Possible Electric Rate Increases

Four State residents speak out about a possible electric rate increase. The Missouri Public Service Commission held a public hearing to shed light on a possible 19.7 million dollar electric rate request. More than a hand full of concerned electric customers filled Matthews Hall Auditorium at Missouri Southern State College to speak up about a possible rate increase on their electric bill. Amy Bass, a spokesperson with Empire District Electric Company, said, "It gives the commission staff an opportunity to come down and talk to our customers and to hear what they have to say." The Empire District Electric Company filed for a rate increase with the Missouri Public Service Commission because of a reported 1.6 percent annual customer growth, and a 2.8 percent annual usage growth over the past 5 years. The PCS is responsible for ensuring that customers receive safe and adequate service. Warren Wood with Public Service Commission, said, "The customers will be impacted. It`s important for them to testify." Some customers feel the rate increase will give Empire Elecric sufficient funding to continue providing quality service, and also to expand facilities needed for the growing population. Electric customer Wes Braman said, "Look at what Empire`s trying to do, supply electrical source to residents. they need to be successful.` But others feel the electric company already charges too much, especially with the number of older residents who live on a fixed income. Connie Meier said, "There`s a lot of people that come here to retire. The cost of living is low. They can`t continue to support increases.` Now, the public service commission will record all responses from the meeting to see if a rate increase is possible, or if the increase will be switched off. Reported by: Ryan Loyd