Spire seeks to raise gas rates for Missouri customers, shortly after its last increase

[Sherman A1]

St. Louis-based natural gas utility Spire is again seeking to increase rates for Missouri customers, a move that would boost yearly revenue by $152 million.

The request comes just five months after Missouri state regulators approved a nearly 3% rate hike for Spire, on top of sharply rising gas costs. Housing advocates warn increasing utility prices coupled with near-record inflation will hurt low-income residents struggling to make ends meet. But Spire officials say another rate hike is needed to cover the cost of employee salaries, after state regulators revised long-standing policies last year.

Spire raised rates in December by about $1.72 per month for residential customers, on average — roughly half the amount the utility had requested.

While reviewing the yearlong rate case, the Missouri Public Service Commission questioned Spire’s accounting practices and ordered the utility to undergo an audit.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/health-science-environment/2022-04-22/spire-seeks-to-raise-gas-rates-for-missouri-customers-shortly-after-its-last-increase

[jimfields33]

1. 1.72 last monthly increase hike isn't a huge amount.

I’d say that if they raise it the same for employee raises it’s probably ok.