SB 1125 - This act pertains to consumer protection and utility companies.

SECTION 386.370 - This act deals with estimates and assessments made by both the Public Service Commission and the Public Counsel with regard to the regulation of public utilities. The fund such payments are credited to has been modified and is now known as the Public Service Commission and Public Counsel Fund.

SECTION 386.390 - This act states that any complaint can be brought in front of the commission alleging a utility's rates are excessive. If such a complaint is made, the public utility shall, within thirty days or less, file a bond or undertaking approved by the Commission conditioned upon the refund, of amounts collected after the date of the filing in excess of rates and charges finally determined by the Commission to be lawful, with interest thereon at the legal rate. If after a hearing, the Commission determines that the utility's rates are unlawful, the Commission shall order a refund with interest. Both parties involved in such a complaint shall have the obligation to present evidence to support the alleged overcharge; provided that the burden of proof shall be upon the utility corporation. The Commission shall issue an order with regard to the complaint within eleven months from the date of the initial filing.

SECTION 386.900 - Any corporation proposing to invest or enter into a contract for infrastructure project must first notify the Commission of its proposal. The Commission shall require that the corporation engage in a competitive bidding process and provide information on that process to the Commission.

SECTION 393.190 - No corporation, person, or public utility shall sell, assign, lease, transfer, or mortgage the franchise without first securing an order from the Commission to do so. The Commission shall grant its approval if the transaction is for a proper purpose and is in the public interest.
MEGAN CRAIN