393.1680.  Special alternative residential customer rate, when. — 1.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the commission may approve a special alternative residential customer rate or bill discount from a utility company, as defined in section 393.550, based in part on household utility burden.  The rate or bill discount approved shall incorporate a commission-authorized rate or bill discount from the appropriate base residential rate.  For purposes of this subsection, "utility burden" means the percentage of income paid by a customer to a utility company for the cost of electricity, natural gas, or water service.  Any eligibility verification needed to implement the new alternative rate shall be done by an independent third party or parties selected by a process established by the commission that includes input from the utility company and the office of the public counsel.

  2.  The commission shall promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section.  Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028.  This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2025, shall be invalid and void.