Higher gas bills ahead? What Spire’s proposed Missouri rate increase means for customers

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Spire customers could see some higher numbers on their monthly natural gas bill next year.

It comes after the utility company filed a request with the state to raise rates for customers, saying it’s needed to help recover infrastructure costs.

If approved by the Missouri Public Service Commission, customers could pay up to $10 - $13 more per month depending on where they live.

While the company said the increase is needed, consumer advocates argue that it’s just adding more stress for customers.

“Safety is critically important, but still it’s a dent in many of the pocketbooks within the metropolitan St. Louis area,” Gentry W. Trotter, founder of Heat Up St. Louis, exclaimed.

On Friday, lines wrapped around Eagen Community Center in Florissant for JADASA St. Louis’s annual community assistance fair.

“At 3 o’clock this morning, people were lining up outside the doors,” Mayor Tim Lowery of Florissant stated at the event. “So people have been here for quite a while and the event actually started at 10 o’clock.”

The reason why many people were there? To get help paying their utility bills.

“This turnout has actually been greater [than expected],” Dr. Cynthia Bennett, Executive Director of JADASA St. Louis, explained. “We were expecting a big turnout but nothing like this, but that just shows you the need is great.”

Now another increase could be on the way, and that’s sparking some concern.

“I panic and I think most people panic because cost of living is getting outrageous, affordability is getting outrageous,” Trotter said.

The reason for the increase, Spire said, all goes back to aging infrastructure and much-needed modernization.

“Spire has been operating in the St. Louis area for over 100 years, and like a road, a house, a car -infrastructure needs to be maintained, enhanced and upgraded,” Scott Weitzel, Vice President of External Affairs for Spire, explained. “So we have a very critical key responsibility of keeping hospitals running, manufacturers, the economy and people warm, and to do that, that infrastructure needs to be constantly invested in and upgraded and to get recovery of that investment, we need to file this case.”

The utility company said it has invested $800 million to improve its natural gas system across the region. This increase recuperates those costs and makes it possible to continue.

“This rate case is about us safely and reliably serving our customers,” Weitzel stated. “Those investments are critical in serving our customers in the coldest of winters; reliability is key, safety is key.”

Consumer advocates do have some reservations, however, and said they worry about adding more costs to those who are struggling.

“Utility bills, along with gas and other things, are impacting the pocketbooks severely of many people,” Trotter explained. “I’m a supporter and an advocate of safety; if you’re going to spend a little money that’s going to make us safe and deliver, I’m with you 100%. I worry about affordability, though.”

Both organizations do agree on one thing: those who are struggling should reach out for help no matter what.

“Spire has a handful of programs to help those, especially those most in need, and I would encourage our customers to contact community action agencies or other community partners to help get them the programs that they need,” Weitzel stated.

“Prepare yourself and go without any embarrassment but with pride and say, I need help, Spire. What programs do you have?” Trotter said.

Again, this is not a guaranteed request as the proposal now faces a review process by the Missouri Public Service Commission, which could take up to 11 months. Even if approved, the new rates would not go into effect until next Fall.

The commission did say there will be local public hearings on the increase. Those will be scheduled soon.

Spire representatives did say the cost of gas is down $5 for customers for this upcoming winter season, and that will be reflected in customers’ bills now.

For more information about energy assistance programs with Spire, you can go to their website here.

To donate or help Heat Up St. Louis, you can go to their website as well.