Follow the Power

Most of us open our utility bill, grumble about the cost, and pay it without ever asking how those numbers got there. But what if the decisions affecting your monthly bill are being made long before you flip on a light switch?This week, Lisa Pannett joins me to unpack the Evergy case after spending countless hours listening to the proceedings and digging into the details. We discuss how Missouri’s SB4, passed in 2025, intersects with utility regulation, data center growth, and the future of electric rates across our state.We explore questions every Missourian should be asking:* Are customers paying for energy or infrastructure before it’s ever used?* How do massive data centers affect the electric grid and our monthly bills?* Who determines how much electricity utilities plan for—and who ultimately pays for it?* Why do some large corporations receive tax incentives while everyday ratepayers face rising costs?* What should consumers expect as Missouri’s energy demands continue to grow?Whether you’re concerned about your family’s budget, government policy, or simply want to understand what’s happening behind the scenes, this conversation offers an inside look at one of the biggest issues facing Missouri consumers today.Find Lisa on the Shield Maidens of Missouri fb page or on her X page.*I will send out an update when I have the Evergy case files to include.Note: Supporters of Missouri’s SB4 argue it includes protections intended to prevent residential customers from subsidizing large data centers by requiring those customers to pay rates reflecting their costs through long-term contracts and specialized tariffs. Critics, however, question whether those protections will be sufficient over time as utilities build new generation and infrastructure. That debate is central to the conversation Lisa helps unpack.Nadine@9’s Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Nadine@9’s Substack at nadineat9.substack.com/subscribe