JOPLIN, MO.--- The Missouri Public Service Commission held a public hearing today at Missouri Southern to answer questions about the proposed electric rate increase. A spokesman says they will take those comments and questions into consideration when coming to a decision.
Empire is seeking an annual increase in revenue of $30.7 million. That would amount to a monthly increase of $6.60 per customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours. Empire filed the request in July because the company says it needs to recover costs for improvements made within their system.
"They spend money and they seek approval for recovery of those costs through rates. So everything is historical, in other words, the company spends money and then seeks reimbursement through the commission," states Gregg Ochoa, PSC Spokeperson.
Another public input session will be held tomorrow in Reeds Spring. The commission has until June to make a decision on the rate hike.
Empire is seeking an annual increase in revenue of $30.7 million. That would amount to a monthly increase of $6.60 per customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours. Empire filed the request in July because the company says it needs to recover costs for improvements made within their system.
"They spend money and they seek approval for recovery of those costs through rates. So everything is historical, in other words, the company spends money and then seeks reimbursement through the commission," states Gregg Ochoa, PSC Spokeperson.
Another public input session will be held tomorrow in Reeds Spring. The commission has until June to make a decision on the rate hike.
