EPA changes could impact utility rates

scottw@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rules and the end of a sweetheart deal on coal could mean Sikeston saying goodbye to some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation.

BMU utility rates are currently among the lowest in the state while Missouri is listed among the five states with the lowest retail electricity rates. But that all could change within the next couple of years, according to Ed Throop, executive director of the Sikeston Board of Municipal Utilities.

EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, commonly known as CSAPR (pronounced "Casper"), was set to begin phasing in Jan. 1. CSAPR lowers the limits on the emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide, Throop explained.

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