Rate Update
Missouri Electric Rate Update
On September 9, 2020, The Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) approved updated electric rates for Liberty Utilities customers. Updated rates will go into effect beginning September 16, 2020.
Quick Facts
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Residential customers with an average monthly usage of 1,000 kWh will see an approximate increase of 48 cents per month, a change of 0.37% percent.
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The MPSC approved Liberty-Empire’s request to stop the direct charge of the convenience fee that is currently applied when Missouri electric customers pay their bill using a debit or credit card online or by phone.
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Liberty-Empire’s last Missouri electric base rate update was effective September 14, 2016.
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Updated rates will go into effect beginning September 16, 2020.
Questions and Answers
Like all businesses, we must make regular investments to continue providing safe and reliable service to our customers. We have recently made significant investments to our system to decrease the number of customers affected by outages, including replacing over 6,400 poles and installing over 11,000 devices to improve reliability.
Please note: The “Tax Cut and Jobs Act” itemized credit will no longer appear on bills because the lower federal tax rate of 21% is reflected in the new base rates.
Our last base rate update was in September 2016. Following orders of the Missouri Public Service Commission, we do adjust the Fuel Adjustment Charge (FAC) every six months in Missouri. The FAC helps us account for the fluctuating cost of fuel used to power our generation facilities. If we spend less money on fuel, customers receive a credit. If we spend more money on fuel, customers receive a charge. Customers can view this on their bill under “Fuel Adjust Charge.” If there are parentheses around the amount, that indicates a credit.
We prefer to never estimate a bill. It is frustrating and confusing for our customers and challenging for our customer service team. However, on occasion, we do have to estimate when meters are unable to be read. This can occur during periods of inclement weather, short staffing, when meters are obstructed, or when safety concerns are present at a residence.
As noted by the Missouri Public Service Commission, we have taken several steps to improve customer service and reduce the number of estimated bills. These include providing more resources to assist with meter reading when needed. Liberty is currently implementing advanced metering infrastructure (smart meters) across its service territory, which will help eliminate bill estimations in the future.
For more information about Smart Meters, click the link below:
The Missouri Public Service Commission approved our request to stop the direct charge of the convenience fee that is currently applied when Missouri electric customers pay their bill using a debit or credit card online or by phone. Beginning September 16, Missouri electric customers who pay their bill with a debit or credit card online or by phone will receive a credit on their bill to reimburse them for the convenience fee. Once payment system upgrades are completed, expected later this year, the direct charge will be waived automatically at the time of payment.
We have helpful options that may be right for you:
- We’re providing a special COVID-19 Payment Arrangement program for residential and business customers to allow for additional time to spread out past due balances and make payments more manageable.
- We have a list of various agencies that may be able to provide financial assistance for some portion of your bill.
- We offer several assistance programs that you may qualify for depending on your income and account standing.
- Our representatives stand ready to help develop a plan that works best for you. Our Contact Center can be reached at 1-800-206-2300 Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.