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HB 1902

Modifies the definition of renewable energy resources

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Adrian Plank

Missouri would classify pumped storage hydropower (≤10 MW, no new water diversions) as a renewable energy resource for REC generation and Renewable Energy Standard compliance.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
#energy #utilities #waterresourcesandwaterdistricts
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Bill Summary · HB 1902

Overview

House Bill 1902 (2026, Missouri) seeks to modify the definition of “renewable energy resources” for purposes of the Renewable Energy Standard. The bill explicitly adds pumped storage hydropower to the roster of energy resources that can be counted as renewable, expanding the methods by which electricity can qualify under Missouri’s renewable energy programs. It does not appear to alter the broader framework of the Renewable Energy Standard beyond this definitional change.

Main purpose and intent

  • To broaden the set of energy technologies considered “renewable energy resources” under sections 393.1020 to 393.1030.
  • Specifically, to include pumped storage from hydropower as a qualifying renewable energy resource.

Key provisions and changes

  • Replaces the current section 393.1025 with a new text defining renewable energy resources.
  • Definitions included in the bill (as proposed) cover:
    • Commission: Public Service Commission
    • Department: Department of Economic Development
    • Electric utility: Any electrical corporation as defined by section 386.020
    • Renewable energy credit (REC): A tradable certificate proving that one megawatt-hour of electricity was generated from renewable energy sources
    • Renewable energy resources: A list that includes wind, solar (thermal), photovoltaic cells and panels, dedicated energy crops, certain agricultural residues, methane from landfills and agricultural operations or wastewater treatment, thermal depolymerization or pyrolysis converting waste to energy, clean and untreated wood, hydropower (with caveats), fuel cells using hydrogen from the listed sources, and other sources of energy
  • Important qualification for hydropower: pumped storage hydropower is explicitly included, but the description notes such hydropower must not require a new diversion or impoundment of water and has a nameplate rating of ten megawatts or less.
  • Note: Nuclear energy remains excluded from “renewable energy resources” under the listed language.

Who/what would be affected

  • Electric utilities in Missouri, by potentially allowing pumped storage hydropower to be counted toward Renewable Energy Standard compliance or REC generation.
  • Renewable energy developers and project owners who operate pumped storage hydropower facilities (subject to the 10 MW nameplate limit and the “no new diversion/impoundment” constraint).
  • The Department of Economic Development and the Public Service Commission, which administer rules and programs surrounding renewable energy resources and compliance.
  • Consumers and the broader energy market, insofar as the inclusion of pumped storage could influence REC markets, compliance costs, and investment signals.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The bill was introduced in the 2026 session and referred to Emerging Issues (H) on May 15, 2026.
  • It follows prior similar proposals (HB 193 in 2025 and HB 1865 in 2024), indicating ongoing consideration of pumped storage within Missouri’s renewable framework.
  • If enacted, the change would take effect as part of the statutory definitions in Section 393.1025 for the Renewable Energy Standard.

Potential impacts to watch

  • Legal/regulatory: Implementation would require rulemaking by the department to certify pumped storage as renewable and determine eligibility criteria beyond the statute (e.g., environmental and grid reliability considerations).
  • Market: Potentially expands REC generation and trading opportunities, affecting REC prices and investment in small-scale pumped storage projects (≤10 MW).
  • Environmental and grid implications: Could influence energy storage deployment, renewable integration, and peak/off-peak energy dynamics depending on adoption and compliance requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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