Summer heat is bad enough. But for Missouri residents, things might get even hotter when the electricity bill arrives.
According to a recent article from KCTV5, the Missouri Public Service Commission has just approved Evergy Missouri West’s plans to construct several new energy facilities, including three natural gas-fired power plants and two solar farms. The total cost? A staggering $2.4 billion — and Missourians will likely foot the bill.
So what does that mean for your wallet? In short: Missouri electricity rates are going up. And if you’re still on the fence about going solar, this might be your wake-up call.
A $2.4 Billion Price Tag — Paid by You
Thanks to Senate Bill 4, passed earlier this year, Evergy now has the green light to build these new energy facilities using state funding upfront — and recover the cost by raising utility rates later. In other words, Missouri families will help cover the bill, even before the power plants go online.
The goal, according to Evergy, is to provide “reliable energy sources that meet customers’ needs at the lowest cost.” But critics argue that this model puts the burden of financing risky, expensive infrastructure projects on everyday customers,while utilities profit long before those plants even start running efficiently.
Worse yet, natural gas plants are notoriously unpredictable when it comes to long-term value. They often cost more to maintain, can wear out quickly, and may become obsolete before they ever generate the returns promised.
So, while new solar projects were also part of this approval, the real headline is that natural gas is still getting the lion’s share of investment — and it’s being funded on the backs of Missouri households.
The Bigger Picture: Missouri Electricity Rates Are Already Rising
This isn’t an isolated incident. Missouri electricity rates have been steadily increasing over the last several years, outpacing inflation in some areas. And with Evergy now adding billions in infrastructure costs to its books, there’s no sign of things slowing down.
This raises a serious question for homeowners: How much more can you afford to pay each year just to keep your lights on and your AC running?
For many Missourians, the answer is “not much.” That’s why now — more than ever — solar energy is starting to look like the smarter, safer investment.
Solar Lets You Control Your Energy Costs
When you install solar panels on your home, you’re not just going green — you’re locking in your electricity rate for the long haul.
Unlike utility rates, which are subject to the decisions of commissions, politicians, and big energy companies, solar puts you in control. Once your system is installed, you generate your own power from the sun—meaning you’re less exposed to unpredictable spikes in your monthly bill.
And with the federal solar tax credit still available in 2025 but phasing out in 2026 and beyond, there’s a strong case for acting sooner rather than later.
Act Now—While the Math Still Makes Sense
At KC Solar, we’ve been helping Kansas City homeowners make the switch to solar before the full impact of rate hikes hits.
Here’s why it still makes sense to act now:
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The federal solar tax credit currently covers 30% of your installation costs, but it won’t last forever.
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Missouri’s rising electricity rates make the break-even point for solar faster than ever.
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Financing options can help you get started with little or no money down.
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Energy independence means peace of mind, especially during peak demand, blackouts, or extreme weather.
And as Evergy continues to shift costs to customers in advance, that solar payoff window only gets more attractive.
The Energy Landscape Is Changing — But Not Always in Your Favor
We’re in a strange moment when it comes to energy.
Globally, the cost of solar is dropping, and green energy adoption is accelerating. But here in Missouri, policies like Senate Bill 4 are giving traditional utilities more power to pass their own costs onto customers.
Yes, Evergy is adding more solar capacity — but at what cost, and who’s paying for it? These aren’t questions homeowners should ignore.
While we always support the growth of renewable energy infrastructure, we also believe in giving homeowners the tools to generate their own clean power — without being forced to underwrite risky natural gas investments.
The Bottom Line: The Time For Solar is Now
With Missouri electricity rates on the rise and more utility-controlled projects on the horizon, it’s becoming clear that the best time to go solar is before the next round of hikes.
You don’t have to wait for the next bill to feel the impact. You don’t have to fund more fossil fuel infrastructure you don’t believe in. And you don’t have to keep wondering how much higher things will go.
You can take control now, and KC Solar is here to help.
At KC Solar, we’re proud to help homeowners go solar with confidence. We are a local company made up of KC natives with KC pride — in our city, and in our work. Which means we’ll always give you the best of ourselves.
Ready to lock in your solar savings before the deadline hits? Contact KC Solar today to schedule your free consultation and lock in your timeline. Don’t wait until fall and risk missing out — the clock is ticking.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
