Energy is a basic human necessity, not a luxury, and it should not be controlled by companies that prioritize exorbitant profits over people. Living in Missouri, I have witnessed firsthand how essential services like electricity and gas can become burdensome expenses for families just trying to make ends meet. It's personal for me because I believe that utilities, crucial to a decent standard of living, should be managed with people's welfare at heart, rather than serving as cash cows for profit-driven enterprises.

The current state of our energy sector in Missouri is dominated by a few large corporations whose primary concern is shareholder profit, not the well-being of our community. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, these companies have increased rates significantly over recent years, despite the falling costs of renewable energy sources. Yet, these savings are rarely passed down to consumers.

Transforming Missouri's utilities into nonprofit cooperatives owned and managed by our own cities or the state would ensure that the focus returns to service rather than profit. Co-ops have been successful in places like Colorado, where the shift has resulted in more stable rates and reinvestment into local infrastructure. By transitioning to a system where energy services function as a public good, each Missourian would benefit from fair pricing, improved service, and increased investment in sustainable resources.

We can draw inspiration from other states like Tennessee and Georgia, where municipally-owned utilities have consistently offered more competitive rates and customer-focused services. This strategy empowers communities, creating jobs and retaining more capital within the state. The time has come for Missouri to take control of its energy future, ensuring that nobody has to choose between keeping the lights on and affording other essentials.

I urge you to support this petition to bring utilities under cooperative ownership and eliminate the for-profit model. Transitioning to nonprofit, state or city-run utilities is not just feasible, it’s essential for a fair, equitable, and sustainable energy future for all Missourians. Let's make energy about people over profit. Sign this petition to demand that our government take action now.