on customer premises, with a maximum capacity of twenty-five kilowatts. The rebate amounts vary based on the operational date of the systems, starting at two dollars per watt for systems operational by June 30, 2014, and decreasing to zero cents per watt for systems operational after June 30, 2020. The bill also introduces a certification process for electricity generated from renewable resources, replacing references to "renewable" energy with "alternative" energy in specific contexts, particularly concerning fossil fuels. The commission is empowered to create rules for implementing these provisions, ensuring alignment with existing legislative frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced (5605H.01): 393.1025, 393.1030