SB 848 - This act creates the Missouri Energy Reliability Board to standardize the reliability, safety, and customer services practices of investor- and consumer-owned electric and gas companies. A seven member board shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Board's authority supercedes that of the Public Service Commission when there is a conflict.

The Board shall establish procedures to prevent overloads on systems and cost-shifting and report to the General Assembly every two years on the adequacy and reliability of the electric supply.

The Board shall establish minimum maintenance standards for all electric or gas companies and require companies to file an annual preventive maintenance plan with the Board, shall establish minimal performance standards and shall establish reliability and maintenance service standards for worker safety and minimum customer service standards.

Any company undertaking significant downsizing, merger, or other similar transaction must prepare a workers transition plan within 180 days of the final date of the transaction. The company must inform affected employees prior to filing the final plan, and file notice with the Board of any action that will result in layoffs. The succeeding entity shall recognize and work with the union representing the employees after the merger or other transaction if the company is party to a collective bargaining agreement recognized by federal or state law. The succeeding entity will refrain from making unilateral changes in the employees' terms and conditions of employment for a period of 3 years or until the existing contract expires, whichever is later.

The act has an emergency clause.
OTTO FAJEN