Liberty Utilities gas customers invited to attend public hearings on proposed rate increase

SIKESTON, Mo. (KBSI) – The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold two public hearings to hear from customers of Liberty Utilities regarding Liberty’s proposed $13.1 million rate increase for its natural gas service.

One hearing will be noon on Wednesday, September 11 at the Sikeston City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Another hearing will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the Cape Girardeau Public Library, Oscar Christian Hirsch Community Room.

Liberty is seeking a 28%, or about $15.87, increase to the average monthly gas bill for Sikeston customers. The increase will be used for technology improvements, infrastructure improvements, an increased budget for utility programs and a return for Liberty’s investors of 10.8%.

Liberty’s customers are strongly encouraged to attend the public hearing and provide feedback regarding their gas service and any impacts of the proposed rate increase.

The public hearing will provide Liberty’s customers with an opportunity to speak directly to the PSC that regulates Liberty’s rates and explain how a rate increase would impact customers.

Liberty customers can also raise any other issues with Liberty’s services, billing, rates, or any other issue regarding Liberty.

There will be an opportunity to ask questions regarding the proposed rate increase.

Tap here to view the utility’s rate update request fact sheet.

The Office of the Public Counsel and Public Service Commission are both divisions of the Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance. OPC is dedicated to protecting the interests of the public through its advocacy before the PSC and Missouri Courts. PSC regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, steam, water and sewer utilities in Missouri.

DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state.