Municipal Utility Trigger Law
From "Share Your Policy Ideas"
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Ameren and Spire are increasing utility rates while cost of living increases and wages stagnate. As a result, residents across the region are getting their power shut off. As a result of shutoffs, a women in St. Ann died from the heat. The monopolizing private businesses are leaching on our city because they know we have no other option. And apparently, it's not enough that they continue to squeeze money out of us. They also continue to pollute the air in our region and refuse to work toward the total abandonment of fossil fuels.
I propose the city engages in a study of public, cooperative, and municipal ownership models for energy utilities and the feasibility in the St. Louis area. This may include studying the model of other Missouri city's such as Kirkwood or Springfield. Since the state has barriers for public utilities for larger cities, this could be set up as a "trigger" law. Perhaps, this would at least show these utility companies just how frustrated all of us residents are.
Private utility companies should not be allowed to form a monopoly and squeeze residents dry. We need alternatives.
