Current Date/Time: 7/28/2025 5:20:28 PM
Linked Comments
ER-2024-0261
| Comment No. | Date Filed | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| P202400691 | 4/11/2024 10:06 AM | See Attached |
| P202400692 | 4/11/2024 10:10 AM | See Attached |
| P202400766 | 6/12/2024 9:42 AM | Your oversight in this matter is clearly needed and I hope you will take the matter seriously. So far, less than impressed with Liberty and they should have rolled out whatever they are doing in smaller portions so as to not put the burden on the consumer. I am writing to request that you look into Liberty’s billing practices. We bought a house in their jurisdiction unfortunately and have not had a regular monthly bill yet. Last month, my bill encompassed 50 days. This month, I have called to see when to expect my bill and it will also include almost two months of utilities. I would like a monthly bill…I don’t want to try to guess when and how high my utility bill will be when they finally decide it’s time ... *See attached |
| P202500788 | 9/24/2024 11:16 AM | "This company is a problem and are fraudulent and gouging the customers because they are incompetent. They want to take care of themselves, shareholders, and CEOS and not the customers. They keep charging the customers more and more money to fix their short-comings or keep their pockets full. That's problematic for me and every person I know who are financially struggling right now." |
| P202500937 | 11/11/2024 10:10 AM | Liberty has proposed a massive rate increase, and attempted to justify this increase by pointing to capital investments. However, they are requesting an increase in Authorized Return on Equity (ROE) from 9.25% to 10%. (Timothy N. Wilson, item 11) This increase should be denied. Further, a very careful analysis of the expenditures should be undertaken to determine if they are justified by customer needs, or driven by a desire for profit. I am not an expert in most of these areas, so I urge the PSC to review them very carefully. I am an expert in IT systems, and I have carefully reviewed the testimony of Shawn Eck, item 16. I have found the testimony does not justify the $7.38 million in capital expenditures. (Out of space...) |
| P202500938 | 11/11/2024 11:27 AM | Missouri families are hurting, and a 20% rate increase is both insensitive and insulting to customers whose ONLY source of electricity is Liberty Utilities. As there are no other options for utility providers other than Liberty, customers cannot shop around for the best service for their budget and are forced to accept any rate increase approved. 20% is too much of an increase for Missourians hurting from the last four years of inflation, especially since this makes the 6th local utility company requesting customers pay more each month for their utilities including gas, electric, water, and sewer. Liberty needs to know customers are not unlimited revenue generators to make up for the lower 2023 profit generated. |
| P202500997 | 11/19/2024 4:01 PM | I oppose this rate increase. The community should not have to pay for the bad decisions and bad investments in wind and solar power made by Liberty. |
| P202501097 | 12/9/2024 4:21 PM | "I would like to say that the repair crews I've interacted w/ recently were very professional and helpful. But I would like to say that I oppose the requested rate increase due to poor electric service and outages. Their new billing system is also very frustrating." |
| P202501205 | 12/20/2024 11:42 AM | I am a landlord and Liberty is assessing $1800 on several of my potential tenants in multiple properties I own which is causing them to back out of renting them or they're requesting their security deposits back due to the high deposit which is making it impossible for me and other landlords to make money. This is hurting commerce and needs to stop. |
| P202501208 | 12/20/2024 2:59 PM | "Liberty billing is a mess has been for at least 9 months! I receive bills for different periods that have the exact same amount of usage each month - yet they say they are reading the meters and not estimating, but that is false! How can the gallon usage be EXACTLY the same each and every month?" |
| P202501255 | 12/30/2024 4:33 PM | "2 months, no bill. This is affecting my business's taxes. This has been going on for 9 months. People are irate. Liberty needs to fix this ASAP. " |
| P202501264 | 12/31/2024 9:54 AM | There is a FB group called Victims of Liberty. This company is rude and incompetent. They do not offer the correct payment plan choices unless you call them out on it. They are supposed to offer you twice the amount of time you were billed incorrectly to pay off the balance and they do not do that unless you know the rule and call them out on it. |
| P202501274 | 1/2/2025 9:44 AM | "I think it's an unfair system that allows Liberty's billing mistakes to hurt the consumers and aren't being penalized for it." |
| P202501280 | 1/3/2025 8:38 AM | PSC Facebook Post. I just wish you would make Liberty send out electric bills on time. Last time it took them 4 months to get a bill. This time Thery are 2 months behind again. |
| P202501350 | 1/14/2025 8:18 AM | "Thanks so much for the meeting held without me on December 18th from Emily Walter’s. They changed the time from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and met from 10:00am to 12:00 pm. Evidently they did this because they can’t expect Liberty Utilities to balance and check numbers when they’re known to cheat everyone they can! Hopefully this can be caught one of these days, although it won’t be by your commission team!!! Sent from my iPhone" |
| P202501532 | 1/23/2025 8:52 AM | "I spoke with the Commissioners at a public hearing in Bolivar last fall. Part of the discussion was Liberty’s inability to sent out their bills in a timely fashion. When we get a bill we have a shortened time to make our payment. Their mismanagement is unacceptable. On top of that they want to increase our rates. They need to clean up their management mess and demonstrate they can effectively run a utility before they would ever deserve an increase. We are many months from the hearing and I see no evidence they have a handle on the concerns voiced at the hearing." |
| P202501693 | 2/3/2025 10:47 AM | "For 4 months Liberty could not tell us how much our bill was. This is highly incompetent and terrible customer service. No notifications were ever sent out explaining what was going on. This is affecting people on fixed incomes and budgets. This is a failure on Liberty's part and they aren't even offering the customers any type of compensation for this headache they have created. " |
| P202501712 | 2/6/2025 2:26 PM | Something needs to be done with Liberty price gouging. Why should we have to pay for Winter Storm Uri? I didn't even live in this state. |
| P202501734 | 2/18/2025 11:17 AM | "Why is the customer expected to pay for Liberty's cost of doing business? Specifically, why does the customer absorb their bad business decisions and mistakes by paying higher rates in order for them to keep their high profits? They need to adjust their overhead instead of passing it onto the customer." |
| P202501781 | 3/3/2025 8:46 AM | "So we will be paying for this for 15 years?!!! How is this even legal? If it was such a bad storm, was there a state of emergency declared? Were there FEMA dollars available or some kind of federal funding for a natural disaster? If not, why? And regardless of that if the substation was in such bad shape and it was outdated, why did they wait until a bad storm to decide to do something about it? I still firmly believe that that is not our responsibility! How is that our responsibility to pay for something that they neglected for all of those years? I’m responsible for the upkeep on my home and I don’t have the option of putting a tariff on someone to help me pay for it!! I am so beyond angry about this! We have no choice in the matter |
| P202501826 | 3/8/2025 4:19 PM | A thirty percent rate increase from a company that is already stealing our money is a slap in the face to Missourians! Wages have certainly not gone up thirty percent since the last increase, of that much I am quite certain. Keep in mind these Canadian companies are of a mindset to hurt Americans economically at the moment. They're down nine percent one year but need a thirty percent increase over what they've already stolen (which I suspect is more than the 9% down year over year)? Absolutely not! Strike this increase down. Strike it down in the harshest possible terms and make it clear Missourians will not stand for such exorbitant increases in our great state! |
| P202501827 | 3/9/2025 8:57 AM | Liberty’s original request for a 15.99% rate increase was already concerning, but nearly doubling that request to 29.64% in a matter of months is simply unsustainable for many households. Unlike Liberty, which can pass on its increased operating costs to customers, Missouri families and small businesses cannot simply increase their incomes to absorb such a steep rate hike. Fixed-income seniors, working-class families, and struggling small business owners will bear the brunt of this decision, pushing some closer to financial hardship or even forcing them to go without essential services. |
| P202501828 | 3/10/2025 7:51 AM | We are strongly against giving Liberty Utilities any additional funds or allowing them to take more money from Missourians. If we had any options for another electrical carrier we would. Their service is unreliable. They are unable to manage or run their business. We did not receive an electric bill from them from June 2024 to February 2025. We began calling monthly and then weekly being told we will get you a bill. No one had a clue. Now we are told they will work us on bringing our account up to date. Please force Liberty to get their own house in order before taking more from ours. |
| P202501829 | 3/10/2025 7:52 AM | We are strongly against giving Liberty Utilities any additional funds or allowing them to take more money from Missourians. If we had any options for another electrical carrier we would. Their service is unreliable. They are unable to manage or run their business. We did not receive an electric bill from them from June 2024 to February 2025. We began calling monthly and then weekly being told we will get you a bill. No one had a clue. Now we are told they will work us on bringing our account up to date. Please force Liberty to get their own house in order before taking more from ours. |
| P202501831 | 3/10/2025 8:02 AM | "To whom it may concern. I just heard that Liberty has ask for an even larger increase. I am a senior on a fixed income, this huge increase is a projected 30% in my utility bill which is going to be a unsustainable increase for a majority of the consumer. I don't know of any person getting a 30% increase. Thank you for your attention to this matter." |
| P202501832 | 3/10/2025 8:03 AM | I am reaching out to you because of the recent request of Liberty utilities for yet another rate hike. Please stop the madness. Not only have my rates more than doubled in the almost 10 years in this house but their reliability of service is not good. The power surges and flashes have damaged more than one of my appliances. The inconsistency is also cause of increased cost due to influencing efficiency. Please stop this latest request to increase rates. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. |
| P202501833 | 3/10/2025 8:05 AM | I don't know who's in charge, but someone needs to rein in the leash on Liberty charging us dubious amounts because they are allowed to. We the people are sick of being taken advantage of and seemingly don't care. You sit up there on your high horse with these people and put more and more pressure on we the people. I'm personally sick of it as I know thousands of my peers are as well. Get control over your damn pony. |
| P202501834 | 3/10/2025 8:12 AM | The average increase would be from 31 to 39 dollars. This is an astronomical increase. This is not right and the PSC needs to back up and look at this. This information should also be included in the billing on a separate page. |
| P202501835 | 3/10/2025 9:11 AM | "I am just writing as another citizen confirming that Liberty Utilities is charging too much for electricity in Joplin. My family members with bigger houses to heat and cool in other parts of the state pay less for electricity than we do in Joplin. Unfortunately, Liberty Utilities still thinks they need to increase rates even further. It’s absurd and it needs to be stopped. It is what is in the best interests of the voting public on both sides of the aisle and would do a lot to help public opinion of whoever resolves this issue. " |
| P202501836 | 3/10/2025 9:24 AM | "For what it’s worth I Marvin Essley am totally against any rate increase by liberty electric. I have been with Liberty / Empire district electric for 60 years and no matter what you do to conserve energy it’s never enough I have installed insulation, installed new energy efficient windows, new siding, all energy efficient appliances and all led lighting and yet my rates never go down on up higher and higher. In my opinion I think they should have our government to look into this to see just how much price gouging and much is being paid under the table to the executives." |
| P202501840 | 3/10/2025 12:23 PM | "Liberty is not competitive on the rates. Their billing practices are ludicrous. People are forced to have Liberty as their provider and Liberty is completely taking advantage of that lack of choice, charging 65% more than the power company in town that I cannot choose and now they have the audacity to ask for a rate increase. Please do something about Liberty utilities." |
| P202501841 | 3/10/2025 3:05 PM | "I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to Liberty’s proposed rate increase of approximately $152 million, an increase of 29.64%, as outlined in the amended rate filing submitted on February 26, 2025. This increase is excessive, unreasonable, and unaffordable for the hardworking families, senior citizens, and small business owners in Missouri who are already struggling with the rising cost of living."..*Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202501842 | 3/10/2025 3:44 PM | My wife and I did not receive an electric bill for 5 months after continued calling. We paid $150 to stay ahead only to be refunded. We are now getting back-billed for their mistake and a rate increase on top would be financial strangulation. We are new parents, trying our best to be honest, respectable, citizens. We love our town and home but are considering moving counties/states to get away from this Monopoly. Also, why would we be paying for February 2021 Storm and Asbury Cost for 50years??? |
| P202501844 | 3/10/2025 7:49 PM | Please consider not granting Liberty’s request since I, the customer will be the one affected with higher electric bills. I recently moved from the dfw metroplex and rates were less expensive in the city than rural Neosho MO. |
| P202501846 | 3/10/2025 8:20 PM | This rate increase request is a direct result of their failed/problematic implementation of S4HANA SAP System software. It is not the responsibility of electric customers to bail them out of their problems. They need to go back to SAP and whoever the implementation partner is (which may be SAP) and get them to take responsibility and accountability - and figure it out without putting their the outcome of their poor decisions on the backs of their customers. |
| P202501848 | 3/11/2025 7:40 AM | I've been in my little 1100 sq ft house for over 6 years. In that time frame, between rate hikes and "smart" meters, I have seen an increase in my electric bill by approximately $200 a month. My two most recent bills were about $560. Based on the fact that Liberty holds a monopoly on our electric service AND they are a for-profit company, I find it absolutely ridiculous that anyone in public office would allow any rate increase, or the bill for SB 4. As a for-profit company, their primary responsibility is their shareholders and their bottom line, not to the residents of Missouri!! If this increase is allowed, my electric bill will almost match my house payment. PLEASE do not allow another increase by this organization!! |
| P202501849 | 3/11/2025 7:42 AM | Liberty raising rates that much will make a difference on making choices to pay for medical needs or electric bills. 15% is huge and 30% is nuts. Why should Missourians be giving profits to a company that is out of the US? I feel like we are going to be punished for them being looked at for their practices. We have solar, and before solar our bill was about $150 a month in 2020. Now besides our solar payment is still $123 on average. It started going up after the smart meter were installed. Please force them to sell to a US (company). |
| P202501850 | 3/11/2025 7:47 AM | What is up with Liberty? They are failing miserably w/ their customers. In fact, when I called complaining that 11 days was not long enough to get it to them via mail, the operator said, she'd relay the message but doubted it would do any good and for me to "contact the commission". Now I am hearing that they want an increase in their previous rate increase request, amounting to $152 million????? What is the $152 million going TO??? I highly doubt it will be for anything FOR US!!! Are we subsidizing their expenses (are they passing their expenses on down to us to cover OTHER areas?)?? And I'm just one out of many who are past upset w/ their incompetence and their greed. (see attached PDF) |
| P202501851 | 3/11/2025 8:05 AM | I realize that this is probably a useless endeavor, however I respectfully urge this commission to deny Liberty their latest request. (see attached PDF) |
| P202501852 | 3/11/2025 8:09 AM | Please consider not granting Liberty’s request since I, the customer, will be the one affected with higher electric bills. I recently moved from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and rates were less expensive in the city than rural Neosho MO. |
| P202501853 | 3/11/2025 8:44 AM | Liberty Electric is asking for a 30 percent increase in rates. As a consumer, I'm tired of the price gouging for unreliable service they provide. It's hard enough to pay their bills as it is. I see no reason as to why Missourians need to keep paying exorbitant, extravagant energy prices so the CEO and their board members can make more money. I'd like the Commission to lower their prices rather than increase them. |
| P202501854 | 3/10/2025 | The customer called to say that this is too high. She lives by herself. She's not there half of the time. She goes to work. Her bill is more than $233 a month with no lights on. She hasn't used the heating or air conditioner. She does not comprehend why her bill is so high. It wasn't like this last year. They are trying to gouge too much. This is a monopoly. |
| P202501855 | 3/11/2025 8:56 AM | Liberty Electric is trying to come before the board a make quite a bit of increase, I believe it's 30 percent. I'm asking you to vote against this. They are still making record profits while almost price gouging the customers. There was a storm a few years ago that we are getting charged for even though that should be included in the services that we pay for each month. I ask you to please reject this, and do not increase our bills. |
| P202501856 | 3/11/2025 9:06 AM | Liberty is wanting to raise rates again. They've brought up an almost 30 percent rate increase. I'm totally against this. Electric bills are already too high. They need to figure out another way to recoup their capital expenditures. If they have to, sell bonds or something other than charging their customers excessive rates. |
| P202501859 | 3/11/2025 9:30 AM | I am against the rate increase they recently applied for. |
| P202501860 | 3/11/2025 9:45 AM | The world is at a 3% increase. An investigation needs to be performed on Liberty for their rate increases of anything greater than 3%. They are making a profit, not losing money. They continue to ask for more and more, if they had competition in the marketplace then maybe they would find ways to decrease cost rather than increasing costs. |
| P202501863 | 3/11/2025 10:07 AM | NO raising rates 29.64%!!!!!!!! NO RATE INCREASES!!!!! |
| P202501864 | 3/11/2025 10:11 AM | Please say no to this! Just tell them no! They’ve already asked for a rate increase. Why double it less than a year later?! Please, for the love of all electric consumers just trying to get by, say no. Tell them to find their money internally. Practice better business! Investigate their business practices and I bet you’ll find they have the money they need already. Consumers can’t keep footing the bill for bad business practices! Enough is enough! |
| P202501865 | 3/11/2025 10:13 AM | I am requesting your consideration regarding Liberty Utilities requested rate hike in Missouri. I am disabled, and a 30% rate hike would be devastating for me, or anyone on a fixed income. We set our thermostat on 68 night and day during these cold winter months, and still I paid a $240 electric bill. In the summer, we require a comfortable temperature in order to sleep with our C-pap machines. I can't imagine having an electric bill I can't afford. This would be devastating for me and my situation. Please consider this a plea for a denial of this amount of increase. Thank you. |
| P202501866 | 3/11/2025 11:08 AM | Liberty (Empire District) is already receiving a Fuel Adjustment Charge when natural gas is at record low prices. They are also charging us for the removal/destruction of the Asbury electric facility , their choice to do that! They are charging us for the February 2021 Storm (whatever that is) There is a charge for an Energy Efficiency Program cost and a charge for an Energy Efficiency Investment. All of these charges seen quite arbitrary and a means to skirt the rate that is already approved. Their request for a 19% increase was ridiculous and now amending it, requesting a 30% increase is absolutely unbelievable. The Missouri Public Service Commission is supposed to protect the citizens of Missouri from these price gouging efforts. Start |
| P202501867 | 3/11/2025 11:09 AM | "The electric company wanted to go up 16-19% in November which is already insane. Now that Trump has threatened tariffs so now they have doubled that request. I think this is become our government is trying to charge them tariffs. Our utilities go up every year and we cannot afford it. The Commission needs to tell them no." |
| P202501868 | 3/11/2025 12:13 PM | I would like to oppose the rate increase proposed by Liberty utilities. |
| P202501870 | 3/11/2025 12:17 PM | I am writing to you about the recent request filed to the PSC from Liberty requesting a 29% increase on electricity rates. (see attached PDF) |
| P202501871 | 3/11/2025 12:23 PM | I find it incredibly hard to believe that Liberty’s cost of doing business is going up by 30%. I’ve been looking for information regarding why they think they need this and I’ve only found opinions. If there is a place where I can read a filing document it would be helpful. I sincerely hope the commission does not approve a 30% increase. Thanks. |
| P202501872 | 3/11/2025 12:29 PM | "They just had a rate increase in November. And they're already requesting another increase? That is not feasible. Plus they are a monopoly." |
| P202501873 | 3/11/2025 12:32 PM | Liberty wants rate hikes to make improvements, but we never see rate reduction from these improvements. Solar and wind farms do nothing for the consumers. Liberty requests rate hikes knowing they will never be denied. NO MORE RATE HIKES. |
| P202501875 | 3/11/2025 3:03 PM | See Attached |
| P202501876 | 3/11/2025 3:07 PM | See Attached |
| P202501878 | 3/11/2025 3:47 PM | Customer contacted and stated that she is a senior citizen, lives on a fixed income, and is on level pay. It seems like every time you turn around, the rates rise. When they switched to a new system, it took three months to get her bills corrected. Address what they have instead of increasing the rates. It's getting pretty bad out there. The call center is unable to answer your inquiries. No empathy at all. She hopes we will reconsider hiking rates. |
| P202501880 | 3/11/2025 4:22 PM | I am reaching out in regards to our astronomical billing rates that we already receive from Liberty Utilities. I reside in Webb City in a 1,400 sq ft home that costs us minimally $300 (but usually much higher a month) to keep at 68 degrees this winter. We are cautious with our usage. We are not home during the days from 630am-530pm and all electric that can be off, IS off. (See attached pdf) |
| P202501881 | 3/11/2025 4:24 PM | I see a lot of complaints online for this rate increase. It should raise major red flags that a company doubled their original rate increase out of nowhere. This is absolutely absurd. I work full time and have 3 children, 1 being special needs. Please help out the people of Joplin that are already suffering to make ends meet. I get zero assistance and pay all my own bills. Please don’t let this increase happen. We are struggling as it is. Currently I’m trying to sell a house and pay bills for both houses. I don’t even use electricity at the other house, and I still have a $30 bill a month. And Liberty refuses to split 2 houses into 2 separate bills so I can’t even tell where they are charging me. Thanks for your time |
| P202501883 | 3/12/2025 7:52 AM | This company is already extreme in its' rates, and our income of social security is not sufficient to survive this rate hike. |
| P202501884 | 3/12/2025 8:00 AM | I am opposed to any increase in rates for Liberty Utilities in Joplin. Rates are already too high. |
| P202501885 | 3/12/2025 8:16 AM | It has come to my attention that Liberty Utilities has filed for an amended rate increase of 29.64%, trying to basically put this off on President Trump's tariffs which is totally untrue. From inside sources at Liberty, they have purchased $700 million dollars' worth of computer upgrades to their systems and they are wanting customers to pay for this upgrade, that is the reason for this amended rate increase. This should NOT be allowed to happen. As hard-working Americans it sure would be nice to get a 29.64% pay increase, this company is greedy. This has to stop once and for all. This Canadian company continues to rip us off and they continue to get by with it. You all have to investigate this and put a stop to this once and for all! |
| P202501887 | 3/12/2025 9:04 AM | PLEASE do not approve of the proposed hike in prices from Liberty Utilities. They are high enough on the prices for the service they provide. I am struggling, as are many in the area of their service, to pay as it is. Thank you for your help. |
| P202501888 | 3/11/2025 | Joy is opposed to any increase in rates. The company is a mess, and it is apparent that Liberty has so many issues that they should not be given any increase in rates until they fix their problems. Issues are almost over a year long. She would like the PSC to not give Liberty any increase in rates. |
| P202501889 | 3/12/2025 9:07 AM | We are on social security, can't afford any higher rates. |
| P202501891 | 3/11/2025 | Patrick is on a fixed income. Rates for Liberty are already too high and are some of the highest rates in the state. He would like the PSC to deny any increase in rates. In addition, Liberty has numerous issues with their new system and do not deserve any increase in rates due to the number of problems they still have after almost a full year of having this new system. |
| P202501892 | 3/11/2025 | Jacob opposes any increase in rates. Would like the PSC to deny Liberty's request to raise rates. |
| P202501893 | 3/11/2025 | Colby would like the PSC to deny Liberty's rate increase. Rates are already too high, and he believes Liberty has some of the highest rates in the state. Liberty also has numerous issues with new system so they should not be given any increase in rates. |
| P202501895 | 3/12/2025 9:19 AM | See attached for comments |
| P202501896 | 3/12/2025 10:12 AM | Rick is a former (retired) emloyee of Empire Electric. He emailed a long and detailed email regarding Liberty & their rate case (SEE ATTACHED EMAIL). He is pointing out several issues he would like audited or reviewed as part of the rate case process |
| P202501897 | 3/12/2025 10:31 AM | My electric bill is higher since Liberty took over for Empire and their billing statements are very confusing. Talking to them does no good. |
| P202501901 | 3/12/2025 11:41 AM | In a time of extreme inflation and a high cost of living, Liberty is attempting to squeeze any extra money they can out of their customers with this price hike. Missouri residents know that this state provides both unpredictable and extreme weather, where temperatures in the summer often reach triple digits, and keeping a house/apartment above 80 degrees still racks up a high electricity bill. I urge the state of Missouri to do right by it's residents and stop Liberty from stealing more from us to overfill their already wealthy pockets. |
| P202501902 | 3/12/2025 12:45 PM | I am on a fixed income, and it will not go up 15-30 percent! These increase requests are outrageous and out of line with inflation and the ability for customers to continue to receive vital services. |
| P202501905 | 3/12/2025 1:33 PM | Customer contacted, saying it's outrageous after everything they've put people through in the last year, with invoices being different amounts every month and not receiving bills for four months. Over the years, we've been pretty lenient with them in terms of increases. We need to go in and audit. They need to conduct business in a better and more effective manner. She is worried about the elderly and persons with fixed incomes. |
| P202501906 | 3/12/2025 1:47 PM | Liberty has had multiple increases over the years, and Empire prior to that. What was Liberty's profit earnings for the last 2 years? What happened to the money from the other rate increases? 29.64% is ludicrous, The average person does not get an almost 30% increase in wages! Liberty has invested in the practice of Green Energy, which has been proven to NOT be a viable solution. Green energy costs more than it can produce and the maintenance and longevity is horrible. The figures saying only an increase of $30 -$39 is not even close to accurate! What is the average bill? My all-electric house would see an increase of over $100. Deny this rate increase and DOGE Liberty Utilities! We cannot shop around for Electric like a phone. |
| P202501907 | 3/12/2025 7:40 PM | To whom it may concern, I am writing to have this rate increase denied! Liberty has had multiple increases over the years, and Empire prior to that. What was Liberty's profit earnings for the last 2 years? what happened to the money from the other rate increases? 29.64% is ludacris, the average person does not get an almost 30% increase in wages! Liberty has invested in the practice of Green Energy, which has been proven to NOT be a viable solution. Green energy in FACT has cost more than it can produce and the maintenance and longevity is to say the least horrible. I and I'm sure all Liberty customers feel the same. . I ask you again to Deny this rate increase. We can not shop around for Electric like a phone, so not a fair system. |
| P202501909 | 3/13/2025 7:30 AM | Liberty (Empire District) is already receiving a Fuel Adjustment Charge when natural gas is at record low prices. They are also charging us for the removal/destruction of the Asbury electric facility, their choice to do that! They are charging us for the February 2021 Storm (whatever that is) There is a charge for an Energy Efficiency Program cost and a charge for an Energy Efficiency Investment. All of these charges seen quite arbitrary and a means to skirt the rate that is already approved. Their request for a 19% increase was ridiculous and now amending it, requesting a 30% increase is absolutely unbelievable. The Missouri Public Service Commission is supposed to protect the citizens of Missouri. |
| P202501910 | 3/13/2025 7:37 AM | We live in Joplin Missouri. Liberty Utilities is a Canadian electric company that bought out Empire electric. They have consistently and routinely asked for rate increases. They are now going to the public service commission in Missouri asking for a 30% rate increase! They are claiming it is because of the tariffs that President Trump placed on them and are expecting the consumers to pay for it. What is not being investigated is the over $700 million investment in computer equipment that they are passing on to the consumers! (See attached PDF) |
| P202501912 | 3/13/2025 8:27 AM | I want to know what someone is doing about our ridiculous high electric bills!! Our bill doubled from last winter and we do not use electric heat!!! This is ridiculous they are asking for another increase. How are we supposed to pay for this. When is someone going to do an audit and find out why they can charge so much!! When is someone going to look into everyone’s pockets getting padded by all of us paying these outrageous prices!! I know there is an investigation but why. Nothing will get done. The same ones investigating are the same ones who has approved every rate increase!! We are on limited income and struggling to pay our electric bill!! What do we have to do take out a loan because no one cares about what it is doing to all of us! |
| P202501914 | 3/13/2025 9:31 AM | These rate increases have got out of hand. Liberty is taking advantage of utility users. We have continually received rate increases. There is no reason customers should still be paying for February 2021 storm and Asbury cost. As a senior citizen this utility is asking us to pay too much. Additionally, we have had solar panels for nearly 5 years now and Liberty has not increased the amount they buy back the electric we produce. As a solar owner, I am responsible for my upkeep. Yet, Liberty expects consumers to pay for upkeep and fill their coffers with more profit. |
| P202501915 | 3/13/2025 10:49 AM | I am opposed to any increase in Liberty electric rates. |
| P202501916 | 3/13/2025 10:50 AM | I am opposed to any increase in Liberty Electric rates. |
| P202501920 | 3/13/2025 | Customer called and claimed that they are a monopoly, which is prohibited. They've done nothing but raise rates. We have never denied them a rate hike. When the electricity goes out, they are terrible at restoring it, unless you are in the commercial sector. He has gone 13-14 days without power. |
| P202501921 | 3/15/2025 7:52 AM | For many years, I have contacted them and let them know. I cannot get into my email. Could they please help me reset it? I get nothing from them finally last year I asked by phone if they would please start sending my bill to me by mail because I cannot see my bill at all. I have to call every month to see how much it is. For over three years at least I have not seen my bill or my usage at all they will not help me. The other issue I have would like everybody else. My bill is going up. I’m not using anymore. We’ve lived here almost 9 years. Two people we work 10 hour days. We are gone more than we’re here. We turn everything off. We have one light we use, but our bill goes up. Why why do we not have a choice other than Liberty? |
| P202501922 | 3/16/2025 2:41 PM | My bill is already so high, I cant afford to pay an extra $40 a month. Right now I pay $50 every Friday just so I can keep up with my bill. My paycheck is only $200 every Friday. I still have to pay all of my other bills too with what is left. This is ridiculous! Liberty won't stop gouging us for money until we are homeless. They have a monopoly on ALL of our utilities. Gas, Water, & Electric. Someone please help us!!! |
| P202501923 | 3/16/2025 6:06 PM | I do not agree with the rate increase the is being requested by Liberty. Over the last year alone, our overall electric bill costs for the year are already over $500 more than they were from the previous year. When people are having to pay more for their electric bills than our house payments that is an issue. We have lived in several different areas of Missouri and also Arkansas and Liberty is by far the most expensive electric company we have ever experienced for the same home size. We shouldn’t be made to endure another rate increase! |
| P202501924 | 3/17/2025 7:49 AM | "I am opposed to the proposed rate increase as follows: The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) accepted an amended rate filing request from Empire District Electric Company d/b/a Liberty and set new intervention and case decision deadlines".. *See attached for full comment. |
| P202501925 | 3/17/2025 7:52 AM | "Ok with the new request for the hike, then why don't you compensate this way... not having us liberty customers have included in their bill the Asbury plant closure. Why we are still paying for a plant closing nearly 3 years ago? We custom are already paying enough for electric. Raising it more going to make it more of a strain to afford it. Yes im on the budget planning (paying the same each month) but this will get me more behind and harder to catch it up! Give us customers a break somehow QUIT asking for hikes! " |
| P202501926 | 3/17/2025 8:25 AM | "I oppose this rate increase." |
| P202501927 | 3/17/2025 9:22 AM | "They're asking for a large hike in rates and we know several people who that would hurt. If they're under investigation for billing issues then a rate increase doesn't seem right." |
| P202501928 | 3/17/2025 9:37 AM | "Absolutely not to the rate increase. That is way too much. I used to work there and they need to trim costs elsewhere. People are already financially struggling. They waste too much money for them to be asking for this kind of increase." |
| P202501929 | 3/17/2025 9:49 AM | Ok with the new request for the hike, then why don't you compensate this way... not having us Liberty customers have included in their bill the Asbury plant closure. Why are we still paying for a plant closing nearly 3 years ago? We customer are already paying enough for electric. Raising it more is going to make it more of a strain to afford it. I'm on the budget planning (paying the same each month) but this will get me more behind and harder to catch it up! Give us customers a break. QUIT asking for hikes! |
| P202501930 | 3/17/2025 11:03 AM | "I have not gotten a bill since Aug, and they still have it screwed up, the bill is $2000.00. They do not deserve a rate increase. PSC, please do not approve a rate increase for Liberty." |
| P202501931 | 3/17/2025 11:51 AM | "Writing in regards to the proposed increase for electric by Liberty Utilities in the Joplin area. As a Single income household, these increase rates are larger than the average cost of living and cost of rising grocery price. Electricity is a basic necessity, an essential part of daily lives, not a luxury. Liberty Utilities has the monopoly on our electric, we have no other alternative energy providers. These rates are higher than other electric providers in the area of Missouri and Kansas, New-Mac and KAMO. Liberty Utilities has been continuously raising prices keeping Individuals and Families struggling, this community can not afford these in.." *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202501932 | 3/17/2025 11:54 AM | "Thank you for reading, short and sweet, this exorbitant rate increase will devastate folks already struggling. We already pay well above the national average rate for utilities. Thank you so much for your representation and kind consideration." |
| P202501933 | 3/17/2025 12:03 PM | "They just had a rate increase. We are elderly and on SSI and are very responsible with our electric use and we cannot afford this. We need help." |
| P202501936 | 3/17/2025 12:22 PM | "Liberty does not need this raise. What are people supposed to do? I've got COPD and won't be able to afford to use our A/C if they raise this high. There are going to be a lot more homeless people because of these things rising." |
| P202501937 | 3/17/2025 1:25 PM | Liberty's rate increase is ridiculous. We already pay a high amount, higher than most other companies around. They always talk about 1000KWH, but we don't know anyone who uses that. Most people average around 1600 KWH. So this increase will really affect out cost of living. |
| P202501938 | 3/17/2025 1:48 PM | "As a resident and taxpayer of this county, I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed rate increase by Liberty Utilities.".. *Please see attached. |
| P202501939 | 3/17/2025 1:49 PM | These rate hikes are twice a much as they should be. We paid so much less when we lived within a co-op. When the members were mismanaging money, as I suspect is happening here, we voted them out. I don't mind giving them the cost of living of 2.3 percent that I just got but with all these surcharges on top of this much of an increase is too much. |
| P202501940 | 3/17/2025 2:08 PM | It is absolutely absurd the amount that has to be paid for electric from this company. We live in a small 3 bedroom town home that cost us $350 a month to maintain electric and soars higher in the hard summer and winter. This company is a monopoly and isn't being controlled by the state properly. Enough is enough. People deserve to have fair prices. |
| P202501941 | 3/17/2025 2:23 PM | "I am definitely against yet another rate increase for Liberty. They are simply crushing the life out of many people with their current high rates, billing issues, and lack of decent communications with customers reaching out to them. We are currently paying for some snow storm and demolition of a power plant on top of those rates. When will you tell that big fat company enough is enough? No, No, No Signed registered voter...." |
| P202501942 | 3/17/2025 2:24 PM | Systematically this electric company abuses their power. They charge whatever they want. Another increase is beyond reasonable. We are going into the summer with high costs in food, utilities, gas insurance just everything we need to survive. An increase in costs of service???? what about the customer? They have brown outs that destroy your appliances, and they call it an act of God? Please DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS! |
| P202501944 | 3/17/2025 2:32 PM | "This is an absurd request. 30 percent should be denied considering the poor service and performance. After searching their other service areas, the same negative responses were given. We were used to quality, prompt service not a company that is behind, over charges, and poor responses. People on retirement cannot keep up with their increases. Please deny. Still surprised we have a foreign country being allowed to be in charge of a utility!" |
| P202501945 | 3/17/2025 2:40 PM | "The rate hike is crazy! With everything going on now with the cost of food, medication , gas and so on. We Senior’s live on a fixed income. I pray that our Government in the State of Missouri listens to us. We just had a rate hike last year and now Liberty wants 30 percent more? People can barely survive now with the cost of everything going up. So please listen to the people who voted you into office. And I don’t even understand how the State of Missouri would think this ok. It’s beyond belief of what we’re seeing happening. There will be more seniors doing without their medicine, food, even going to the doctors. Not only will this hurt Seniors but anyone that has to live on a budget...*please see attached for full comment. |
| P202501946 | 3/17/2025 2:51 PM | 65% higher than Southwest per KW in the same area and they are asking for another price increase. Please audit and do not give any additional increases |
| P202501947 | 3/17/2025 2:58 PM | "I don't think they deserve an increase. I have no faith in them after all of these billing issues." |
| P202501948 | 3/17/2025 3:27 PM | "As a resident and taxpayer of this county, I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed rate increase by Liberty Utilities. Currently, Liberty Utilities' rates are approximately 65% higher than those of Southwest Electric. Despite this significant disparity, Liberty Utilities is seeking approval for yet another rate increase. This situation is particularly troubling as residents have no alternative provider options. The monopolistic nature of this arrangement places an undue burden on consumers who have no choice but to accept continually increasing rates. I respectfully request that the regulatory body carefully consider the impact these repeated rate increases have on.."*Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202501949 | 3/17/2025 3:31 PM | *Please see Attached for the comment . |
| P202501950 | 3/17/2025 3:35 PM | "I say heck no!!!!!!!!!!! I have never had anything increase 30%. I am a 74 year old veteran on social security. Trump is screwing us, Musk is screwing us and now Liberty wants to join the club. Where is it going to stop?" |
| P202501951 | 3/17/2025 4:47 PM | "I am opposed to this increase. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income and this would have a huge negative impact on my life. I've been a customer since the 1970s and it has gotten ridiculous." |
| P202501953 | 3/18/2025 8:39 AM | *Please see attached for comment. |
| P202501955 | 3/18/2025 9:20 AM | "I oppose this rate increase. " |
| P202501956 | 3/18/2025 9:24 AM | "I oppose this rate increase. Being on a fixed income, it is really hard to stay within budget, we cannot afford any more increases at this time." |
| P202501957 | 3/17/2025 | The customer called and stated that she does not want any rate hikes. They must find another way to make money without exploiting the poor. |
| P202501959 | 3/18/2025 1:07 PM | Ms. Sweetwood is opposed to any increase for Liberty Electric, especially given the large number of customers who are dealing with the company's many billing issues. |
| P202501960 | 3/18/2025 1:55 PM | Here are a number of concerns that people have for Liberty Utilities. (See attached.) |
| P202501961 | 3/18/2025 3:10 PM | As a resident, Business owner, and taxpayer of this county (Greene), I am writing to express my serious concerns regarding the proposed rate increase by Liberty Utilities. (see attached PDF) |
| P202501962 | 3/18/2025 3:18 PM | I am writing to oppose Liberty's request to increase rates. Many people in our area are on a fixed income. The last two bills I have paid for electric service have been almost $500. That is difficult to pay already. How do they expect people to afford an additional 30%? I have found at least twice that I was charged almost double by Liberty because they estimated my usage, and when I compared the bill to my actual meter they had overestimated by several hundred kWh. I had to call and email several times to get my bill corrected. I can't imagine how many other people they have done this to that just paid the bill without question. Their billing practices need to be examined and proven accurate and legitimate before they ask for more. |
| P202501963 | 3/18/2025 3:26 PM | My wife and I recently moved from McDonald County into the city of Neosho. Our prior 21 years, electric service was by New-Mac Electric Co-op, and rate increases have always been modest ones and were accepted that all costs associated with electric service increase as materials, labor and events dictate. The service was very dependable with few outages, mainly due to storms. The crews and management were always up front about any increases that might be happening to the rate of electric usage. Now, having just moved at the end of January, we are finding that Liberty, Canadian-owned company that was allowed to purchase Empire District Electric, are asking for a very unreasonable increase. (See attached PDF) |
| P202501964 | 3/18/2025 4:34 PM | Customer called to say he was against it. He worked for a prior electric company for 15 years and watched Liberty raise its rates year after year. They requested this pricing hike due to the ongoing investigation. His concerns include invoicing each customer for the $15 Asbury cost. He believes that their rates are already much and above what other companies charge. He cannot comprehend how they can continue to raise their rates. Where is the money going? He sees failed attempts at windmills and solar fields. They are going to drive people out of the markets. He doesn't understand how they aren't making or losing money. Someone has to stand up for these individuals. It nearly feels like every year. When will it stop? |
| P202501965 | 3/19/2025 8:21 AM | See attached for comments |
| P202501966 | 3/19/2025 8:23 AM | See attached |
| P202501967 | 3/19/2025 8:25 AM | Please for the sake of the people who voted you into office, do not vote to pass this rate increase. Many of us middle class families are already struggling to make ends meet with the inflation we have encountered over recent years along with the high cost of utilities that are already in effect. For the families you represent, please put a stop to this! |
| P202501968 | 3/19/2025 8:27 AM | This rate increase request is outrageous. **See attached for full comments |
| P202501970 | 3/19/2025 8:47 AM | I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the excessive utility rates imposed by Liberty Utilities and the apparent lack of oversight by the Missouri Public Energy Commission. These rates are placing an overwhelming financial burden on families and businesses alike. **See attached for full comments |
| P202501973 | 3/17/2025 | Pam is a senior citizen on a fixed income. She can barely afford rates now and cannot afford another rate increase. What Liberty is asking for is outrageous. She is requesting the PSC to deny Liberty's request. Their customer service and billing issues with new system are horrible and they do not deserve any increase in rates. |
| P202501974 | 3/17/2025 | Cynthia is opposed to any increase in rates. Wants PSC to say "no" to increase. |
| P202501975 | 3/17/2025 | Mary is on social security and is on a fixed income. Rates are already too high. What Liberty is asking for is ridiculous. They have poor customer service & billing issues and do not deserve a rate increase. |
| P202501976 | 3/18/2025 | Laura is against rate increase. Liberty has poor customer service and several issues with new system. They don't deserve a raise when they cannot fix their problems after almost an entire year of knowing the new system had issues. There is no way the PSC should grant any increase in rates. |
| P202501978 | 3/19/2025 10:49 AM | "I oppose the rate increase that Liberty is asking for." |
| P202501979 | 3/19/2025 10:51 AM | "I oppose this rate increase. I have to get assistance to help pay my Liberty utility bills already. They have already went from $300.00 a month to $1130.00 a month for a 2 bedroom mobile home!" |
| P202501980 | 3/19/2025 12:04 PM | " I oppose this increase; it would raise the bill by entirely too much at one time." |
| P202501982 | 3/19/2025 12:18 PM | William wants the PSC to deny Liberty's rate increase request. Rates are already high enough. It is ridiculous that Liberty would ask that much of an increase when they have so many issues they can't fix. |
| P202501983 | 3/19/2025 1:41 PM | "I am a 78 year old disabled lady on a fixed income and I am aware of Liberty raising their fees once again. We are all at their mercy. We have to use them and have no other choice in our area. I know of other cities that give you options of different companies to choose from that helps to keep fees lower? Why not in Joplin? So I am asking if you can essentially be the voice of reason for those of us caught in the middle? Thank you in advance." |
| P202501984 | 3/19/2025 1:51 PM | "I oppose this rate increase. This is way too high, and it seems the service is getting worse yet the prices keep going up." |
| P202501985 | 3/19/2025 2:11 PM | "The Commission should reject this rate increase. 30% is too high. If they were asking for 2,3 or even 5% that would be more acceptable. SW electric nearby charges half of what Liberty charges. Liberty service is horrible, the billing is terrible. This kind of increase is hard on people with a fixed income. " |
| P202501987 | 3/19/2025 4:21 PM | "I oppose the rate increase that Liberty is requesting. We struggle to pay their high bills now. " |
| P202501989 | 3/20/2025 8:19 AM | "I do not think it is appropriate for them to increase 30%. Our bills are extremely high now without the increase and this will make everyone struggle. |
| P202501990 | 3/20/2025 10:39 AM | "I understand that Liberty is asking for another price hike. This is ridiculous. They say that had an accounting error is why? Come on. That’s like me telling the company that pays me that they should pay me more because my checkbook was wrong. We are already paying for the storm damage in which when they cut power on many of us. We also incurred damages from them turning off power. Did they pay us? No. .."*Please see attached for full commment. |
| P202501991 | 3/20/2025 12:02 PM | Utility rates are the highest they've ever been, but also an absolute necessity for every American. However, we cannot choose our utility companies and are held prisoner to their rates. As a full time employee, working an additional side business as a way to make ends meet, and a family of 6 people, we are already under undue financial strain to make ends meet and have had issues keeping the lights on as-is. With everything moving to technology, which is electricity based, this will have a severe impact on our quality of life if rates increase even more. Thank you for your consideration. |
| P202501992 | 3/20/2025 1:09 PM | An approved increase of this magnitude will cause further economic hardship in an already impoverished region of SW Missouri, irrespective of utility investment. Fixed income households (i.e., Seniors, Disabled Veterans, Service Workers) are the most susceptible to utility increases. Should Liberty customers in Neosho be subjected to a 29.64% increase when considering the following data? Source: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/neoshocitymissouri/PST045223 · Per capita income in past 12 months (in 2023 dollars), 2019-2023: $25,637 · Persons in poverty, percent: 15.8% (methodology discrepancy noted) |
| P202501994 | 3/20/2025 2:12 PM | "Please do NOT allow a rate hike again for Liberty. Their half a Billion a year in profit is enough. " |
| P202501995 | 3/20/2025 2:15 PM | "It is incredible to even think of raising the rates. Quit bring greedy and treat us with compassion. I will go solar if you raise it again." |
| P202501997 | 3/20/2025 2:29 PM | "I am a senior citizen and I can barely afford my electricity. Many people, not only seniors are having a hard time right now. Please stop the increase 🙏 for the love of God. Thank you in advanced for your help." |
| P202501998 | 3/20/2025 2:45 PM | "Empire District Electric Company (Liberty Utilities) has filed an amended rate filing with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) requesting a rate increase of $152 million, an increase of 29.64%. Source: https://psc.mo.gov/Electric/PSC_Receives_Libertys_Amended_Rate_Request-Extends_Intervention_Case_Deadline--pr-25-21 " *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202501999 | 3/21/2025 7:34 AM | "Liberty utilities had a rate hike, not too long ago. It is too soon for them to be given another opportunity to do the same. " |
| P202502000 | 3/21/2025 7:42 AM | "We do not need more increase in rate..We already pay a lot .what this people wants to do .If they keep increasing rates a lot of people will be sitting in the dark .We can not afford, more please stop them.. please " |
| P202502001 | 3/21/2025 7:50 AM | "I am a customer of liberty electric in Branson Missouri. My name is Tim Gould and I live at 1013 Cliff Dr. in Branson 65616. Being notified about the request for increase by some 29%. I find this request excessive and unwarranted, considering the profits that the company is enjoying. Please help this retired, senior citizen, and the cost of living increases that we have seen in the last five years for fixed income individuals. Sent from my iPhone" |
| P202502002 | 3/21/2025 7:53 AM | "Am NOT in favor of any further electricity rate hike by this company, Liberty Electric. Do not see any need for a further rate hike at this time, in light of it not having even been a full year since the most recent rate hike was approved and enacted" |
| P202502003 | 3/21/2025 10:06 AM | I am writing to request that the Public Service Commission deny Empire Electric District/Liberty Utilities’ rate increase request. The percentage of the rate increase goes so far above the standard cost of living increase. The requested rate increase will put even greater financial pressure on customers who, as you know and are likely experiencing, are already dealing with rising costs of basic needs like food. Please deny their current request. I imagine a rate increase of some measure is inevitable, but please negotiate a more reasonable rate increase that is more in line with the standard cost of living increase. Perhaps White River Valley Electric Co-op would like to make a counter offer and manage more of this region’s electricity?! |
| P202502004 | 3/21/2025 10:08 AM | "Electric rates in Southwest Missouri are already extremely high. Liberty should perhaps find another way to reduce their expenses? Electrical service reliability has plummeted here in Branson especially in the last 3 to 4 years as compared to the previous 30 years." |
| P202502006 | 3/21/2025 10:33 AM | "If they have such poor billing practices then they should not receive a rate increase; especially what they are asking." |
| P202502007 | 3/21/2025 10:39 AM | "I beg for your consideration to reject Liberty Utilities rate increase request. As consumers we have been forced to pay for their company's mistakes and misfortunes, such as the Asbury plant and Winter Storm in 2021. They have unlimited unchecked power, and they have a complete monopoly for electric services in the Joplin area. There is no other alternate company to use here. We are forced to pay whatever they choose, and we are a low income community... We have almost no resources for bill assistance in our area. I have had to let my bill accumulate to 2000 because I literally cannot pay anything towards it and there is NO help. Please consider those of us who cannot afford ANY increases." |
| P202502008 | 3/21/2025 11:30 AM | I am against Liberty hiking their rates again. It's hard enough to make ends meet these days and there's no reason for them to do this. Unless they're needing us to pay for all their new buildings. Also, if the governor passes SB 4 we're really going to be hurting. My husband and I are seniors and on a fixed income. We aren't on any government assistance and we struggle to keep our heads above water. Please consider how this will affect folks like us. Thank you for your time. |
| P202502009 | 3/21/2025 2:09 PM | "Please please please do not let Liberty utilities that serves Branson MO have a rate increase. I live in a condo with two inside walls and only two outside walls and my bill averages 389 a month for this winter. And I keep my heat on 64 and just suffer thru the cold. How much are their executives making in salaries and bonuses. Most of us suffer with paying bills these days. I think k they could give up some of there billions in profit and salaries or find more efficient methods ! Thank you " |
| P202502010 | 3/21/2025 2:26 PM | "Why is it necessary to have another rate hike? Why do you not have the meters read every month? We have solar panels but every winter our electric bill is as high as it was without the solar production. Each year when I challenge my bill, ironically it decreases significantly the very next month. I want my meter read accurately every month—not estimated. Each year I am told the bill was high because of the cold weather. I do not EVER use my furnace—we have gas heat, and we do not use a blower on the fireplace. There is absolutely no reason for my electricity usage to increase in the winter. When I see another rate increase coming I worry about all of the people barely getting by..."*See attached for full comment |
| P202502013 | 3/21/2025 3:14 PM | "As an addition to this email, my understanding is that Liberty is under investigation, I would also say that they should get ZERO rate increase until that investigation is over. Giving them more money when they are already gouging customers would be asinine." *Please see attached for FULL comment. |
| P202502016 | 3/21/2025 4:47 PM | Mr. Warren is opposed to any increase for Liberty Electric. |
| P202502019 | 3/23/2025 12:00 PM | I have been a resident of Branson since 2003. I make just over minimum wage in retail sales. Please do NOT let Liberty have this extremely unreasonably huge rate hike!!! |
| P202502020 | 3/24/2025 8:10 AM | We live on a fixed income and 30 percent is way too much. The price of everything has gone up and our income source has not. 30 percent is just a lot. |
| P202502021 | 3/24/2025 8:57 AM | "I am writing to express my strong opposition to the 29.64% rate hike requested by Liberty, which they have asked you to approve. I believe Liberty is not being fully transparent about the necessity of this increase, and I object to it for the following reasons: "*Please see attached for full comment |
| P202502023 | 3/24/2025 10:11 AM | "I am very much against them getting a rate increase. We have had very poor service with Liberty since the first of the year. It has been a constant battle with them regarding billing." |
| P202502024 | 3/24/2025 10:24 AM | "I would like to voice my opinion against Liberty rate increase. 1. They are already charging so much that many people are struggling to pay their utility bill now, let alone with another increase..." *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202502025 | 3/24/2025 11:04 AM | In response to the insufficient “consumer comments” from my call on 3/20/25, I request my actual comments to follow, be used in its entirety. (see attached PDF) |
| P202502026 | 3/24/2025 11:06 AM | "I am 73 years old on SSI. Our COLA was 2.5% but Liberty is asking for a 30% increase. I spent the winter w/ my heat on 60 degrees and still had a $65 electric bill in a brand new building. This kind of increase would be impossible for people on fixed incomes." |
| P202502027 | 3/24/2025 11:07 AM | "In the matter of the request for Liberty Utilities request for yet another rate increase, I am writing as a concerned citizen. Their rates are already one of the highest I have seen, and I previously lived in a higher cost living area of Portland, Oregon. It simply doesn't make sense that a 900 sq ft house's electric could be over $400 for one month, and MANY people across social media have been complaining of similar costs or worse. The rates are already unaffordable for many citizens in the area and people are already struggling. It also seems very strange to me that any rate increase would be considered for Liberty Utilities whilst they are under investigation for their billing and customer service practices. |
| P202502029 | 3/24/2025 11:09 AM | "I have been a Branson resident since 2003. I want to have my say regarding the case number: ER-2024-0261 My consumer comment would be that Liberty has had enough rate hikes in this area. Please do NOT allow them to raise our rates again!" |
| P202502030 | 3/24/2025 11:26 AM | "It seems very strange that they need to amend the amount of their original request. I know they are a for-profit organization but at whose expense? Southwest Electric is a not-for-profit electricity company and they have rate changes very seldom and provide a great service. Since they just increased water and sewer rates for Bolivar by 63% over 4 years, how are those on fixed incomes and big consumers of electricity, such as the hospital and Southwest Baptist University, going to be able to afford this?" |
| P202502031 | 3/24/2025 12:26 PM | "The fact that Liberty even requested the 15.9% increased shows that they are poor managers of their money. And then to turn around and increase their request to 29.64% is an insult on your intelligence. Being from Bolivar we know firsthand about their mismanagement. Several times they've made requests and when there was a pushback, they said oops we didn't figure the numbers right. Instead of agreeing to their current request, which is almost double their original, consider cutting their original request in half and making them live on a budget like the rest of us. For example, a few years back, I think five, Liberty operated out of a small, rented space in a strip mall. There was no trouble with billing.."*See attached for full comment |
| P202502032 | 3/24/2025 1:54 PM | I think this rate increase is egregiously large. Liberty just received 43.5 & 4.7 million dollar grant from the Department of Energy to cover costs for the same thing that they are asking for in this rate case. I ask that the PSC please look into these grants and make sure that they are included in the decision making process. |
| P202502033 | 3/24/2025 2:23 PM | A 15% rate increase is large enough, but turning around and doubling it is absolute madness. There is no possible way that a regulated monopoly deserves a pay increase of that much. In addition, Liberty has raised rates time and time again on customers. We pay several surcharges in addition to the rate charge. We have also given Liberty a grant of nearly $50 million to upgrade infrastructure through the Department of Energy as announced in 10/2024. I believe the investments claimed for this rate increase are being made are driven by a desire to increase rates without regard for the needs or limits of customer budgets. Investigate this company and deny this rate increase please! |
| P202502036 | 3/24/2025 4:49 PM | Please stand up and say "No!" to Empire District's amended rate hike request. At a time when literally everything is costing Missourians more and more, Empire requests to increase its profits by $152 million. This is an unnecessary rate hikes. Empire received millions after the Joplin tornado to build severe weather protection into their utility at the cost of millions, past rate hike approved allowed that. Seems like a double dip. Also it seems as though Liberty/Empire ask for at least 2 rate hikes a year. Profit is not as important as affordability at this moment in time. Utilities should not be stock companies. Utilities should not be worried about profits for stock holders. Utilities should be owned by those that use them. Say "NO!" |
| P202502039 | 3/25/2025 7:50 AM | "My husband and I are both medical professionals who recently accepted positions at a hospital in Bolivar, Missouri. As part of our transition, we sought to establish roots in the community and began searching for housing. We engaged with local residents through the Bolivar Facebook page, eager to integrate into the area and make a home there. However, after receiving extensive feedback from the community regarding the severe financial burden imposed by Liberty Utilities, we made the difficult decision to rescind our offer on a home in Bolivar...*See attached for full comment. |
| P202502041 | 3/25/2025 7:59 AM | "I am writing to express significant concerns about Liberty’s recently amended request to increase its annual electric revenues by approximately $152 million—a 29.64% rate hike. This request follows the company’s original November 6, 2024, filing, which sought a 15.99% increase. If approved, the revised request would substantially impact Missouri residents in several ways: .."*See attached for full comment. |
| P202502042 | 3/25/2025 8:34 AM | "Why should a company making record profits year over year be entitled to take more money out of the pockets of people who can sometimes barely be able to pay their electric bill? Sometimes not at all. What are they putting back into the community for this rate hike? Or is the money just going into somebody wearing a suit and tie? Especially a company who is under investigation for deceptive billing practices and horrible customer service. Just my 2 cents." |
| P202502043 | 3/25/2025 8:58 AM | "I am exist this rate increase. We loved on a fixed income so that would make it harder. 30% is out of hand." |
| P202502045 | 3/25/2025 11:46 AM | "I oppose this rate increase. My electric bills have been astronomically high without legitimate reason. " |
| P202502047 | 3/25/2025 2:44 PM | "I don't feel it the rate increase is justifed, especially considering the ongoing profit margin of this company. This 30% increase out weighs the cost of living raises that few people do get. It is making it extremely difficult to keep up ith the electric bill monthly. I oppose this rate increase." |
| P202502048 | 3/25/2025 2:51 PM | "I am opposed to this rate increase. My budget will be greatly impacted by such an increase. Those of us who are on a fixed income cannot afford this." |
| P202502049 | 3/25/2025 4:13 PM | "They evidently do not have their act together and there is something fishy with how they have sold the company out. There are several tax assessments to see what the company has been spending their money on. They already are able to charge the securitization charge and now they want 30% increase? Absolutely not. A definite no." |
| P202502050 | 3/25/2025 4:58 PM | "The request is egregious but there really is no excuse for that. They will use inflation as an excuse but methods of producing energy is getting easier and should be less expensive. If they utilize more renewable sources or actually starting putting the electrical lines underground or the customer's receive some type of refunds after the projects are completed." |
| P202502051 | 3/25/2025 10:17 PM | They have made utilities unaffordable for a normal income as it is there is absolutely no reason to go higher to line their pockets. When a normal home with 5 people is paying close to $500 a month. There is no room to pay anything else. You just pray nothing major breaks or kid need anything big. Because I should not have to get a 2nd job just to pay my utilities. There has got to be a happy medium some where. My house is not huge I don’t keep it extremely warm or cold. Just want to survive. I’m not asking a lot just to have reasonable utilities. So maybe other things like car payment and insurance would not be such a burden. I don’t want to get a second job just to survive and hope that nothing breaks or rates get higher. Thank you |
| P202502053 | 3/26/2025 8:43 AM | "I don't believe we should have to pay for the utility co to build new stations. They make millions and I'm a sr. citizen-I'm 86 years old- and I can't afford a raise. You are going to make me homeless. I already pay $300-$400 per month for utilities which is ridiculous, and I certainly don't want to pay for any new stations. They make millions, let them pay for it." |
| P202502055 | 3/20/2025 | Rebecca is on a fixed income and cannot afford current rates. Rate increase in not fair, and Liberty has so many issues they should not be given a rate increase. Liberty also just got an increase not long ago. Requesting the PSC to deny rate increase. |
| P202502056 | 3/26/2025 11:13 AM | "The rates that we all ready pay is doubled compared to other service areas and it is sad. People are living on SSI and cannot afford their utility bills. |
| P202502058 | 3/20/2025 | John is on a fixed income and cannot afford another rate increase. Liberty rates are already high enough compared to others in Missouri. |
| P202502059 | 3/20/2025 | Dawn is against Liberty asking for a rate increase. She believes it is ridiculous they are even asking for a rate increase when they have system problems and cannot bill customers correctly. She is requesting the PSC to deny Liberty the rate increase and force them to fix problems first before even considering an increase in rates. |
| P202502060 | 3/25/2025 | Marian is on a fixed income and is opposed to any increase in rates. |
| P202502061 | 3/26/2025 1:44 PM | "This is getting really ridiculous with the increase. I’m on a fixed income SS. I’m a month behind almost every month paying parcel payments to keep my power on this increase will devastate myself and lots of others in my situation. I’ve worked over 50 years to retire and now I have to spend big chunks of my retirement just to have power . No on the increase. " |
| P202502063 | 3/27/2025 11:13 AM | Attached is my letter of comment re the proposed electric rates increase of Liberty Electric (Case No. ER-2024-0261). Kindly submit my letter for citizen commenting on this case. |
| P202502064 | 3/27/2025 11:17 AM | I really want you to take a look at the problems your people are facing with Liberty Utilities. The public service commission is not doing anything to help, allowing rate increase and rate increase, and you guys think it’s a good idea to let them go even higher for their projects? It’s their investment. Why would they not take the hit? In Bolivar we only have Liberty. We have no choice. We have to pay crazy prices or move. It’s a monopoly. (see attached) |
| P202502077 | 3/28/2025 8:59 AM | Have been trying to get a street light fixed since November. I've been called at least six times. Why should they have a rate increase when they won't even fix a street lightbulb??? |
| P202502086 | 3/31/2025 9:33 AM | I’m Tricia Price, Ward 1 Alderman candidate in Bolivar, Missouri—a small city of hardworking folks with little to spare. See attached for full comments |
| P202502087 | 3/31/2025 9:35 AM | I'm Tricia Price, Ward 1 Alderman candidate in Bolivar -- a small city of hardworking folks with little to spare. We're under the thumb of Liberty Utilities, a Canadian-owned company charging us among the highest electric rates in Missouri, pushing for even more, and failing to deliver bills on time or accurately. Our low-income families can't take this. (See attached pdf) |
| P202502088 | 3/31/2025 9:39 AM | We are opposed to another tax hike with Liberty Electric. |
| P202502089 | 3/31/2025 11:55 AM | These drunken scumbags will not send me my electric bill, and they are refusing to answer their phone. They need to be locked up and the keys thrown away. |
| P202502091 | 3/31/2025 1:08 PM | See attached. |
| P202502108 | 4/4/2025 4:30 PM | "I'm a resident in Bolivar Mo. I was unable to attend the Public Service meeting last night. I did hear a lot of the comments on facebook live. A lot of people are upset with the rates and service of Liberty. As a comment was made from a realtor how a lot of prospective buyers come to his office, they ask who serves the Bolivar area, Liberty or Southwest Electric? He said that having Liberty is very negative to buyers which in turn are driving home prices down. My question would be, how can Southwest Electric rates be so reasonable compared to Liberty. Liberty has a monopoly on electric and water and sewer. Please help keep the rates that Liberty is charging or give us the choice to choose a competitor to serve us..* see attached |
| P202502127 | 4/9/2025 9:53 AM | See attached |
| P202502137 | 4/10/2025 2:44 PM | Andrea is unhappy with Liberty's customer service and billing with the new CIS system. It has been a year now since Liberty went to this new system and they still have so many problems. She would like the PSC to deny any increase in rates due to how horrible this new system and billing is. |
| P202502140 | 4/10/2025 8:07 PM | We went from a 2000 SQF home in Greene County to a 1700 SQF home in Dallas County. Since moving our bill doubled, though we have switched all appliances to energy efficient, all the light bulbs, plugs, and even light fixtures. We use alternative heat (gas, wood, coal) a year since moving in. Our bill for winter has been as high or higher as when we had to use portable heaters the first year and are always told its because of cold weather....I finally received a bill since November for 02/06/25-03/31/25 for 379.43. At this time we were using wood, and gas for heating (both sources) as needed There is no way our bill should be that high. We are also having to pay for a storm from 2021 which was not even in our state, and asking for more? |
| P202502153 | 4/14/2025 7:58 AM | I am writing to voice my strong opposition to Liberty Utilities' request for a rate increase. They are currently under investigation for unfair and inaccurate billing practices, they should not receive any rate increases until that is resolved They have also been telling their shareholders about record profits the last couple of years, with record profits it's hard to understand any justification for a rate increase other than their desire to further increase their profits. Please deny all of their requests for rate increases. |
| P202502154 | 4/14/2025 8:03 AM | Please stop raising our rates! Check all the local rates around our area and they do not compare! I’m technically in Carthage and would much rather pay CWEP rates but unfortunately cannot due to our location. The rate increases have to stop. We sit in our home with no air or no heat running, windows open, nothing on during the daytime hours and still have $300-$400 bills! |
| P202502155 | 4/14/2025 8:05 AM | Liberty Utilities are a monopoly and taking financial gain from being the only Electric company for Jasper County residents. People are unable to afford their electric bills as it is. This is breaking communities. They should not be allowed to raise rates at all. In fact, rates should be cut and stop charging people for weather extremes from several years ago. The change in weather each year is expected and part of their job. NO RATE INCREASE! |
| P202502156 | 4/14/2025 8:08 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the support of Liberty Electric due to their wasteful use of tax dollars and subsidies. Over the past two months, I have received multiple printed duplicate bills for the same account, resulting in unnecessary mailings and wasteful spending. This level of inefficiency and greed is unacceptable. As a property owner in Sac Osage and Ameren territories, I can attest that other utility providers do not exhibit such blatant disregard for resources. It is vital that we hold companies like Liberty accountable and demand better practices. I urge you to reconsider supporting Liberty Electric and take a stand against their wasteful behavior. Our community deserves better. T |
| P202502157 | 4/14/2025 8:11 AM | I feel they are asking for too much of an increase! The entire area serviced by this utility company is suffering financially at this point with higher costs of everything from food, fuel, daycare just to mention a few. (See attached pdf) |
| P202502158 | 4/14/2025 8:14 AM | Please! Do not allow Liberty Utilities to raise their rates. My statements this last few months are seriously causing a financial hardship. I'm a senior on Social security and I am already struggling to pay their monthly bills. I'm having difficulty buying groceries, keeping my up with medication, medical expenses, rent and Utilities. |
| P202502176 | 4/14/2025 10:26 AM | For the past six months, the billing has been a mess. Not only is it wrong, but they went from bills being 2 pages in a small envelope to 6 pages in a large envelop. Just that increase in postage and paper alone would probably ake care of what they're asking for in an increase. |
| P202502177 | 4/14/2025 10:28 AM | Liberty can't even get their billing problems fixed, let alone wanting a 29 percent increase, Now they want to up the surcharge on fuel? The PSC needs to stop this. |
| P202502194 | 4/14/2025 11:45 AM | "I think it is shameful for Liberty to request a rate increase based on their failed software implementation and I would be curious to know if their executives are still receiving bonuses despite them asking for a rate increase. |
| P202502210 | 4/14/2025 2:40 PM | "Liberty has been cheating us! No to the increase!" |
| P202502217 | 4/14/2025 2:57 PM | Charla is opposed to any increase in rates. Poorly ran company. Horrible customer service and billing. They cannot fix their new system that was put in over a year ago. There is no way they should get an increase when they cannot fix their problems. |
| P202502233 | 4/14/2025 4:07 PM | "Please do not increase the electricity rate again. It's high enough as it is. We are retired and we are all ready have a tough time trying to make ends meet. The last thing we need is an increase in utility bills. |
| P202502240 | 4/14/2025 8:09 PM | The customer expressed frustration over rate increases, stating that costs are already high due to prior storm-related expenses. She believes the utility company should have budgeted better instead of passing costs onto customers. She also reported issues with billing delays, insufficient time to pay, and late fees-though one was waived. Additionally, she received seven bills at once, which she paid. |
| P202502242 | 4/15/2025 8:05 AM | "My bill went from $70 per month to $120 per month. Now with a $33-$39 increase coming, this 74 year old living on social security cannot afford this. Where are we seniors supposed to come more money?" |
| P202502259 | 4/15/2025 9:09 AM | Why are you letting Liberty continue to raise our rates?? They do this every year for various reasons. Yet, they are making money hand over fist & us, your customers, keep losing money every month, especially in this economy. You also do not allow us a choice in our electricity service. We do no have the choice. Who is going to speak for us??? |
| P202502260 | 4/15/2025 9:12 AM | This is absolutely ridiculous!! Show me a FOR PROFIT COMPANY that the state authorizes to keep raising rates and charge for things that are not even here any longer. *See attached for full comments |
| P202502261 | 4/15/2025 9:14 AM | I am a single, retired citizen and trying to stretch every dollar just to survive. I know I am not the only one in this situation. I do know a rate increase of 1/3 will hurt most of us in the area. Maybe Liberty should review costs vs rates more often. |
| P202502273 | 4/15/2025 9:38 AM | This is a no for most normal people!!! do not let them raise rates again!!! Liberty is a monalpy on electric if we could chose who to receive our electric from, Liberty would have no customer. I still paying for some storm from back in 2021... why? maybe if they ran there company right they would not need a rate increase. 5bill in one month? all with different amounts? who do they have running things? VOTE NO on Rate increase we cant afford any more!!!!! Susan Unhappy Liberty Customer |
| P202502276 | 4/15/2025 9:55 AM | "This request should not even be considered until Liberty can actually meet the most basic competencies of a legitimate company. Our disabled son and his disabled roommate live in Goodman and have not received their Liberty bill since DECEMBER. The company only responds with excuses and lies as to where their bill is. Both these men are on social security disability. Liberty cannot even get them a bill. Terrible customer service. No Increase is warranted." |
| P202502278 | 4/15/2025 10:00 AM | "I don’t think that Liberty needs to increase the rate they charge for electricity. They have changed their billing software and have caused problems for customers that had average bill pay set-up. It recalculated and caused confusion. " |
| P202502280 | 4/15/2025 10:04 AM | "We are a Liberty customer and do not believe they deserve a rate increase of approval based on their inability to manage their billing or service. While I understand the costs have possibly increased but they have poorly managed services and rates are exceedingly high already! A 15% increase is just too much!!!" |
| P202502286 | 4/15/2025 10:49 AM | *See attached for comment |
| P202502293 | 4/15/2025 11:06 AM | See attached for comments |
| P202502294 | 4/15/2025 11:20 AM | "These idiots can't even get their billing right i have gotten atleast 8 duplicate Bills saying my bill is -393.40 then one with zero balance and today i received 4 new bills how in the world can you even consider letting them rip us off more they just wasted a ton of money sending out multiple wrong bills... it's crazy before this i never got my bill until it would have been late if I didn't go online. They didn't deserve the increase for storm damage or the power plant they closed before... don't even let them screw us over more.. 😤 this has happened to numerous people." |
| P202502295 | 4/15/2025 11:23 AM | "I feel that Liberty already charges too much money for their services. Our older citizens have limited income and can not afford these rate increases they propose. During the summer months the older population is hit hard by the summer rates they already charge let alone the choice of medications or food." |
| P202502300 | 4/15/2025 12:00 PM | "This company should be thoroughly investigated. They are ripping people off and getting away with it! There is no way they deserve more money when they are robbing people blind with their outrageous rates as it is. " |
| P202502301 | 4/15/2025 12:01 PM | I don't believe liberty needs a increase. They refuse to service the lines in front of my house which have tree limbs on them... huge issue |
| P202502302 | 4/15/2025 12:02 PM | "No more rate hikes, liberty is the most expensive utility in sw mo." |
| P202502303 | 4/15/2025 12:09 PM | "If Liberty concern about our safety for our kids, they should go out and fix all street lighting, especial all bus stop in our subdivision, I live by Genesis Ln, and none of our street light are working, each morning I walked my kid out to the bus stop with our flash light, let worry less about money, let get the kid a little safer by fix those street lighting" |
| P202502306 | 4/15/2025 1:14 PM | If this rate increase is allowed, my bill would go up approx $49, maybe higher for some lower for others. Seems like ever since Liberty has cobbled up Empire the rates have been going up, some senior citizens, and small business's wiil have a hard time absorbing the rate increases, another example of big business asking for more money to give bonuses/higher salaries for corporate presidents/vp/op managers |
| P202502309 | 4/15/2025 1:28 PM | I oppose Liberty Utilities request for rate increase. I I've seen very questionable billing practices, which leads me to believe that they have other accounting problems how can we base a need for the increase on questionable accounting. |
| P202502315 | 4/15/2025 1:50 PM | I am writing to complain about all the increases that Liberty has put on its customers. How many rate increases are you going to allow them at our cost? They are getting money for storm recovery. How about using fossil fuel instead of those stupid wind turbines and solar panels! We all know that if the government stopped the subsidy they would fall apart. We the customers aren't getting any benefits from either one. ONLY THE ELECTRIC COMPANY! The customer service sucks, the linemen are getting upwards of $60 an hour, the upper crust keep getting raises, and lo and behold our rates keep going up. So many of us are having trouble paying or bills now. (see attached PDF) And another thing y |
| P202502319 | 4/15/2025 2:07 PM | I am opposed to the rate increase that is being sought after from Liberty utilities. Not certain why the increase is being requested but can probably guess, possibly more than one reason too. People can't afford all these increases. |
| P202502324 | 4/15/2025 2:35 PM | IN MY OPINION, LIBERTY UTILITIES DOES NOT DESERVE A RATE INCREASE AT THIS TIME. LIBERTY IS RESPONDING TO CURRENT MARKET LEVLES THAT ARE SEEING A DROP. FOR INSTANCE, CRUDE HAS DROPPED APPROXMATILY $10 PER BARREL, WHICH WILL SHOW RESULTS IN LATER THIS QUARTER. ANOTHER THOUGH IS THAT SOME CONSUMERS HAVE INSTALLED SOLAR, WHICH FOR ALL INTENSE PURPOSES SHOULD REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF ENERGY THAT LIBERTY HAS TO DEVELOPE FOR THE CONSUMER. A RATE INCREASE IS WHAT LIBERTY IS TRYING TO DEVELOPE MORE CASH FLOW SINCE THEY ARE RECEIVING LESS CASH FLOW FROM THEIR BILLING BECAUSE OF SOLAR. (see attached PDF) |
| P202502335 | 4/15/2025 3:52 PM | This is a no for most normal people!!! do not let them raise rates again!!! Liberty is a monalpy on electric if we could chose who to receive our electric from, Liberty would have no customer. I still paying for some storm from back in 2021... why? maybe if they ran there company right they would not need a rate increase. 5bill in one month? all with different amounts? who do they have running things? VOTE NO on Rate increase we cant afford any more!!!!! Susan Unhappy Liberty Customer |
| P202502363 | 4/16/2025 8:57 AM | "Southwest Missouri is a economically poor area of Missouri. Most of the people are at poverty level even those who are employed. Why would the utilities commision want to make it harder for it's customers to pay their electric bills? Liberty needs to stop raising rates to line their pockets with more money. There is no credible reason for them to do this. They said said it was for storm damage. They should of had a fund set back to cover this. The tax payer's should not have to pay for storm damage. : |
| P202502364 | 4/16/2025 9:02 AM | "This is ridiculous. Liberty is outrageous in its charges. We are in our late 70’s and can’t afford their charges. We sweat in the summer and freeze in the winter just trying to keep our charges down. Their bill is still outrageous." |
| P202502375 | 4/16/2025 9:32 AM | "The link mysteriously is inactive for this case so wanted to submit my comment on behalf of our company on this case with Liberty Utilities. Frankly the situation has gotten completely out of hand. Normally this wouldn’t be anything that is even discussed but it has gotten to such a ridiculous level of theft that everyone I know is talking about it."*See attached for full comment. |
| P202502378 | 4/16/2025 9:38 AM | "I am writing to have this rate increase denied! Liberty has had multiple increases over the years, and Empire prior to that. What was Liberty's profit earnings for the last 2 years? what happened to the money from the other rate increases? 29.64% is Ludacris, the average person does not get an almost 30% increase in wages! "*See attached for full comment |
| P202502385 | 4/16/2025 9:51 AM | "These utility companies are gouging the American people. They are trying to get these in place before Trump's policies kick in to help lower things. This needs to be shut down quick till we see what his policies do. I do not agree with the increase. Prices are already skyrocketing." |
| P202502408 | 4/16/2025 11:55 AM | We are retired Baby-Boomers on mostly fixed income. The increases that Liberty Electric are being allowed are RIDICULOUS!!! Our monthly bill still has a charge for destroying the Asbury power plant, that could still be operating. Liberty Electric has more extra charges than the electric costs. |
| P202502416 | 4/16/2025 2:04 PM | Data centers ( ie AI and Crypto mining) have a negative impact on the grid that already affects regular rate payers. They should not be on the grid at all. They can set up a separate dedicated power generation for their operations. Liberty doesn’t need to increase rates. Our 60 year old grid was never designed for data centers. Billions of taxpayers dollars go to utilities that haven’t developed anything better in 60 years than wires on poles that can break at anytime. |
| P202502445 | 4/16/2025 4:48 PM | I am contacting you to tell you that I am very angry and displeased that you signed for Liberty Utilities. I am a widow that can't work on SSDI and get only $1,038 a month and Liberty has socked me with electric bills in the $400-$550. range. (see attached PDF) |
| P202502446 | 4/16/2025 4:51 PM | I’m voicing my opinion about Liberty Utilities proposed rate hike and fuel sire charge hike. I am against any more rate increases for Liberty Utilities. Since taking over Empire District they have been granted constant rate increases. Being a public utility, their rates should be cheaper than city municipalities and cooperatives. They are not. In our area they run close to 35% more. Please do not grant them Another rate hike. |
| P202502506 | 4/18/2025 8:40 AM | I am against Liberty's rate increase. They double bill, their bills are not on time. Its a canadian company and shouldn't even be here. |
| P202502514 | 4/18/2025 9:39 AM | "I would like to voice my opinion on the rate increases proposed by Liberty Utilities. Not only are they asking for the fuel adjustment but they also want a 29% base rate increase. Not to mention the bill that the state legislature passed giving utility companies the right to raise rates for future growth without any limits or checks. Liberty is currently being investigated due to billing issues. They need to clean up their business practices before asking their customers to fund anything else. I can assure you no one in Missouri is getting a 29% pay increase and with the minimum wage increase, the cost of living is going to go up and is actually a pay cut for those of us making more than minimum wage as our wages do not increa*See Attached |
| P202502546 | 4/18/2025 4:11 PM | "We are against Liberty Electric getting the increased KWH increase to .00566. They just proposed an increase on something else and people can't afford them." |
| P202502712 | 4/24/2025 7:43 PM | Not sure what is going on but I'm disabled/retired on fixed income and i have experienced increasing electric bills. OACAC paid my bill full me in full in March I get no bill then mid April I get shut off notice saying I owed over 500 and then a week later I get another saying I owe over 700. Past years March April may bills have always been around 100. They wouldn't budge on what I owed and made me agree to longterm payment plan. I don't see anyway I used over 700 even over 500 so now I'm trapped in a plan for electric that I have trouble paying in the first place. Also a few months ago they hit us with charges liberty and for storm damage when we was under empire back in 2018 or whichever year it was. Liberty wasn't even out provider time |
| P202502764 | 4/28/2025 2:10 PM | "This rate increase request is robbery. They ask as often as allowed for double what they think they can get and end up getting exactly what they want. That is wrong. Something needs to be done about this. People on a fixed income are already hurting financially. As is everyone. " |
| P202502795 | 4/30/2025 5:35 PM | Our bills have not aligned for some time when I called I get an apology but they can't seem to reconcile where the difference came from especially since we are on autopay and why we would have a balance due. I was told we were off a month due to the change in billing software in 2024 and so they would not take a payment in April 2025 but would instead take the balance due in addition to that in May 2025. This does not make sense to us first how we can be a month off being on autpay and then how skipping a month will catch that up? |
| P202502796 | 5/1/2025 8:49 AM | I have received four identical electric bill/statements from Liberty Utilities in the past two months. They all show a zero amount due. They were all postmarked after the due date. Two days ago I received a letter stating that I may have received multiple bills, but the amount in the letter is what I owe. The letter had no details, no usage amounts. I should be provided a bill with the dates of usage, amount of electricity used, and a detailed breakdown of the charges. Please see the attached four statements showing no payment due and the letter stating something different. I think Liberty should be held accountable for the billing statements they send out. A billing statement is a legally binding document. |
| P202502913 | 5/22/2025 3:55 PM | See attached |
| P202502949 | 5/28/2025 8:45 AM | "I've been with Empire/Liberty for 7 years and have always been a good customer. In Oct. and Nov. 2024 I was unable to pay online because their website was down. When I went down to the local office I was told they have no record of me being a customer. I had to provide a lot of documentation to prove my identity to get it all straightened out because of THEIR issues. I should not have had to go through all of that red-tape. They should not get an increase." |
| P202502953 | 5/28/2025 10:25 AM | A long-time customer expressed frustration with the new billing system, stating that the previous system worked fine. She received eight bills in one month, while some bills were delayed for five months. To resolve her payments, she had to stand in line in Joplin for over an hour and a half on three occasions across four months and repeatedly call for billing amounts. After 49 years as a satisfied customer, she is now unhappy due to these issues, including receiving bills just two days before their due dates. |
| P202502962 | 5/29/2025 9:53 AM | We’ve been a Liberty customer for years and the complaints with Liberty is how often and by how much our rates are raised. We as the consumer feel the rates are raised due to there being no competition for us to use someone other than Liberty. Our hands are tied and they know it. I’d feel differently if they can show their rates have increased, by how much and why, and if it’s best for the customers, we may understand. It feels like a constant, ‘if you don’t like it too bad,’ from them. We feel like our rates are raised at a much higher rate than their costs. |
| P202503008 | 5/30/2025 3:47 PM | "I feel like the Company is picking and choosing when to raise prices and the customers get attitude if they ask questions. |
| P202503057 | 6/2/2025 10:27 AM | In general, I am happy with Liberty Electric although for the February billing cycle I did not receive a bill. I called; it was explained to me that my cycle ends on the 29th of each month and since February didn't have a 29th, my usage for February wouldn't be billed until sometime in mid-March, making it due in April. Additionally, my March usage would also be due in April but would be due on two different days. As I had budgeted enough for the un-arrived March bill, it was disconcerting that a huge company can't set up their billing cycles so that this type of snafu can be avoided and make a consistent billing cycle? Last business day of month? The 28th of each month? I have never had this problem with any of my other bills. |
| P202503058 | 6/2/2025 10:32 AM | I live in Buffalo, Missouri. My town is not one of the sites for public discussion for Liberty’s meetings. Liberty has one of the highest kilowatt rates in the state. The average rate is 11.57 and Liberty already charges 14.03. This rate increase is not justified and shows they need to be better stewards of their income. This rate already poses hardships on most of the users. I am a widow living on a fixed income like so many others. I have to make it on my income and don’t get to ask for more money to make my life more comfortable. Please stand up and fight for us. Thank you, Diana Miller |
| P202503072 | 6/2/2025 12:10 PM | As a company that deals with Real estate, being residential, commercial or Farms, we have received many bills that were incorrect, Late, for multiple months, etc. This puts a toll on the company as we are having to spend so much time on the phone to verify what actually needs to be paid. sometimes we get 3-5 bills for the same property all with different information on them, causing confusion. Their billing and customer service has gotten out of hand, and they are extremely rude when you call to verify your bills. |
| P202503096 | 6/2/2025 3:53 PM | I received a letter regarding the Liberty town hall. I just wanted to comment that I haven't had any issues with them. |
| P202503104 | 6/2/2025 4:22 PM | See attached. |
| P202503204 | 6/3/2025 4:16 PM | The customer stated that she calls every month to check her meter reading against their billing and has never had any issues with them. |
| P202503277 | 6/4/2025 | Jessica cannot attend any of the LPH's in this case but wanted to file comments into the case. She is on a fixed income (elderly & disabled). She cannot afford Liberty rates that they currently have. Liberty has some of the highest rates in the state. People are moving away from Liberty due to rates and billing issues with the company. There is no way Liberty should be given any increase in rates with the issues they have had and continue to have with new CIS System. She cannot afford any increase in rates & wants PSC to deny any increase in rates. |
| P202503312 | 6/6/2025 10:30 AM | See attached |
| P202503314 | 6/6/2025 11:07 AM | Liberty took over Bolivar for electric, water & sewer. This affects me when a rental house becomes vacant until I get it rented again. Liberty is impossible to work with. I wanted my account set up to come out of my credit card every month so it would never be late or lost in mail. They had my address but never mailed bills to me, they mailed them to the property address. They never took payment from my credit card. I had to go by their office and pay with cash or check. You get no help on automated because even that is all messed up. I hope to sell every house I own in Bolivar so I never have to hear their name again. This was for gas, water and sewer at 472 E Parkview Street, Bolivar, MO 65613 |
| P202503316 | 6/6/2025 11:17 AM | On 2 occasions over the last 12 months I received no Liberty electric bills for a 3 month period requiring me to reach out to them and request a bill. Online queries provided results showing a balance due of $0.00. When the bills were finally sent they were in excess of $1000.00 each time. No explanation was giving for this other than system errors while moving to a new computer system. |
| P202503321 | 6/6/2025 12:22 PM | They shouldn't get a rate increase. Rates already are way too high. Bill should be around $180, and it's over $300. |
| P202503325 | 6/6/2025 2:55 PM | "My electric bill from May 2024 to May 2025 and it totaled $3644.00 with this increase it will go up to $5320.00- I only get $15,600 per year. That is a disproportionate increase for those of us on a fixed income. I already am very conscientious about my energy usage and my budget. The requested increase is too much, it will cause financial hardship to many. Please be fair. Possibly consider a smaller increase or spread it out over the upcoming years. |
| P202503327 | 6/6/2025 3:18 PM | Attached are my comments for the PSC Review Billing Procedures Investigation File No. OO-2025-0233. |
| P202503382 | 6/10/2025 12:32 PM | 'I am on oxygen and this requested increase will increase by bill by $30-50/month. I don't see why they need that much of an increase when they're making millions in profits. Why do they need an increase of that much?" |
| P202503398 | 6/11/2025 8:03 AM | See attached |
| P202503403 | 6/11/2025 8:29 AM | I am writing to express my deep concern and personal hardship regarding the recent extreme rate increases implemented by Liberty Utilities. I am a 75-year-old Honorably Discharged Decorated Veteran. I am disabled and living on a very fixed income. Due to my medical condition, I am dependent on a high rate of oxygen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The cost of running the medical equipment required to keep me alive is already burdensome, and these rate increases are making an already dire situation almost impossible to bear. (see attached PDF) |
| P202503416 | 6/11/2025 9:12 AM | Hello, I am writing to say PLEASE STOP RAISING THE PRICES!! LIFE IS SO HARD! AND my husband is disabled and on disability, and we are buying a house, and his income is all we have for right now. And it all goes to the house payment. (see attached PDF) |
| P202503445 | 6/12/2025 3:42 PM | I am writing as the mayor of a small, rural community and as a resident regarding Liberty Utilities' request to raise multiple charges, in addition to a rate increase of 30%-40%. (see attached documents) |
| P202503450 | 6/12/2025 3:54 PM | I would just like to add my voice to the growing number of those deeply concerned with this very large increase. My husband and I own a small business in Joplin and are therefore subject to even higher rates because we are considered a commercial customer. A proposed 30% increase, as well as an increase in the monthly base rate seems extremely excessive. At what point does the consumer have any recourse? (see attached PDF) |
| P202503456 | 6/12/2025 4:36 PM | We are customers of Liberty. We had no issues except rate hikes for the past 33 years. That is until last year. From June through December of 2024, we were not receiving monthly statements. We contacted them on several occasions to be told we had a 0 balance. We knew that was wrong and even though we have solar panels, receive monthly charges. In December we started receiving statements. Each one adding to the next. The amounts we paid each month were not being deducted we had to change the amount owed with explanation to make payments. We feel that a rate increase is unwarranted until all the payments are fixed. Also. We were promised that the wind turbines located a couple miles from us would lower our electricity rates not increase them. |
| P202503460 | 6/13/2025 8:02 AM | The high rates make it hard to pay my bill when I live paycheck to paycheck and am a one income household. |
| P202503461 | 6/13/2025 8:04 AM | I’m not in favor of a rate increase whatsoever! Liberty has made NO concessions to raise the rate they paid me for excess electricity my solar panels produce! One of the main reasons I bought solar panels and are making a monthly payment to pay for them was to keep my electricity bill down. But with Liberty wanting to raise their rates even more, it’s not fair for those who have bought solar panels to help offset the cost of the electricity that we pay Liberty. DO NOT APPROVE THEIR RATE INCREASE!! |
| P202503463 | 6/13/2025 8:23 AM | The bills are ridiculously high and are almost to where you can’t pay them. They continue to to go up no matter what you do. |
| P202503469 | 6/13/2025 9:15 AM | I am unable to attend the In-Person Public Hearing regarding Liberty Utilities Proposed Electric Rate Increase in Joplin, MO, Case ER-2024-0261. I would just like to add my voice to the growing number of those deeply concerned with this very large increase. **See attached for full comments |
| P202503475 | 6/13/2025 12:58 PM | Joe called wanting to file a comment into the rate case. He is opposed to any increase in rates. |
| P202503477 | 6/13/2025 3:01 PM | "They should not get an increase of any kind. There is something wrong with their meters and billing and this is not right. This is causing people not buy groceries or pay their rent." |
| P202503485 | 6/13/2025 8:02 PM | I have paid tens of thousands of dollars to Empire/Liberty over the 15 years that I have lived here. Our electric bill was running over $500/month during the winter. One winter month we were out of town for 2 weeks and had the heat turned off and our bill was still outrageous! I am currently unemployed and desperately looking for work but due to my disability I haven't been successful in obtaining a job as of yet. Many people in Joplin and surrounding areas are barely scraping by including my household. A 30% rate increase is astronomical, unethical and in my opinion price gouging. If this rate increase is approved, my family may have no choice but to move out of the area. The service offered is inferior, not deserving of a 30% increase. |
| P202503488 | 6/10/2025 | The customer called expressing financial concerns, stating that she is on Social Security and cannot afford the charges. |
| P202503493 | 6/16/2025 7:56 AM | The proposed rate increase that Liberty Electric is requesting is completely unwarranted. A 30% increase for people on a fixed income will be hard for these people. I don't know how much income that Liberty made last year but they paid out a good dividend, so they had to be making a profit. I am not opposed to the company making a profit but as a retired person, on a fixed income, I can't just increase my income because I want to. Please reject their request for this rate increase and ask them to cut their expenses if they need more income. Thank you. Cecil Hull Joplin Mo |
| P202503494 | 6/16/2025 7:58 AM | Continuing to raise electric rates as it’s clear they’ve already been raised in the past year will force your population of people to move or become solar as Nixa was known for better, cheaper utility bills. |
| P202503496 | 6/16/2025 9:38 AM | Another rate hike would put my family in even more of a financial struggle. Please don't allow Liberty to increase our rates. |
| P202503511 | 6/17/2025 4:08 PM | 'I didn't receive the town hall notice until after they took place. I feel like Liberty did that on purpose to decrease attendance. I also feel like the implementation of TOU was not done for the benefit of the customers but for a way for the Co. to profit more. Also, I think that the billing has definitely changed for the negative since the implementation of the TOU and new CIS system. |
| P202503513 | 6/17/2025 4:32 PM | This rate increase request is outrageous. We are now paying for February 2021 Storm (4 years later) and Asbury Costs. Plus we will be paying for new construction in progress according to Legislation from Jefferson City. And now Liberty wants us to pay for 8 new projects with a proposed $152 million or almost 30% increase. Maybe it would be better to try for only 4 new projects. *See attached for full comment |
| P202503515 | 6/18/2025 7:39 AM | I am sending this email in lieu of attending any in-person public hearing regarding Liberty Electric Rate Case. My wife and I are retired senior citizens with a limited income and find it most challenging in our present economy to meet all of our financial obligations. We are confident that many others are experiencing the same. We realize that expenses do and will increase for all of us. However, we are appealing to the Commission to please seriously consider a modest percentage increase for our electric kWh usage, as the suggested increase is extreme and will impose a heavier financial burden on many. It was surprising to us to learn that the Commission would even consider requesting the increased cost to be between 29% to almost 39.5%. |
| P202503528 | 6/18/2025 12:36 PM | Seet attached. (Mayor for City of Miller Missouri) |
| P202503530 | 6/18/2025 3:19 PM | I am self employed and sole income for my home with limited income I find it most challenging in the present economy to meet all of the financial obligations. I am confident also that many others are experiencing the same. I realize that expenses do and will increase for all of us. However, I am appealing to the Commission to please seriously consider a modest percentage increase for our electric kWh usage, as the suggested increase is extreme and will impose a heavier financial burden on many. It was surprising to us to learn that the Commission would even consider requesting the increased cost to be between 29% to almost 39.5%. Thank you for your kind consideration in this very important matter that will impact many. |
| P202503547 | 6/20/2025 12:16 PM | The customer contacted us expressing concern that her corrected bill appeared identical to the original, with no disclaimer or indication of an error. She stated she was shocked by the lack of clarification and expressed hope that other customers who may have experienced similar issues received appropriate credits on their subsequent bills. |
| P202503548 | 6/20/2025 12:37 PM | "I don't think they deserve a rate increase if they can't even perform their job correctly. Their job performance has been terrible since the implementation of the CIS." |
| P202503552 | 6/20/2025 2:33 PM | Please advise me how I can comment electronically and express my extreme disgust at the excessive increases being requested on top of their rates that are already at or near the top of all electric rates in Missouri. I cannot believe that the Missouri PSC allowed a foreign (Canadian) company to purchase The Empire District Electric Company, which always had some of the lowest electric rates in Missouri and the entire USA. Foreign entities should not be allowed to own USA infrastructure such as utilities, roads, harbors and land. Liberty borrowed much when interest rates were low and then dramatically increased their investment in the electric system to allow them to get a higher return on investment *See Attached for full comment |
| P202503559 | 6/20/2025 | Customer called expressing serious financial hardship. She is retired and reported that 75% of her pension was lost due to her former employer’s bankruptcy. As a result, she cannot afford the proposed increase and fears she will become homeless. She also shared that she is currently unable to afford basic necessities, including groceries. |
| P202503562 | 6/23/2025 9:48 AM | "I understand there's inflation but this proposed increase is wrong. We are on a fixed income and it's just wrong to increase that much. 38.9% in addition to all of the other charges is just a lot. That is not reasonable. |
| P202503570 | 6/23/2025 2:40 PM | See attached. |
| P202503571 | 6/24/2025 12:36 PM | Debbie does not want Liberty to get a rate increase. She believes that they do not deserve one based on billing & customer service issues with their new CIS system. It has been over 14 months & they are still a horrible company & cannot fix their problems. |
| P202503577 | 6/24/2025 4:36 PM | "They keep raising their rates when they can't even bill correctly. The rates I pay at a residence I am rarely at are high. Our income doesn't increase so where do they expect the money to come from?" |
| P202503591 | 6/25/2025 2:40 PM | Travis opposes any increase in rates. Also opposes Liberty's request to raise the fixed customer charge. He believes this is just another way for Liberty to take more money away from customers and make more than they deserve. Does not want an increase in customer charge |
| P202600004 | 7/2/2025 10:18 AM | See attached. |
| P202600006 | 7/7/2025 7:46 AM | We’ve been a Liberty customer for a while. Lived in Clever, Mo and in Nov. 2023 moved to Joplin. It’s been nothing but trouble with the billing since. See attached for full comments |
| P202600008 | 7/7/2025 8:25 AM | I feel it is unreasonable for Liberty to request a rate increase of 30-40%. Its not possible for their costs to have increased that much. We currently pay for energy efficiency program costs, energy efficiency investment costs, and fuel adjustment clauses. The rate increase for the energy efficiency programs were supposed to lower our usage charges. This did not happen. Fuel is the cheapest it has been in four years. Why are we paying a fee to offset fuel costs when cost have declined 20% since 2022. This stat comes from the United States Department of Energy. |
| P202600014 | 7/9/2025 12:33 PM | "If they get to request rate increases for what they charge us then net metering customers should be able to request an increase of what they pay us." |
| P202600015 | 7/10/2025 8:49 AM | I have several issues with the proposed rate increases. First one be 30% to 40% is excessive. The original proposal of 15% was high but tolerable. The second part though is the most offensive. How the rate increases are doled out. It is backwards! People with more money will pay a lesser percentage, then those who live in smaller homes and are trying to cut costs. So for instance, only once did I ever use more then 500 KWH. My percentage of increase will be 40% more per KWH. Now if I use 1500 KWH my increase will be 30% more per KWH. Please don't allow this level of increase period. It is excessive. But if any increase is is to happen flip the numbers. Those living at baseline should not get the largest increase. |
| P202600016 | 7/10/2025 8:53 AM | My question : why are the lowest rate consumers ( trying to conserve ) getting a higher percentage increase than others? Thank you for your time |
| P202600021 | 7/14/2025 4:12 PM | The rate increase is especially largess. Seniors and others on fixed incomes will find this a huge hardship. |
| P202600022 | 7/15/2025 9:37 AM | I oppose the 30% rate increase that Liberty is asking for. I am strongly against raising the flat fee from $13.00 to $16.00. There is very little that they have to do by way of service calls to help us. This rate increase is not necessary. |
| P202600024 | 7/14/2025 | Edward and his wife Kathleen are on a fixed income. Rates for Liberty are already some of the highest in the state. They cannot afford any additional increase in rates. Liberty also does not deserve any increase in rates due to the numerous issues they have had and still have with their new system. They are requesting the PSC to deny any increase in rates. |
| P202600026 | 7/15/2025 4:13 PM | I am registering my opposition with the proposed electric rate increases for Liberty Utilities customers. Liberty needs to figure out how to operate their business within their current budget, not expect customers to fund their excessive expenses. I am sure there are people at the top of the Liberty organization that make huge salaries, that if they were more reasonable, Liberty could operate with less money. They can also look for waste in their operations and save money there. The average person in SW MO cannot afford this excessive monthly rate increase without having to do without changing their budgets and cutting out other necessities, such as food or medications. Or maybe they have to adjust their thermostats * See attached |
| P202600029 | 7/15/2025 9:08 PM | As a Liberty Utilities customer in Missouri, I strongly oppose the proposed 30–40% electric rate increase. This hike is unsustainable for working families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes, especially with wages rising only 4–5% annually. While I understand infrastructure and energy costs are rising, shifting the burden entirely to customers is not the answer. I urge Liberty to invest in stable, carbon-free nuclear energy to reduce volatility and protect consumers long-term. This increase feels like a failure in planning and fairness. Please reconsider or phase it in more gradually. |
| P202600030 | 7/16/2025 10:12 AM | "A lot of their problems would be solved if they opened up an in-person office in Aurora, MO. There is room there at their large complex and it's a waste of money that they don't." |
| P202600032 | 7/16/2025 4:23 PM | The pdf noted on the correspondence I received today is unavailable, stating No permission to view. This is the only other avenue I have to express my thoughts about Liberty's Electric Rates. I'm sure this will fall on deaf ears, however, I will know I made an effort. *Please see attached for coment |
| P202600034 | 7/16/2025 5:55 PM | As an electrician in the community who has worked with Liberty for years, they do not have any right to increase rates on people who are already struggling in Missouri. Between using smart meters and being caught over charging customers left and right, and their inability to update proper infostructure, they have shown the money they take in isn't being used for our benefit. This company is a Canadian owned outfit that is trying to take what it can out of our pockets. I am a father of 3 kids, this would raise my cost to both cook and clean and provide a good home for them. The raise percentages also do not favor normal customers, they favor businesses and large homes who consume more, leaving normal americans once again to pay the bill. |
| P202600035 | 7/17/2025 9:23 AM | I am submitting this comment anonymously as a concerned Liberty Utilities customer. I strongly oppose the proposed 30% electric rate increase. This increase disproportionately affects families and lower-usage customers. A household using 1,000 kWh per month — typical for families — would see a bill increase of around 33%. Meanwhile, higher-usage customers, including large businesses, may see a smaller percentage increase. Liberty also offers generous rebates and incentives to large commercial customers, helping them keep costs down while families are asked to pay more. This structure is ethically troubling and unfair.*See attached for full comment |
| P202600042 | 7/17/2025 11:05 AM | First. your published web access instructions do not work. Second. I am on a fixed income. There is no more income to obtain. I am due to get another measly 2.5% percent cost of living increase that will not even compensate for the 20% inflation over the last few years. How on Earth do you expect me to be able to pay a 30% increase in my monthly electric bill? A Senior who helped build this country and is now discarded because some think I am not useful anymore. |
| P202600044 | 7/17/2025 2:52 PM | My experience with Liberty Electric has been extremely disappointing, and unfortunately ranks among the worst interactions I’ve had with any utility provider. Their current rates are significantly higher than average, and my interactions with their customer service have consistently been characterized by rudeness and a lack of helpfulness. Additionally, the company’s website is frequently unreliable, making it difficult—often impossible—to accurately track electricity usage and verify the charges reflected on my bill. Regularly, large sections of usage data remain unavailable, leaving customers with no choice but to trust the accuracy of the excessively high charges. *Please see attached for full comment |
| P202600045 | 7/17/2025 3:50 PM | Liberty can't keep doing this with the rate increases. They need to learn some cost control and get rates down. They are higher than most utility companies and should take notes. I strongly oppose this rate increase. |
| P202600047 | 7/17/2025 5:37 PM | Liberty electric is obviously asking for way more than it intends to receive. A 29% to a 39% increase is just trying to pad the bottom line. Increasing the monthly rate for transformers that have already been purchased and are in service and have probably been depreciated is just plane theft. How many transformers go bad and must be replaced each year? I have solar panels which produce extra electricity than I use. Liberty charges me a little over 13cents a kilowatt for what I use, but only pays me about 3cents on the extra I produce, while collecting 13cents when they sell that to the next customer down the line. Their bills are so complicated that I can't tell what I'm being billed for. After all we are in a rapidly growing area. |
| P202600048 | 7/18/2025 12:14 AM | To the Missouri Public Service Commission, I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities' proposed rate hike. Raising bills by 30-40% during a time of financial strain is unacceptable. Liberty has used misleading accounting, rebasing tactics, and vague justifications to push this through. Service has already been unreliable, and customers should not be punished for poor management. This isn't about infrastructure-it's about profit. The PSC must reject this request in full. Liberty should not be rewarded with higher revenue for using dishonest methods. Sincerely, Josh Ausmus |
| P202600050 | 7/18/2025 7:49 AM | This is in response to public hearings on Liberty's electric rates(ER-2024-021). The increase that Liberty Electric is proposing is outrageous to the normal electric consumer. 30-40% increases? Nobody gave us a 30% raise this year...can anyone say that? How is this justifiable? My wife and I are on a fixed income and the increase that they are proposing represents a substantial portion of our bills. With EVERYONE'S grocery bills going through the roof we are already squeezed tight. Is Liberty losing money right now...I mean really losing, ..*See attached for full comment |
| P202600051 | 7/18/2025 7:54 AM | I am writing in contest to the proposed rate increases of Liberty Electric. I live on a single person income and struggle to meet the daily cost of living expenses. Please consider the current State of Missouri investigation currently in progress against Liberty and their billing practices and the current cost of electricity per KWH. It is my sincere hope that the Missouri Commission will deny Liberty. During the winter, I set my temperature at 60 degrees and during the summer I set the thermostat to 80 degrees. I remain cold in the winter and hot in the summer. With the increase in cost of living across the board, I feel that the proposed increase in Liberty's proposal is adverse to the population of which Liberty Electric.*See attached |
| P202600052 | 7/18/2025 8:03 AM | I am writing to provide my input on the proposed Liberty Utilities Electric rate increase. First off, the public hearings are being held for a short time period and I am out of town the entire time and unable to attend the virtual sessions due to work requirements as an federal emergency services employee. More public hearings are needed, including for the Willard area. It would be nice not to have to drive 45+ minutes to attend. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600053 | 7/18/2025 8:29 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. The proposed rate increase will place an undue burden on many families and businesses in our community, particularly those living on fixed incomes or struggling to make ends meet. Liberty Utilities must prioritize affordable and fair pricing for its customers. Furthermore, I urge the Commission to scrutinize Liberty Utilities' operational costs, investments, and revenue closely to ensure that the company's financial needs are balanced against the interests of its customers. |
| P202600054 | 7/18/2025 8:51 AM | Public comment for Liberty's proposed increase: I typed in the URL from a sheet FROM LIBERTY & consistently got "Page not Found", even after double and triple checking typing. You/they have made it excessively difficult to leave a comment. Truncate the URL and/or use a readable sized font! Liberty does not deserve a rate increase when they mishandle billing so drastically. We were not billed for SIX months & when WE called to inquire were given WRONG info how to get it fixed. It took MORE calls on OUR part to get correct info. They should get their act in order before even bothering to ask for a rate increase. How many others did't pay because they weren't billed in a timely manner? Might help their cash flow.NO RATE INCREASE esp 4Seniors |
| P202600055 | 7/18/2025 8:54 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to Liberty Utilities' proposed residential rate increase, which could raise monthly customer charges by nearly 40%. At a time when many families are already struggling to afford basic necessities due to sustained inflation, such a drastic increase is both unreasonable and deeply concerning. This proposal would force many households to make impossible choices — between paying their electric bill and purchasing groceries, or between keeping their homes safely cooled in extreme summer heat and affording medication or childcare. These are not decisions any family should have to make, especially when access to safe, reliable electricity is a basic modern necessity, not a luxury. *see attached |
| P202600057 | 7/18/2025 8:58 AM | I'm not sure if I'm supposed to send my concerns about utility costs rising to you all or if it should go somewhere else (i wasn't 100% clear with the letter I received). either way, I am just taking time to voice my concerns since the closest meeting to my location is being held on a Tuesday afternoon when most others and I are at work and can't attend. |
| P202600058 | 7/18/2025 9:00 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. The proposed rate increase will place an undue burden on many families and businesses in our community, particularly those living on fixed incomes or struggling to make ends meet. Liberty Utilities must prioritize affordable and fair pricing for its customers. Furthermore, I urge the Commission to scrutinize Liberty Utilities' operational costs, investments, and revenue closely to ensure that the company's financial needs are balanced against the interests of its customers. |
| P202600059 | 7/18/2025 9:06 AM | I strongly oppose the rate increase. It is stupid, the rates are high enough now, Liberty does not bill correctly, they are hard to deal with. Make them operate within their financial boundaries and quit writing off their expenses. They need to be reprimanded and cut their rates. |
| P202600060 | 7/18/2025 9:07 AM | I want to add my name to the list of those who oppose this rate increase. Please reject this rate increase request. |
| P202600062 | 7/18/2025 10:24 AM | I oppose Liberty Utilities' proposed rate increase. A $33–$39 monthly hike is excessive, especially during a time when families are already dealing with rising costs for food, housing, and healthcare. Essential services like electricity must remain affordable. Liberty should prioritize responsible spending and infrastructure upgrades without placing the full burden on customers. I urge the Missouri Public Service Commission to reject this rate increase or significantly reduce it to protect residents from unnecessary financial strain. |
| P202600063 | 7/18/2025 10:39 AM | Good morning sir, I received a letter yesterday from liberty electric, my electric provider. They are proposing a 30% increase in what they charge for their service. This is egregious and outrageous ! The good people of Missouri should not have this greed imposed upon them. When a utility company has a captive consumer, (we have no other alternative to provide us power) we are basically at the mercy of a monopoly. Please see what you can do to help the customers of Liberty electric. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Jeff Mawhiney |
| P202600064 | 7/18/2025 11:00 AM | My social security is less than 1800 a month and with another increase we can't make these high bill payments. I am 77 years old and i worked my whole life and I am grateful that I was able to work this whole time. Us Seniors can't make the payments as they are. Please consider those of us who are low income when making these decisions. |
| P202600065 | 7/18/2025 11:35 AM | "I feel that we are being pushed around by a giant corporation which isn't fair. They are gouging the consumers and that's not right. Especially since they are a Canadian owned-company. Also, the TOU rates are unfair to customers. The fact that they are requesting a 30% is crazy and I feel like they are doing this to pay for their mistakes. |
| P202600066 | 7/18/2025 1:00 PM | "I am a disabled person and cannot afford this type of increase. Please do not approve this." |
| P202600067 | 7/18/2025 1:10 PM | Mr. Brown is opposed to the rate increase proposed by Liberty, especially the 30-plus percent they're requesting. He wants the PSC to stop approving increases every time the utility wants one. |
| P202600068 | 7/18/2025 1:15 PM | Liberty's rate increase request is too high for the service they provide. Their billing issues are a mess and ongoing for a year and a half with no end in sight. Their customer service is horrible and they should not be compensated for bad business. |
| P202600069 | 7/18/2025 1:21 PM | "The Commission give them increases every time they ask. Are they getting kickbacks? 30-40% is astronomical! They're charging us for storms from like 10 years ago and charging us for shutting down the Asbury plant. We didn't ask them to shut it down. Are they making money off the winter storms and the shut down of Asbury? If they are they really shouldn't be. No one else gets to increase their business by 30-40%. Has the commission ever turned them down?? Just reeks of kickbacks to me. Also a foreign company shouldn't own our electricity either." |
| P202600070 | 7/18/2025 2:44 PM | The customer expressed deep concern about Liberty’s proposed rate increase, stating he's already struggling financially and cannot absorb another hike. He noted that rates were increased just a few months ago and urged the Missouri Public Service Commission to reject further increases, emphasizing the burden on everyday consumers. |
| P202600071 | 7/18/2025 3:16 PM | The customer expressed strong dissatisfaction with ongoing utility rate increases, describing it as "highway robbery." He noted that increases seem to occur every six months and questioned why the practice is allowed. He also shared that it feels as though the less electricity he uses, the more the utility tries to charge him, leaving him feeling taken advantage of. |
| P202600074 | 7/18/2025 4:06 PM | Writing in response to proposed rate changes Liberty is attempting to get approved. Do not understand why this is happening at a time when Missourians are struggling now to make ends meet and Liberty wants users to foot the bill to allow them to reap more benefits for there stock holders. Secondly why is the rate increase being proposed going to increase the greatest for the customers using the least amount, 39% for 500Kwh and 29% for 1500KWh, doesn't seem fair nor equitable. I disagree totally with this proposed increase. |
| P202600076 | 7/18/2025 4:19 PM | I received a letter yesterday from liberty electric, my electric provider. They are proposing a 30% increase in what they charge for their service. This is egregious and outrageous ! The good people of Missouri should not have this greed imposed upon them. When a utility company has a captive consumer, (we have no other alternative to provide us power) we are basically at the mercy of a monopoly. Please see what you can do to help the customers of Liberty electric. |
| P202600077 | 7/18/2025 4:21 PM | *Please see attached for comment |
| P202600078 | 7/18/2025 4:40 PM | "For them to try and get anywhere near this amount is insane. This is absolutely disgusting. The PSC is a joke. Somebody in your office is getting their pockets line because of this. You guys do nothing. Their hourly rates for these customers is ridiculous. This is absolutely sick. Customers are already strained as it is due to this economy. What are people supposed to do? It's absurd." |
| P202600079 | 7/18/2025 11:47 PM | Liberty/Empire Electric has always been high and wrong on the amount they bill. They are very ineffective on there billings, and I would change electric companies if I could. However, they are the only electric company that can do business in Strafford, Mo due to an agreement with the City Administration. They should not be allowed to raise rates until they can show a drastic improvement on efficiency. Under no circumstances should they be allowed to raise rates greater than 6% in any single year. People on a fixed income can't absorb these high utility rate increases. Our only hope is that the MPS will hold there feet to the fire when it comes to double digit increases. Liberty/Empire is simply to high for citizens on fixed incomes. |
| P202600080 | 7/19/2025 7:20 AM | Stop raising the electric we already pay astronomical prices and they are definitely price gouging and this needs to be stopped. |
| P202600081 | 7/19/2025 7:44 AM | I’m a single father with my own home payment, child support, and money other bills on top of that. It is already a hard enough for me to keep up a rate increase will make it much more difficult to make ends meet. |
| P202600082 | 7/19/2025 7:44 AM | I’m a single father with my own home payment, child support, and money other bills on top of that. It is already a hard enough for me to keep up a rate increase will make it much more difficult to make ends meet. |
| P202600083 | 7/18/2025 | I spoke with a customer who expressed frustration about an upcoming increase stating it isn’t fair, especially since her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may only go up by about 2%. She emphasized that she cannot afford an extra $31 per month and doesn’t want the charge raised any further. |
| P202600084 | 7/20/2025 9:27 AM | As a Liberty Utilities customer in Willard, MO, I strongly oppose the proposed electric rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). While infrastructure investment is cited, a $33-$39/month increase, plus fixed charge hikes, is an unacceptable burden on families facing high inflation. Despite proposed upgrades, service reliability often falls short. A ~30% rate hike places undue financial strain on households. I urge the PSC to scrutinize these costs and reject or substantially reduce the increase. Rates must balance utility needs with customer economic realities. |
| P202600086 | 7/20/2025 7:23 PM | The very thought of up to 40% increase in price for electricity is criminal. Liberty is mismanaged and can’t even get their own IT systems working properly. Not only should this increase be summarily denied, the utility board for the state should be looking into fining them for inept practices. Please do not even consider giving them a small raise in costs. Any company that can’t perform basic things (ask them if they can add new maintenance schedules into their system. As of a couple weeks ago, they could not and were still working down the list from before the computer system issues.). |
| P202600087 | 7/20/2025 8:23 PM | Opposition to Liberty Utilities Rate Increase I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed $152.8M rate hike. A 30% increase would add $30–$50 a month, or $400–$600 a year, to the average family’s bill, at a time when Missouri families are already struggling with food, housing, and basic living costs. Liberty hasn’t provided clear proof that all $702M in projects are urgent or cost-effective. Meanwhile, its CEO has received 5% annual raises for years and now earns over $3M. Families shouldn’t pay more while executives get richer. Please reject this increase as filed, demand a full audit, and, if any hike is approved, reduce it and phase it in gradually. |
| P202600088 | 7/21/2025 7:50 AM | Re: Opposition to Liberty Utilities' Rate Increase Request I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600089 | 7/21/2025 7:58 AM | I live in the City of Aurora, I am a widow in my 60’s. I work full time - long, hard shifts at the chicken plant and every day I’m off from there, I work a second job also. Due to a rise in my insurance and escrow requirements, as well as inflation, I have no other option. The only time I don’t work is the two hours I’m at church on Sundays. I keep my air conditioner set at 81 degrees, and watch my water consumption diligently, because I can’t afford not a single cent more than I pay out now, and I don’t have the strength to work even one more hour beyond the 80+ hours I’m currently putting in. The proposed rate increase would affect the people who already struggle the most to keep their usage low due to cost concerns. *See attached |
| P202600090 | 7/21/2025 8:03 AM | We received a "Corrected" Notice of Public Hearings on Liberty's Electric Rates. Unfortunately, the link for the instructions to make comments electronically is invalid. We wish to comment on the unconscionable acts of Liberty. Their voracious greed is only preceded by their lack of regard for their customers. There is no incentive for public utilities to "work smarter". They continue to make the same mistakes, and simply pass on the cost to the consumer of their sub-adequate services. We are both retired and live on a "fixed" income. However, when we were employed we could not go to our employers and ask for a 30+ percent increase in our wages without the laughter ringing down the halls. *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202600091 | 7/21/2025 8:06 AM | Liberty Utilities is seeking major increases from 29.15% to 39.45% depending upon the KWH usage and month of the year. This will impact us within that range because our usage falls within it, once again depending upon our usage during different months of the year. Current rates and now these types of rate increases are not sustainable for many families that have to rely on Liberty Utilities for their electrical service. Utilities for our homes is one area of our expenses that we do not have a choice of where to shop, we are captives and prisoners to the utilities companies’ rates and services and this is solely left to your discretion as to whether or not a proposed increase is approved. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600092 | 7/21/2025 8:08 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. The proposed rate increase will place an undue burden on many families and businesses in our community, particularly those living on fixed incomes or struggling to make ends meet. Liberty Utilities must prioritize affordable and fair pricing for its customers. Furthermore, I urge the Commission to scrutinize Liberty Utilities' operational costs, investments, and revenue closely to ensure that the company's financial needs are balanced against the interests of its customers. *See attached for comment |
| P202600094 | 7/21/2025 8:19 AM | I am a customer of Liberty Electric, and I am extremely concerned about the proposed rate increases to go into effect this fall. Rates were increases a few years ago to pay for the wind turbines installed in this area, and that was supposed to help save us money- which a 39% increase does not reflect! My salary hasn't increased, but my expenses are! We are still paying for 'February 2022 storm & Asbury costs'! I have no choice in my electric company. I cannot shop for a more affordable service. This increase is extreme and unreasonable. Amy Nelson |
| P202600096 | 7/21/2025 8:29 AM | I won't be able to go to the public hearing in Joplin 7/21/25. I would like to be marked as opposed to the rate increase. I'm the payee and court appointed legal guardian for my aunt Gay Newman whom also wishes to be marked as opposed. *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202600097 | 7/21/2025 8:30 AM | Liberty electric rates continue to rise every year . Question 1.) Homeowners who have paid a lot of money to have Solar panel systems installed and are on the grid helping Liberty provide power: a.) Why is it that our net meter credit % hasn’t increased the same for what Liberty receives from me? b.) Why instead of going up our net meter credit % is going down and down? Question 2.) Why are customers charges extra for every time Liberty builds new substations? Question 3.) Why are we charged for a fuel adjustment clause? |
| P202600098 | 7/21/2025 8:33 AM | To whom it may concern, I’m a Liberty Utilities customer living in a mobile home in the Ozarks. In the winter, we’ve used up to 5,000 kWh, and one of our bills was already over $600. A 30% rate increase could push that up by $250 or more — which would be completely unaffordable for us. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600099 | 7/21/2025 8:36 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. The proposed rate increase will place an undue burden on many families and businesses in our community, particularly those living on fixed incomes or struggling to make ends meet. Liberty Utilities must prioritize affordable and fair pricing for its customers. Furthermore, I urge the Commission to scrutinize Liberty Utilities' operational costs, investments, and revenue closely to ensure that the company's financial needs are balanced against the interests of its customers. *see attached |
| P202600100 | 7/21/2025 8:44 AM | As someone with direct knowledge of how utility systems operate, I am deeply concerned by Liberty’s proposed rate increase, in some cases approaching 40%. This level of escalation is an outrageous and unacceptable addition to a bill already in the multiple hundreds for people every month and comes at a time when people are already reeling from regular price increases throughout the economy. Utility providers, including Liberty, are well aware that infrastructure investments are a continuous and foreseeable part of operating a utility. Rate structures are intended to reflect the cost of service, not serve as a blank check for unchecked expansion or profit. An increase of this magnitude suggests either a failure *See attached for full comment |
| P202600101 | 7/21/2025 8:49 AM | As a Liberty Utilities customer in Willard, MO, I strongly oppose the proposed electric rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). While infrastructure investment is cited, a $33-$39/month increase, plus fixed charge hikes, is an unacceptable burden on families facing high inflation. Despite proposed upgrades, service reliability often falls short. A ~30% rate hike places undue financial strain on households. I urge the PSC to scrutinize these costs and reject or substantially reduce the increase. Rates must balance utility needs with customer economic realities. |
| P202600102 | 7/21/2025 8:52 AM | I am writing to strongly oppose the proposed electric rate increase that would raise bills by as much as 39% for Missouri customers. This increase is excessive and will put a significant financial strain on families, especially during a time when the cost of living is already high. For example, under your proposal, a 500 kWh monthly bill would jump from $80 to $112, and a 1,000 kWh bill would rise from $148 to $196. That kind of increase is unreasonable for households who have no alternative provider. As a paying customer, I urge Liberty to reconsider this proposal and find other ways to manage costs before passing such a large burden onto customers. At a minimum, I request more transparency on why such a steep i*See attached |
| P202600103 | 7/21/2025 8:59 AM | Writing in response to proposed rate changes Liberty is attempting to get approved. Do not understand why this is happening at a time when Missourians are struggling now to make ends meet and Liberty wants users to foot the bill to allow them to reap more benefits for there stock holders. Secondly why is the rate increase being proposed going to increase the greatest for the customers using the least amount, 39% for 500Kwh and 29% for 1500KWh, doesnt seem fair nor equitable. I disagree totally with this proposed increase. |
| P202600104 | 7/21/2025 9:06 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. **See attached |
| P202600106 | 7/21/2025 9:11 AM | I am writing to express my strong opposition to the recent rate increase request submitted by Liberty Utilities. As a concerned citizen and customer of Liberty Utilities, I believe it is essential to voice my objections to this proposal. **See attached |
| P202600107 | 7/21/2025 9:15 AM | We have lived at our current address for 16 years and were served by Empire Electric for most of that time and felt they had excellent customer service and never did they request a rate increase the size of the one Liberty is now requesting. And the irony of that is that the customer service from Liberty has been atrocious! **See attached for full comments |
| P202600109 | 7/21/2025 9:18 AM | Please see the attached comments we would like to submit regarding Case No. ER-2024-0261, Liberty Utilities Rate Increase request. |
| P202600110 | 7/21/2025 9:19 AM | I would like to be able to choose which electric company I use without having to move. Consumers have no choice but to pay for whatever rates are decided, and that's wrong. Not everyone will be able to do so, and we will all suffer if Liberty Electric is allowed to charge more. Liberty does not need to increase rates. Period. Find another way. Missourians need you, the Missouri Public Service Commission, to look out for them instead of big businesses. Carla Stafford |
| P202600111 | 7/21/2025 9:20 AM | This is an ENORMOUS rate increase at one time. Raising 30% in one year for every year following is an exorbitant amount. This is an amount that will cause a tremendous amount of financial suffering for households. We sell farm products and are not able to demand a 30% increase in income from our sales every year. This increase will not only affect negatively on businesses but also families, seniors and the community. There is no explanation as to why Liberty is demanding an extra 152.8 MILLION per year. How is this going to improve efficiency in order to lower our overall electric rates. Please let the record show that we are against this enormous price increase. |
| P202600112 | 7/21/2025 9:23 AM | I want to take a moment to speak on the proposed rate increase for Liberty Electric. Liberty is already higher than other utility companies in the area. It seems as though there is a lot of greed coming from this company. People are already having a hard enough time making ends meet and this 30% rate increase will negatively impact a lot of families. It will mean the difference in the elderly and/ or sick getting their medications, families being able to feed their children, or filling their gas tank so they can get to work. I urge you to think about that. If it were you or your loved ones not being able to get by you would strongly oppose this rate increase. Thank you. |
| P202600113 | 7/21/2025 9:46 AM | Good afternoon. I, along with others in my community, have received a letter stating that there are public hearings coming up to discuss the 30% rate increase for Liberty Electric. I want to take a moment to speak me peace on this matter since I will be unable to attend any of the hearings in person. Liberty is already higher than other utility companies in the area. It seems as though there is a lot of greed coming from this company. People are already having a hard enough time making ends meet and this 30% rate increase will negatively impact a lot of families. For a lot, it will mean the difference in the elderly and/ or sick getting their medications, families being able to feed their children, or filling their gas tank*See attached |
| P202600114 | 7/21/2025 9:50 AM | I would like to make comments regarding the Electric Rate Increase This is an ENORMOUS rate increase at one time.Raising 30% in one year for every year following is an exorbitant amount. This is an amount that will cause a tremendous amount of financial suffering for households. We sell farm products and are not able to demand a 30% increase in income from our sales every year. This increase will not only affect negatively on businesses but also families, seniors and the community. There is no explanation as to why Liberty is demanding an extra 152.8 MILLION per year. How is this going to improve efficiency in order to lower our overall electric rates. Please let the record show that we are against this enormous price increase. |
| P202600115 | 7/21/2025 11:10 AM | We received a notice that Liberty Electric is requesting a large increase in their electrical rates. Their proposal will increase our electric rates between 30 to 40 percent. This is one of the most ridiculously increases I have ever seen. This will cost the homeowners a great deal of money annually and destroy what we all have budgeted. We who are retired and on a Fixed Income, cannot afford a 30% to 40% increase in our electric bills and Liberty will go from being at a reasonable rate to a very expensive rate in the USA. *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202600116 | 7/21/2025 11:18 AM | I would like to be able to choose which electric company I use without having to move. Consumers have no choice but to pay for whatever rates are decided, and that's wrong. Not everyone will be able to do so, and we will all suffer if Liberty Electric is allowed to charge more. Liberty does not need to increase rates. Period. Find another way. Missourians need you, the Missouri Public Service Commission, to look out for them instead of big businesses. |
| P202600117 | 7/21/2025 11:26 AM | *Please see attached for comment |
| P202600118 | 7/21/2025 11:31 AM | We received a notice that Liberty Electric is requesting a large increase in their electrical rates. Their proposal will increase our electric rates between 30 to 40 percent. This is one of the most ridiculously increases I have ever seen. This will cost the homeowners a great deal of money annually and destroy what we all have budgeted. We who are retired and on a Fixed Income, cannot afford a 30% to 40% increase in our electric bills and Liberty will go from being at a reasonable rate to a very expensive rate in the USA. **See attached for full comments |
| P202600120 | 7/21/2025 12:05 PM | Don cannot attend any of the upcoming LPH's in Liberty's rate case but wanted to call PSC to file a comment into the case. He is opposed to the amount of an increase that Liberty is asking for in this case. He believes that the increase is way too much and out of line. He could understand and support a 3-8% increase, but not over 30% like Liberty is wanting. No business should be able to raise rates/prices over 30% over a year's time. He would like the PSC to not grant the increase and if one is granted to make it reasonable. People cannot afford an increase over 30% |
| P202600121 | 7/21/2025 12:22 PM | " I object to the 39%& 32% increase to our base electric rates. It is terribly unfair to those on fixed incomes" |
| P202600122 | 7/21/2025 1:25 PM | I am against an increase for electric. We have solar, keep track of electric usage, keep the house set to 78 during the summer, 68 during the winter, have all energy efficient appliances and still there are times when our electric bill has been higher than our half of the mortgage payment. My husband and I both work. He is full time and I am seasonal as most people are in this area. I am not sure what we would do during the winter again if they get this rate increase. It's bad enough we are paying for storm damage on our bills. We didn't even live here at the time. Now, you have let the customers be a blank check for them. The customers cannot afford this. |
| P202600125 | 7/21/2025 3:27 PM | I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed rate increase for Liberty. While I am sure there are far better arguments that will be made, I appeal to the basic thought that a 30% increase can be unconscionable for the majority of it customers. I do not get to leverage my employer for any such mandatory increase. While I oppose all mandatory increases I find this especially concerning. *Please see attached for full comment |
| P202600126 | 7/21/2025 3:38 PM | See attached. |
| P202600127 | 7/21/2025 3:51 PM | I absolutely do not agree with this increase. I have owned my home just a little more than a year. It is 868sqft. My electric bill continues to increase for no reason. I do the same things day in and day out. They continue to price gouge their customers because they can. We as the consumers do not have another utility company to change to. If I had a choice I would not have liberty. They guesstimate usage which is unbelievable that they can do that. I can not afford for my electric bill to constantly double every month and that's what seems to be happening. |
| P202600128 | 7/21/2025 4:09 PM | I am writing to express grave concern for the welfare of our community members in light of the recently proposed 29–39% increase in electric rates by Liberty Utilities. This substantial and abrupt rise poses a serious threat to the financial stability, health, and overall well-being of countless individuals and families in our area—particularly those already struggling to make ends meet. *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202600129 | 7/21/2025 4:44 PM | "People can barely afford their electricity bill right now; the idea of a 20% increase is going to end up laning more people in our shelter than helping people get out of poverty. |
| P202600130 | 7/21/2025 4:50 PM | As a condo owner (not rental property) in Branson, MO., this rate increase is completely unreasonable. There may be many corporations (companies that lease these types of property) that can pass this on to people who rent, but as an individual owner I cannot afford this. A 30% increase in a utility cannot be allowed. This will not only hurt the residents (local home owners) but also the local economy will suffer greatly due to this type of increase. The PSC of Mo. is also looking into increases for natural gas in my home town. WHEN WILL IT STOP? People can only afford so much, especially ones on structured or limited income. DO NOT allow this increase to take place. They are trying to have the customers bankroll their company. NO |
| P202600131 | 7/21/2025 5:05 PM | "Lisa owns the home which is a family property that she doesn't actually live in and is inhabited most of the time. The electric bill there typically runs higher there than the house she actually lives in. Her permanent residence is typically $100 in the winter but the bill for the vacant property is typically $200 even though no one is there during the winter; same thing for the summer. She does not understand how or why. She had the meter tested and Liberty claims the meter tested accurately. The house was completely rewired 7 years ago so that is not the issue. A rate increase like they're proposing would make it completely unaffordable." |
| P202600132 | 7/21/2025 6:09 PM | The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects an average 3% increase in residential energy costs nationwide in 2025. Even regionally, prices are only up 9%. Liberty’s proposed 30-40% rate hike is significantly higher than these increases, with no justification. 15.9% of the rate hike is meant to cover the fuel adjustment clause (FAC). However, the EIA reports that the cost of natural gas has only risen by an average of 1% since 2022. The remaining 84.1% is supposedly for grid improvements, for which they received a $43.5M federal grant in 2023. Have any independent audits verified the use of funds already appropriated or substantiated the need for additional funding? Please deny Liberty’s requested rate hike. |
| P202600133 | 7/21/2025 9:33 PM | How is an increase of our electric bill by 39% justified? I would be upset if it increased 3%, but 39%? That is completely unacceptable!! How can such a dramatic increase be justified? Everyone I know is already struggling to pay the high costs already in place and where on earth has such an increase happened before? If this is approved families will not be able to afford even the most basic of needs: electricity. Shame on whoever agrees to allow Liberty utilities to go through with this crime. |
| P202600134 | 7/22/2025 7:58 AM | I offer the following comments and questions concerning Liberty Electric Proposed rate increase. Case Code No. ER-2024-0261 If Liberty needs a 30% increase in rates how come they are penalizing the small consumer as compared to the larger consumer? For instance assume a home owner consumes 1500 KWH in a billing period ( using June 1 to December 1 rates) his energy cost will go from $218.64 to $297.13. This is a 35.9% increase. Why is Liberty placing a higher percentage of the proposed rate increase on the small consumer who is less likely to be able to deal with this increase? Shouldn’t all consumers share rate increases equally? These figures are based on information provided by Liberty for the Notice of *See attached for full comment |
| P202600135 | 7/22/2025 8:02 AM | I am writing to express grave concern for the welfare of our community members in light of the recently proposed 29–39% increase in electric rates by Liberty Utilities. This substantial and abrupt rise poses a serious threat to the financial stability, health, and overall well-being of countless individuals and families in our area—particularly those already struggling to make ends meet. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600136 | 7/22/2025 8:10 AM | Economic Security Corporation of SW Area operates the largest utility assistance program in Jasper, Newton, Barton and McDonald counties. Liberty’s bill and payment portal has not been functioning properly. Households weren’t receiving bills timely, if they received them at all, and they weren’t receiving disconnect notices during this transition period. Liberty was not sending out disconnect notices during this transition, therefore, customers did not receive assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). Now, these customers are getting their service disconnected because the ECIP isn’t enough to keep their service on. Liberty’s online portal is still not functioning properly. |
| P202600138 | 7/22/2025 8:35 AM | I’m writing as a Liberty Utilities customer in Joplin, Missouri to strongly oppose the proposed rate increase under the Time Choice Residential Rate Plan (TC-RG). The increase, which ranges from 29 percent to nearly 40 percent depending on usage, is excessive, unjustified, and disconnected from the financial reality most families are facing today. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600140 | 7/22/2025 8:43 AM | I am against the price increase that Liberty Utilities is proposing. Most of us cannot afford it. Will attending the virtual meeting have any impact on the decision that will be made or do we really not have a say in this at all? I try to keep my electric use to a minimum but the energy saving hours are when decent hard working people have to sleep because they work a 40 hour job. Please don't let them raise our bill. |
| P202600141 | 7/22/2025 8:47 AM | Now it's Case#2024-0261 but this is even more outrageous an increase! Please don't allow this! Please do not approve the general rate request as proposed. This increase will mean a substantial increase in our electric rates and for those not making median income level of area, this will cut into other basic needs - like food and fuel to get to work Not to mention those who have a set income like social security. I don't believe wages have gone up 4.93 /5.8% to begin to cover the cost of their proposed increases. This will hit us hard. Please have them go back and cut expenses. Thank you for your consideration. |
| P202600142 | 7/22/2025 8:52 AM | I am writing to express my outrage over Liberty Utilities’ proposed 40% electricity rate hike, a blatant overreach given their already above-average regional rates. This increase shows a callous disregard for Missourians, especially retirees on fixed incomes forced to choose between power and necessities like groceries. In winter, many elderly will keep homes dangerously cold to afford bills, risking preventable health crises and deaths. This proposal reflects poor long-term planning, as modest, steady increases could have avoided such a drastic burden. It also lacks justification for improved service or infrastructure, appearing solely profit-driven. Approving this hike would harm families, small businesses, and public . *See attached |
| P202600143 | 7/22/2025 8:55 AM | There needs to be better justification for the rate increase as well as other ways to keep costs low instead of passing those cost on to consumers. Most people in our area can not afford this rate increases. There should be other ways for a company to manage their revenue. |
| P202600144 | 7/22/2025 8:58 AM | We oppose the Liberty rate hike request. They are nickel and diming us to death! Why are we still paying a month cost for the 2021 Storm and Asbury Closure. It seems to me that Liberty already should have recoup their cost on the storm and closure. And, we have solar, when are they going to increase the amount they pay us for our power generation? We have maintained our system but Liberty has not increased what they pay us for what we deliver to them. |
| P202600145 | 7/22/2025 9:04 AM | As I am unable to attend a public hearing regarding Liberty Utilities egregious rate hike proposals, I wanted to voice my protest of the proposed increases. If you approve the requested rate increases, there are going to be many people angered over these ridiculous rate hikes. I believe this is especially true considering the turmoil Liberty is currently going through with Bolivar area customers. I get that cost and improvements increase over time; however, these appalling rate hike requests look more like greed than necessity. I wish my income was going up almost 40%. It is not and I suspect the vast majority of other electric customers’ income is not going up either. Please do not rubber stamp these rate increases. *See attached |
| P202600146 | 7/22/2025 9:10 AM | I'm writing today out of deep concern for the impact Liberty Utilities’ proposed 29–39% electric rate increase will have on the people in our community. This proposed steep jump puts real pressure on families who are already doing everything they can to get by. *See Attached for full comment |
| P202600147 | 7/22/2025 9:23 AM | I was recently made aware of Liberty’s proposed rate increase of 29-39% for residential customers. I think this has mostly flown under the radar. As you can imagine, this could be crippling to many of our working poor, low-income, seniors, or individuals with disabilities. I also find it hard as a single income home to keep up with these rising costs. Please reconsider this decision. |
| P202600148 | 7/22/2025 9:31 AM | We are writing to voice deep concern over Liberty Utilities’ proposed 29–39% increase in electric rates. This sharp and sudden hike threatens the financial stability, health, and overall well-being of countless individuals and families in our community, especially those who are struggling to make ends meet. At a time of continued economic uncertainty, rising housing costs and stationary wages, such a steep rate increase risks pushing vulnerable households into further crisis. Seniors on fixed incomes, families with low income and people with disabilities may be forced to choose between electricity and other basic needs like food, medication or transportation. *SEE ATTACHED FOR FULL COMMENT FROM JOPLIN HABITAT FOR HUMANITY |
| P202600150 | 7/22/2025 9:46 AM | Oppose Liberty's rate hike. This rate increase stems from faults within the for-profit monopoly economic model, documented mismanagement, including unreliable billing practices, and poor renewable energy investments as reported in the 2024 10K (see discontinued operations loss). We're paying for their mistakes, including the Asbury closure. Allowing choice, like switching to available cooperatives, would have saved us over three cents per kilowatt-hour in June alone. Choice forces more efficient management and cost controls via the “invisible hand” of competition. Reject this increase; demand accountability and affordable energy. |
| P202600151 | 7/22/2025 9:48 AM | I am the Executive Director of the Community Clinic of Southwest Missouri and I am very concerned about the ability of our low-income neighbors being able to afford such a steep hike as that is proposed. A significant portion of our community is the working poor who struggle to make ends meet. If they have such a steep increase in their electric bill, I worry that they will not be able to pay and will likely end up homeless, creating more of an issue in our community. *PLEASE SEE ATTACHED FOR FULL COMMENT |
| P202600152 | 7/22/2025 9:50 AM | The proposed rate hike is too much! I live on social security. I will either be eating less or not taking some of my meds if this increase is allowed to go through. Please don’t approve it! |
| P202600153 | 7/22/2025 9:54 AM | I am writing to you today as a deeply concerned Missouri resident and electricity consumer to strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed electric rate increase. This request for an additional $152.8 million annually isn't just a number; it translates to a crushing 30-40% hike for many residential customers, a burden that is profoundly disproportionate, unfair, and falls heaviest on the most vulnerable among us – particularly those who use the least electricity. *SEE Attached for full comment |
| P202600156 | 7/22/2025 10:10 AM | I am a government employee that makes minimum wage. With the proposed increase to my utility bill, I will have to work 2-5 hours more to be able to afford the same bill. Being a government employee, I do not receive a cost of living increase for things such as these. To be able to afford my current bill, I have to work 12 hours. I’m a mother with 2 young children, so the thought of spending more time away from them to support corporate greed makes me nauseated. I know I am just one person, but there are thousands of other mothers & government employees experiencing this same issue. I hope my message brings a small amount of understanding and compassion and this increase is not allowed. Thank you for your time and understanding. |
| P202600157 | 7/22/2025 10:13 AM | I am writing to express grave concern for the welfare of our community members in light of the recently proposed 29–39% increase in electric rates by Liberty Utilities. This substantial and abrupt rise poses a serious threat to the financial stability, health, and overall well-being of countless individuals and families in our area—particularly those already struggling to make ends meet. *SEE Attached for full comment. |
| P202600158 | 7/22/2025 10:19 AM | I am a Liberty Utilities customer and am writing in regard to case number ER-2024-0261 in which Liberty Utilities has made a request for a rate change. I would like to express my concern for a change like this while Liberty Utilities is currently under investigation by the Public Service Commision for billing and customer service practices. According to your own website, docket sheet OO-2025-0233 states that this situation is still open and ongoing. Until this situation is resolved, it seems ill-advised on the part of the commission to allow for a rate change. Liberty Utilities needs to be cleared of the allegations that they are improperly billing customers before they are allowed to make any adjustments to their rates. *SEE attached |
| P202600159 | 7/22/2025 10:24 AM | This rate increase would be devastating to my family of 6. Despite our brand new HVAC system, our monthly electric bills still average $375/month. Most times in the summer and winter months, we see $450-$550/month electric bills. 🤯 We currently live off of one income due to our 3 young children having disabilities, in addition to my own health complications. To add an additional 30% to our bill with be financially crippling. The average family in our area cannot sustain this, with utilities, rents and food at an all time high. The wages in our area aren't keeping up to support the inflation they're trying to introduce; especially with our local work force offering an average of $16-20 hour for skilled labor. *SEE ATTACHED |
| P202600160 | 7/22/2025 10:24 AM | Mary called wanting to file a comment into Liberty's rate case. She opposes the increase. It is corporate greed to ask for that much of an increase. No way a company should be allowed to increase rates by that much. If was a little of an increase, she could understand. She would like the PSC to not allow a large increase in rates. |
| P202600162 | 7/22/2025 10:45 AM | "A 39% rate increase is going to be impossible for people to afford. It's going to put people out of business. They shouldn't be getting any increases. We are already getting taxed on so many things that we don't get to vote on. I can't afford an $800 electric bill every month. I feel sorry for the elderly people." |
| P202600164 | 7/22/2025 11:32 AM | Due to work I am unable to attend any of the scheduled public hearings. I would like to be on record as saying that the increase of a $3 monthly charge to customers each month is not why I am filing this comment. It is the 30+% or so increase MONTHLY that is such an extreme burden. During an economic time such as we are currently in, with the price of EVERYTHING increasing such as groceries, insurance, utilities, car and home maintenance and repairs, this 30+% increase is absolutely setting us up to fail and be greatly burdened even more than we are now. At an extra $32-60+ cost for electricity monthly, we will not be able to afford medicene, insurance, food, upkeep on our homes and cars, etc. This is extreme! |
| P202600165 | 7/22/2025 11:34 AM | Seniors on a fixed income cannot afford an increase. COLA is only 2-4%. I run 1 light at a time, and run my air conditioning for only 1 hour per day and my bill is still high. This is impossible for senior citizens to do keep up with this utility bill. I am so conservative with my usage and still pay so much. It would be insane for a family. |
| P202600167 | 7/22/2025 11:46 AM | This is ridiculous. If this goes through, it will take all of my food money. This will leave me destitute. |
| P202600169 | 7/22/2025 11:54 AM | I understand rate cases and the need to adjust over time for additional costs etc. The amount being requested in this case is RIDICULOUS. The people of this area do not have the means to pay for the types of expansions and upgrades (SAP) the company is doing. The amount of the request here is shocking. As a customer I received the mandated notice sent by Liberty stating the corrected notice of public hearings. Not able to attend, there was a link included in the letter stating how to submit comments electronically. The link was incorrect (I am assuming accidentally). Combine the billing issues along with the amount of increase. Something is very wrong here. |
| P202600170 | 7/22/2025 11:59 AM | I strongly oppose this rate increase. I am low income and cannot afford an increase. I do not have AC and only run a fan in my home and I am still paying high bills. I don't agree with this increase. |
| P202600172 | 7/22/2025 12:09 PM | Many of us are bemused and appalled with the justification for a 30% or higher electric rate increase in Southwest Missouri. Liberty Electric's proposed rate hikes are ludicrous. Like many folks around here, my wife and I are on a relatively fixed income and can't afford this kind of budget shock. I am asking that our public office representatives do their assigned function and deny this predatory rate hike. A moderate and reasonable increase might be justified more like 5%. Likewise, Liberty Execs and large LBRT shareholders don't need bigger bonuses. |
| P202600173 | 7/22/2025 12:12 PM | Hello, my name is Leann and I’m writing to oppose Liberty’s rate increase request. Liberty cannot bill accurately at its current rate and I cannot afford a 40% increase in my bill. I’m single and live alone so I use very little electricity putting me in the highest increase category. It is my opinion Liberty’s increase should be directly tied to inflation as determined by the federal government and not whatever they feel like they can get away with. A utility company should not be for profit let alone robbing customers, who have no other choice, blind. Not only is this morally apprehensible but I also believe they will have to spend more to collect on outstanding accounts since people cannot afford to pay this increase. This isn't right. |
| P202600174 | 7/22/2025 12:57 PM | "I think it's very unfair that the customer's pair for Algonquins mistakes. We strongly suggest that the PSC vote this increase down." |
| P202600177 | 7/22/2025 3:31 PM | *See Attached |
| P202600180 | 7/22/2025 4:45 PM | See letter attached |
| P202600181 | 7/22/2025 4:47 PM | I strongly oppose this rate increase. Families in Missouri are already struggling to make ends meet....and have been for a while. This will ruin many families, and make it difficult for the rest. Not only will this increase be bad for people, it will be real bad for businesses and the economy. Please do not approve this increase. |
| P202600182 | 7/22/2025 4:50 PM | I strongly oppose this rate increase. People on a fixed income cannot absorb this increase. |
| P202600183 | 7/22/2025 4:58 PM | I oppose this rate increase. |
| P202600185 | 7/23/2025 5:38 AM | I oppose a rate increase of this size. The customers in this area incomes are far below the national average and Liberty Utilities are the highest in this state. There's a braking point. Liberty needs to recognize this and so does its stock holders. As a critical resource, its profitability should not be its driving force. It it does, then the customers will suffer. (All of us). Help stop this! |
| P202600186 | 7/23/2025 8:02 AM | I write to you not just as a concerned citizen, but as a frustrated, tired, and frankly disillusioned resident of Missouri. Liberty Utilities is once again proposing yet another rate increase—and I have to ask: when is enough going to be enough? Missourians are already burdened by some of the highest energy costs in the region, and yet our neighbors just across the state line in Kansas—under the same utility regime—consistently pay less. How is this acceptable? Why is there no accountability? Why are Missouri families being squeezed for more while receiving no substantial improvements in service or infrastructure? *SEE ATTACHED FOR FULL COMMENT |
| P202600187 | 7/23/2025 8:07 AM | ER-2024-0261 request for $152.8 million. This large request raises several questions. 1) What happened to the $47.5 million from GRIP program granted to Liberty by DOE? The same stated purpose 2) An additional $152.8 million is an outrageous request. Actual increases per Liberty spreadsheet are 30-40%. 3) How are people on a fixed income supposed to come up with an additional $50-60/month for electric service? 4) Perhaps a surcharge for data mining operations, cannabis cultivation, 'big-box' stores which are heavy users of the system? 5) If AR or OK say no do MO residents subsidize this request? 6) Why do we have our own Nixa Electric if we are paying Liberty? 7) Can we see their balance sheet, executive comp? Cap Ex? We oppose! |
| P202600188 | 7/23/2025 8:11 AM | White Water Co. just recently had an increase as well but nothing compared to what Liberty is requesting. This high of an increase will make people go under. This could be mismanagement of money if they're needing this much of an increase on the consumers at once. |
| P202600189 | 7/23/2025 8:19 AM | I wanted to add my comments to the proposed liberty power rate increases. Please as commissioners look closely at the rate increase. We have been playing inflated prices and now they want another 30% increase. Please do your due diligence in researching this. We have no other recourse, once this is approved we will pay it forever. |
| P202600191 | 7/22/2025 | The customer called to report receiving a disconnect notice despite having paid her light bill. Her bank confirmed that the payment had been processed, but the utility stated they hadn’t received it for 14 days, likely due to mail delays. She may be subject to a reconnect fee. She requested that the Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) be made aware of the situation. |
| P202600194 | 7/22/2025 | The customer expressed concern about a perceived unfair billing practice—stating that if usage exceeds a certain threshold, a 40% charge is applied. He argued that customers should only be charged based on actual usage. |
| P202600196 | 7/23/2025 8:48 AM | As a Customer and a Realtor in Willard MO, I want to make it known that I oppose the proposed rate increases. The proposed rate increases are too high; much too high. Most people are living hand to mouth, unable to save money or get ahead due to high interest rates and inflation over an extended period of time and combined with the huge recent increase in cost of insurance, many working people cannot afford to pay the proposed higher rates. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600197 | 7/22/2025 | The customer expressed concern over utility crews performing routine services—such as replacing longstanding leaning poles—during evenings and weekends, resulting in double time-and-a-half pay. He suggested that these timing choices may be financially motivated and contribute to unnecessary expenditures. The customer believes this represents wasteful spending and requested that the matter be looked into. |
| P202600198 | 7/23/2025 8:49 AM | Missouri Public Service Commission and Office of the Public Counsel, I’m writing to strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate hike. Their rates are already higher than average, and any increase would hit working Missourians hard—especially at a time when inflation and rising prices are already squeezing the middle class. I ask the Commission to reject this proposal. We need transparency, cost-cutting alternatives, and real consideration for the people who rely on this service. Missouri families deserve fair, affordable utilities—not more financial pressure. Thank you Brandon Wages |
| P202600200 | 7/23/2025 8:57 AM | I'm opposing the increase in rates that Liberty Utilities is proposing. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600202 | 7/22/2025 | The customer reported that $515 was withdrawn from her bank account to cover charges accrued in February 2024. She stated she had not been billed for the prior three months and did not authorize the withdrawal. While I offered to submit an informal complaint, she declined, saying she only wanted to make the issue known. |
| P202600203 | 7/23/2025 9:23 AM | The customer expressed deep concern over the affordability of recent utility costs, describing the situation as outrageous and feeling like a “no win” scenario. She specifically worried about the impact on senior citizens and urged decision-makers to take a long, hard look at the broader consequences. |
| P202600205 | 7/22/2025 | The customer voiced concern about rising costs, emphasizing that many people are on fixed incomes—he himself relies on Social Security. He described the charges as astronomical and unreasonable, and suggested that increases should be calculated more modestly, at around 3%, 4%, or 5%. |
| P202600207 | 7/22/2025 | The customer expressed disagreement with Liberty’s actions, citing its parent company, Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., which sold off its wind and solar operations in January 2025 at a reported loss of over $1 billion. The customer noted that Algonquin still issued an $0.08 dividend to investors and believes this revenue came at the expense of consumers. They raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, questioning the pursuit of a renewable energy program that appears to be financially unsustainable. |
| P202600208 | 7/23/2025 9:53 AM | How can Mo public service commission, even consider giving a big corporation a raise, when they can't even run a company correctly, and they haven't even resolved Bolivar's citizens billing issues,,, no matter what -Liberty Utilities is Bolivar's only choice for electrical service, but I don't think they should get any type of rates increase, table this issue, until they can resolve all their current issues, thank you |
| P202600209 | 7/22/2025 | The customer voiced strong opposition to the proposed changes, stating it’s “overdone” and involves “too much money.” They questioned how retirees and young people could afford the costs and said they would vote against it. |
| P202600212 | 7/23/2025 11:13 AM | I am very displeased that a Canadian company has this much power over the financials of Missourians. |
| P202600213 | 7/23/2025 11:15 AM | I believe most citizens want the electric service in Southwest Missouri to be available, efficient and to meet the needs currently and in the future. However, in my opinion Liberty is not a good electric service provider for SW Mo. They have a history of errors in their equipment, in their billing and provide less than good service. *Please see attached for full comment. |
| P202600214 | 7/23/2025 11:32 AM | I strongly oppose this rate increase. Liberty is just trying to pass on the cost of the failures of their parent company, Algonquin. |
| P202600215 | 7/23/2025 11:34 AM | "We are against this extreme increase in price for Liberty's service." |
| P202600216 | 7/23/2025 11:41 AM | Objection to the rate increase. It is not fair to put the loss of millions of dollars by their parent company, Algonquin, onto the backs of SW Missourians by increasing the rates. |
| P202600217 | 7/23/2025 11:43 AM | We were unable to attend any town hall meetings concerning Liberty but I would like to add a comment. Our electric bill has been significantly higher for over a year now. We keep our thermostat at 78° in the summer, 68° in the winter, we rarely use any heat or AC in the spring and fall and our furnace and water heater run on propane. We are very concerned about Liberty raising rates as we have been charged an additional $100+ per month in the last year as compared to prior years. Ironically, our last two months electric bills have been much lower since the town hall meetings have begun. Thank you for looking into this issue, everyone we know has been bothered by Liberty’s high prices. |
| P202600218 | 7/23/2025 11:43 AM | "I live in Branson, MO and most of us here are retired. No one gets more than 2-2.5% pay for social security and an increase of this amount will put most of us in crisis mode. I feel that the Co. is being very greedy and do not need this amount. |
| P202600219 | 7/22/2025 | The customer called to report an unusually high March electric bill totaling over $600—higher than any previous charges she’s experienced. She visited the office to seek assistance but stated that her concerns were not resolved. She also expressed frustration that her bill is significantly higher than what others in her area are paying. |
| P202600222 | 7/23/2025 12:12 PM | "We've done research and found that Liberty made some bad investment mistakes and are now wanting us to pay for that. We oppose any increase." |
| P202600225 | 7/23/2025 1:29 PM | Mr. Harms is opposed to any increase in rates by Liberty Electric: "It's not our responsibility to clean of the mismanagement of your finances. Please consider the young people and those who are on fixed incomes who absolutely cannot afford this proposed increase in electric rates. |
| P202600226 | 7/23/2025 1:34 PM | We are writing due to the Liberty rate hike. This is an incredibly high amount. We only got the letter Saturday to inform us there was a meeting on this Monday July 20, 2025. Then when we read the letter we was in shock. Ous would increase almost 33% this is crazy. And the the people / business we assume who use more KWH their rates are lower? Is this fair to the seniors or low income families who are already struggling. Right now is not the time for this large increase in rate hikes. We could understand if it was 2-5% increase straight across the board for everyone. *Please see attached for full comment |
| P202600227 | 7/23/2025 2:08 PM | The customer called to express opposition to the recent electric rate increase request. |
| P202600228 | 7/23/2025 2:11 PM | I oppose this rate increase. |
| P202600229 | 7/23/2025 2:18 PM | I oppose this rate increase. The mismanagement of funds by Liberty should not be passed onto the seniors and young families of Missouri. |
| P202600231 | 7/23/2025 2:25 PM | Everyone is being affected by this economy. Liberty should operate within their budgetary means. Those people on a fixed income cannot afford to absorb this. |
| P202600233 | 7/23/2025 3:21 PM | See attached. |
| P202600234 | 7/23/2025 3:34 PM | I object to this rate increase that is being asked for because Algonquin, the parent company, made bad investments and lost millions of dollars. |
| P202600236 | 7/23/2025 4:16 PM | Empire District Electric Company changed systems this past winter. Customers did not receive disconnect notices and therefore, could not receive assistance from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program’s Energy Crisis Intervention Program funds. These households missed out on as much as $800 this past winter in crisis funds. These households now have large bills that our Summer Energy Crisis Intervention Program funds cannot cover because the maximum summer assistance is $300. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600237 | 7/23/2025 4:22 PM | The customer called expressing concern about the fairness of the recent rate increase. She stated that she uses minimal electricity and is retired on a fixed income, emphasizing that a 40% increase is a significant burden for her situation. |
| P202600239 | 7/23/2025 5:13 PM | "We are opposed to the rate increase." |
| P202600241 | 7/23/2025 6:34 PM | I find it hard to understand why those who conserve power pay more for using less. As per Liberty's proposed rate increase our cost for 500 Kwh will be $112.10. This is $ .2242 per Kwh. Those using 1500 Kwh would pay $.1852 per Kwh. I do not understand why the poorest and/or most conservation minded customers should pay a higher rate for using less power. In my opinion those who use less should pay less for it, not more. This would incentivize customers to conserve power and help more of those who can least afford outrageous 40% price hikes. Thank you for your time and consideration. |
| P202600242 | 7/23/2025 8:12 PM | The proposed rate increase and the PSC's recommended rate increase are way beyond what many households can afford, including mine. A 5 percent increase might be reasonable. A 7.5-10 percent increase would be a strain. While trying to mitigate poor management and improve the bottom line, the unintended consequences of a higher rate increase (small business closures, drastic measures and horrible choices by low-income households, etc.) will likely negate the need for any infrastructure expansion and put in jeopardy any repairs. Best to make sure utilities users can still afford electricity services offered rather than put future earnings at greater risk. Please keep the rate increase low (optimally 5 percent or less). Also-no AI plans please! |
| P202600243 | 7/24/2025 8:11 AM | I was unable to go to one of the Liberty hearings since the closest one was 25 miles away. I understand the cost on everything has gone up in the past few years. I am not opposed to rate hikes. I am opposed to this rate hike. I believe it is excessive. People’s budgets, including mine, have been stretched as far as they can go. This will create a hardship for many people. I know Spire is also asking for a 15% increase. That is more reasonable. Changing the minimum rate from $80 to $112 is ridiculous. I don’t even know what Liberty’s $13 “customer charge” is. Utilities have a monopoly. A modest 15%- even 20% hike would be understandable, but this is taking advantage of the monopoly that they have. Liberty rates are already*See attached |
| P202600244 | 7/24/2025 8:14 AM | Thank you for taking the time to read this and so many other comments. I am writing to voice my grave concerns regarding a rate increase from Liberty Utilities on an already overtaxed and struggling community. When your citizens can barely afford to pay rent, buy a home, have savings or any sort of financial security to live beyond just surviving, how can you ask them to pay more money to a foreign company that is charging your citizens into the grave? I implore you to look at their profit margins, they are outstanding. While the shareholders of Liberty Utilities plan their vacations and private flights, many citizens of Taney county are living paycheck to paycheck. This is wrong. Please put your constituents first, and tell Liberty NO! |
| P202600246 | 7/24/2025 9:30 AM | I don't approve of Liberty raising our rates. They are asking due to their company losing millions of dollars. |
| P202600248 | 7/24/2025 9:52 AM | I recently received in the mail a letter trying to explain the current rate increase that liberty is applying for. The management at liberty say this is an increase of about 48.00 dollars a month for a home using 1000 kw. Many homes in rural areas are total electric. In the branson service area the electric load there in the winter is the same as the town of Joplin which has more customers and more commercial load. My point being that these total electric homes normally use 2000 to 3000 kilowatts in the winter months. These customers will see there bills go up around 145.00 dollars a month. These customers could see 400 too 500-dollar electric bills each month of the winter heating season. *See attached for full comment |
| P202600250 | 7/24/2025 10:04 AM | I am a mom of 4, I work two jobs and I am already struggling to raise my family and pay my bills. My electric this month was $412 when I havent done anything more then what I usually do. My bill normally runs around $175.00 another electricity increase will literally make me and my family become homeless. We can not keep up with the increase or food, and other bills. Im already struggling to pay everyday essentials with two incomes. I can not have another increase. We should have have to work two-three jobs just to pay for the basic bills we need to live. Electric, water, gas, rent. Please think about what this increase will do to low income families like mine. Thays already struggling to survive. Thank you |
| P202600251 | 7/24/2025 10:10 AM | This rate increase is a travesty that should never even be considered. The PSC must deny this increase to protect the financial well-being of the customers that are already struggling with inflation and other rising costs that they cannot afford. (See attached PDF) |
| P202600254 | 7/24/2025 10:42 AM | Citizens who rely on a utility should not be forced to pay for that utility's poor business decisions, namely the demolition of a working power plant. This plant at Asbury was replaced with a wind farm that does not produce enough power, forcing Liberty to buy power from other suppliers. |
| P202600255 | 7/24/2025 10:45 AM | See attached |
| P202600256 | 7/24/2025 10:52 AM | I’m writing to strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate hike. Their rates are already higher than average, and any increase would hit working Missourians hard—especially at a time when inflation and rising prices are already squeezing the middle class. I ask the Commission to reject this proposal. We need transparency, cost-cutting alternatives, and real consideration for the people who rely on this service. Missouri families deserve fair, affordable utilities—not more financial pressure. |
| P202600257 | 7/24/2025 10:55 AM | See attached |
| P202600258 | 7/24/2025 10:59 AM | I am writing to express my strong frustration and disappointment regarding the recent notice announcing a proposed 30% increase in electric rates. ** See attached for full comments. |
| P202600259 | 7/24/2025 11:00 AM | Notwithstanding the Liberty's inability to properly bill & provide customer service, my comment related to their substantial rate hike request is this: We have invested in solar panels at our residence to offset continuing rate hikes. When we generate excess solar power in a given month - we receive a credit per KwH at the WHOLESALE rate which was $.033 in May 2025 - which was 30+ percent below that rate of $.0493 in May 2024. Can the PSC consider ordering Liberty to provide credits for excess residential solar generated at the RETAIL KwH rate? Liberty talks about earning a fair return on their investment - can the PSC protect customers for our investments & contribution for lowering system-wide power demands? |
| P202600260 | 7/24/2025 11:01 AM | A rate hike of 30% on our electric bill is absolutely ridiculous. Why did I even get solar panels!? **See attached for full comments. |
| P202600262 | 7/24/2025 11:20 AM | "I am a 79 year old widow on a fixed income. I do not agree with the amount of this increase. I do understand some increases have to happen from time to time but such a large increase is devastating. Everything has gone up. This might force us to give up our homes." |
| P202600264 | 7/24/2025 11:24 AM | "I cannot afford an increase. This is not good. Please do not increase my electric." |
| P202600265 | 7/24/2025 11:26 AM | "I am living on a fixed income. I cannot afford this 30% increase. Liberty needs to cut back on expenses rather than raising rates." |
| P202600266 | 7/24/2025 11:28 AM | " I am a single parent. I can't afford groceries as it is on top of car payment, rent, utilities, etc. This increase would be horrible." |
| P202600267 | 7/24/2025 11:35 AM | "I don't think they need a raise. They're not operating economically. They're billing is messed up. It seems like everyone is raising rates. This big company came and took over. The past company was more efficient and cheaper. Liberty is charging us for all these other fees. People on social security don't know what to do. Our bills are more than our social security. Are they going to do something to help those on social security? I have had to cash in some savings bonds just to pay bills. I hope the commission will cut it back a whole lot!" |
| P202600269 | 7/24/2025 11:47 AM | frustration. (see atttached PDF) |
| P202600270 | 7/24/2025 11:48 AM | This is not I t acceptable. That is too much of an increase for us. All of our bills are going up. Please to do this rapid of an increase. |
| P202600271 | 7/24/2025 11:55 AM | See attached letter |
| P202600272 | 7/24/2025 12:02 PM | "I am 69 years old, disabled and on social security. I am unable to work. I used to work 3 jobs just to make ends meet. I am not a slacker. I cannot afford a 40% increase. My thermostat is already set at 79 degrees. My social security isn't going to increase. It's a job to take care of groceries, doctor appointments, etc. I have never seen a utility request this much. They are taking unfair advantage. This is going to take people that are on the edge of poverty and they are going to fall in the cracks. This is just corporate greed. We haven't lost the capacity to create power, There's wind and solar. I cannot afford this increase. please say no." |
| P202600274 | 7/24/2025 12:31 PM | The customer stated that he is retired and his income falls short of covering a 30% increase in costs. He feels trapped with no alternative utility provider and expressed frustration, saying the company has him “over barreling.” |
| P202600275 | 7/24/2025 2:03 PM | I tried to download that pdf to no avail. Apparently it is not there. I am strongly objecting to this outrageous increase in Liberty's billing. They grossly overcharged us this past 2 winters and last summer for sure. A 10% increase could be understandable, but 30 - 40% is ridiculous. I hope that writing to you about this matter will be passed on through the proper channels. There are so many people here who can barely make ends meet the way it is. Thank you for listening. If I must take another route, please let me know. |
| P202600279 | 7/24/2025 2:46 PM | My wife and I are retired and we moved here from WV. My dad was in the WV Legislature and I am familiar with a companies request for rate hikes with the PSC. My dad would always state that the utility company would should a large rate hike and settle for less. I will have to state, based on retired fix incomes, that the suggested rate hike is beyond comprehension and almost any, due to the economy, will be detrimental to every citizen in Missouri. I hope the PSC, if they determine to allow a rate hike, will make it in the single digits. Thank you for your time and consideration. |
| P202600281 | 7/24/2025 3:42 PM | See attached |
| P202600283 | 7/24/2025 3:44 PM | See attached |
| P202600285 | 7/24/2025 4:14 PM | I am writing to state my comment about Liberty Utilities’ recent proposed rate increase. The proposed increase is absolutely preposterous. To increase rate revenue by 30% per year is to commit robbery. Our families are trying to survive in these uneasy times, and you are gouging. It is unfair and unjust, and you should be ashamed of yourselves. To raise a customer’s rate $30-$60+ a month is outrageous! Families need to be given rate breaks rather than increases, and your CEOs need to be given pay-cuts rather than raises. Whoever came up with this idea needs to know that it’s affecting real people and real families in a very real way. We are not just numbers on your spreadsheet. The fine print and legal “house of mirrors" *See attached |
| P202600286 | 7/24/2025 4:16 PM | Is there no end to the rape of the American people by public utilities? Our local, state, and federal government are knee deep in the process of robbing hard working Americans by not regulating what these utilities are doing to the working families of this country. STOP this craziness! |
| P202600287 | 7/24/2025 4:21 PM | Amazing that my son lives 2 blocks from me and has a lower rate per kwh. When liberty took over our other electric company my rates jumped. They are already charging higher than any other electric company in the area. My bill this month 350 dollars. Next month I am sure it will be well over 400. I wanted to make a public meeting but presently am helping take care of two newborn babies. My grandchildren. Please do not give in to their request, they are already charging more than other electric companies. I have heard this many times from others. if I sell and buy again I will make sure Liberty is not the provider. I feel the same. This probably won't do a bit of good but I am hoping there are some people at the top who can make a difference. |
| P202600288 | 7/24/2025 4:25 PM | We went to the public meeting yesterday in Branson. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. No matter what the question was to them, all the representative would say is that the company has a computer program that calculates what and when an increase should be to the customers. My husband, an engineer for 3M, who has handled all kinds of budget evaluation and cost analysis was discouraged by the lack of transparency and avoidance of any evidence of need/responsibility on their part. It’s a know fact the company has billing errors and disparity of customer charges throughout areas of their entire service area district. *see attached for full comment |
| P202600289 | 7/24/2025 4:52 PM | Liberty is wanting to raise the electric 30 percent. They already doubled my water bill. They need to be rained in. People can't afford this anymore. |
| P202600290 | 7/24/2025 4:55 PM | In regard to Liberty's request for a rate increase, I feel strongly that they should be required to get their house in order before requesting a rate increase of any kind. Once they can show that their billing and usage reports are accurate, then and only then, should their rate request be considered by the Commission. |
| P202600292 | 7/25/2025 7:48 AM | As a resident of Bolivar, the ever increasing rates from Liberty Utilities is quite a concern. I (along with many people in my community) live check to check. This proposed raise is completely unreasonable. I understand increasing costs & maintenance, but this is a substantial and burdensome raise. I would like to protest officially in writing and share my concern for myself, as well as residents in this community. There is also much concern over the irregularities in billing and charges many residents have dealt with. There seems to be issues with billing, and to trust this company with an even higher bill is extremely troubling. I am very scared and concerned for myself and anyone, frankly, that is held captive by our only utility option. |
| P202600294 | 7/25/2025 7:54 AM | I’m writing to voice my outrage over Liberty Utilities’ proposed 40% electricity rate hike, a move that’s utterly indefensible given their already exorbitant rates. This increase shows a blatant disregard for Missourians, especially retirees scraping by on fixed incomes who’ll be forced to choose between power and basic needs like food or medicine. Come winter, many elderly will shiver in freezing homes, facing serious health risks, all because Liberty prioritizes profits over people. This drastic hike reeks of reckless planning—smaller, steady increases could’ve spared Missourians this crushing blow. Where’s the evidence of better service or infrastructure to justify it? It looks like nothing but a cash grab. Approving *See attached |
| P202600302 | 7/25/2025 11:45 AM | Link provided by Liberty for commenting was INVALID -As a business owner & residential customer of Liberty Utilities I am OPPOSED to ANY rate increase proposed by Liberty Utilities. Stockton Dam where we get our generated power was built by our tax dollars, Liberty Utilities was granted rights to sell power from a project it did not fund or invest in but was funded by the utility customers it seeks to further take advantage of. A rate increase by Liberty Utilities is an unjust and greedy act set to further cushion the already great profit margin Liberty Utilities rakes in annually, taking advantage of customers who have no other option for a utility provider. |
| P202600306 | 7/25/2025 2:30 PM | I have a dwelling in Cedar County, MO and have been familiar with it for decades. I, as well as most of the residence live on fixed our low incomes and can ill afford a 30% increase our electric bills. The profit margin that they are requesting is far above the healthcare industry I worked in most of my life. 3-4% profit would be excellent these days. It was noted that the PCS already agrees a large increase in profit margin is in order. Curently, we pay $ 0.139/Kwh in the winter and $0.1746 in the summer. The proposed increase will be $0.224/ Kwh. With most purchases we have a choice of vendors, price, quality. Not so with our electric company. Thank you for your consideration. |
| P202600307 | 7/25/2025 2:43 PM | This increase would be devasting to my personal economy. I use energy very conservatively. Investor profits should not come at the expense of the elderly and other Missourians. This increase could make me lose my utilities which in turn would make me lose my home per rental agreements. |
| P202600310 | 7/25/2025 10:05 PM | "Dear Public Utilities Commission, I am writing to express my concern regarding the proposed rate hike by the electric company. This increase, coupled with the utility's historical pattern of adding opaque line-item charges, raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness. Consumers in our area are already paying above-average rates, and the company's monopoly further limits consumer choice. I urge the Commission to consider the undue burden these hikes place on consumers and to advocate for more equitable and transparent billing practices. It's imperative to hold the utility accountable and ensure that any rate adjustments are genuinely justified and not the result of mismanagement or unnecessary profiteering. |
| P202600311 | 7/25/2025 | The customer is an elderly individual living on Social Security, with a fixed income. She expressed distress over the recent utility rate increases, stating she cannot afford such a significant jump in monthly charges. |
| P202600313 | 7/28/2025 7:43 AM | I am opposed to the outrageous rate hikes Liberty is proposing!!! Rate hikes up to 39.45% are ridiculous! Increasing “customer fee” by $3 is an additional 25% increase. Add that to the nearly $100 increase from SB 4 & we will be paying twice as much for same usage. I wish I could get a more than 100% pay increase! Hopefully MPSC will not advocate for these increases. |
| P202600314 | 7/28/2025 7:44 AM | TO WHO IT MAY CONCERN: I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600315 | 7/28/2025 7:45 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. My electric bill is already more than my mortgage payment and I have a brand new energy efficient heating and cooling system. Thought of not being able to afford basic electricity is a scary thought. |
| P202600316 | 7/28/2025 7:46 AM | Re: Liberty Electric Massive Rate Hike I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford mortgage, property taxes, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. This is price gouging and would put our state at the highest level of energy in the country. This is unacceptable. |
| P202600317 | 7/28/2025 7:47 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. Thank you |
| P202600318 | 7/28/2025 7:55 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, our businesses, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600319 | 7/28/2025 7:56 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase.” |
| P202600320 | 7/28/2025 7:57 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities' proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford groceries and gas. Liberty's executives shouldn't profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600321 | 7/28/2025 7:58 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600322 | 7/28/2025 8:00 AM | Dear Commissioners, I am writing as a southwest Missouri (Joplin) ratepayer to urge you to deny Liberty Utilities’ proposed $153 million rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). This request would raise residential electric bills by 30% or more—adding roughly $31.71 each month for a 500 kWh household and over $1,200 per year at higher usage levels. These increases come at a time when families are already struggling with rent, groceries, property taxes, and rising gas prices. (See attached PDF) |
| P202600323 | 7/28/2025 8:01 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, utilities and gas as it is. Canadian owned Liberty and it's executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. It is Liberty's responsibility to update their infrastructure. I do not ask anyone to compensate me for changing my cars oil or putting new tires on my vehicle, or mowing my yard. Deny this increase! |
| P202600324 | 7/28/2025 8:02 AM | Do not rase rates! I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600325 | 7/28/2025 8:02 AM | I strongly oppose the Liberty rate increase. This increase will devastate my family along with so many other families. Please deny this increase. |
| P202600326 | 7/28/2025 8:03 AM | Good evening, I strongly oppose liberty utilities' proposed rate increase (case No. ER-2024-0261) it will devastate my family, my community, and so many businesses in the area! We are already struggling to afford our mortgage, I surance, groceries, and property taxes. Liberty's executives shouldn't profit while Missourians suffer. PLEASE DENY THIS INCREASE 100%!! INFLATION IS KILLING THE AMERICAN DREAM! PLEASE PUT A STOP TO THIS!! Thank you! |
| P202600327 | 7/28/2025 8:06 AM | I am writing to express that strongly oppose Liberty Utilities' proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). We originally heard from liberty that we were looking at a 20% increase. Now we are finding out that the increase is actually going to be a 34% increase. This is unsustainable. I fully understand that liberty has to make money, but this is out of control. Liberty’s repeated mistakes continue to get passed on to their customers, it’s time for Liberty to be held accountable for their mistakes, not the customers that have no options other than liberty utility for their utility needs. I urge you to deny this increased! For the sake of the community, we cannot continue down this road. |
| P202600328 | 7/28/2025 8:08 AM | I first want to say... I PRAY that someone from the Missouri Public Service Commission reads this email in its entirety. Inflation is killing the American dream. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600329 | 7/28/2025 8:10 AM | I oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. Liberty made the decision to shut down the newly upgraded Asbury Power Plant, which was modernized under the Obama-era “clean coal” program — costing taxpayers and ratepayers hundreds of millions. Now, with no competition and no alternative provider, Liberty wants us to cover the cost of their bad decisions. (See attached PDF) |
| P202600330 | 7/28/2025 8:11 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). We have endured rate increases with no end in sight year after year. This company has a complete monopoly over electric power in Joplin. The PSC is the only thing standing between the people of Joplin and a company whose bad policies and decisions are being paid for by the same people they hold their monopoly over. Any company who makes these horrible decisions, then sends customers the bill would be out of business in any other scenario. We have no other options. We rely on you and good sense to stop Liberty from taking advantage of good, hard-working people. At some point, this has to stop. |
| P202600331 | 7/28/2025 8:12 AM | I am sending this email to issue a formal request to not go along with the Liberty Electricity rate hike. I moved with my family from California two years ago to get away from high energy costs. What’s Liberty is doing is criminal and I request a formal investigation to be conducted for price gouging. This price hike by Liberty will cause devastating consequences for my family financially. If this passes you will loose businesses and citizens in Joplin and the surrounding areas. |
| P202600332 | 7/28/2025 8:13 AM | I strongly oppose this rate increase that Liberty is asking for. It will devastate our family, our community and the businesses of our community. We are already struggling to pay for rent, groceries and gas. Liberty executives should not profit from Southwest Missourians suffering. Deny this increase. |
| P202600333 | 7/28/2025 8:13 AM | Dear Commissioners, I am writing as a concerned resident of southwest Missouri to voice my strong opposition to Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase under Case No. ER-2024-0261. This increase would place an unfair burden on working families, small businesses, and retirees in our region. We are already facing rising costs for rent, food, fuel, and basic necessities. A rate hike of this magnitude—especially at a time when corporate profits continue to climb—feels both unjust and unsustainable. Liberty Utilities should not be allowed to profit at the expense of the well-being of the very communities they serve. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600334 | 7/28/2025 8:15 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities proposed rate increase (Case no ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries and gas. Liberties executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missouri residents suffer. We should not be paying for their bad decisions, nor should this legal monopoly even exist! Deny this increase! |
| P202600335 | 7/28/2025 8:15 AM | This email is regarding Liberty Utilities rate increases. I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities' proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate families, businesses , and my community. We are already struggling to afford bills, groceries, and gas. Liberty's executives shouldn't profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600336 | 7/28/2025 8:16 AM | To whole it may concern I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600337 | 7/28/2025 8:17 AM | Case No.: ER-2024-0261 I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600338 | 7/28/2025 8:18 AM | Please do not let them increase our bills 30% . This absolutely will create undue hardships on every single person i know. Their irresponsibility is not by fault or any other customers. |
| P202600339 | 7/28/2025 8:19 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer We are on a fixed income. Our bill could go up as much as $40 per month, which we really cannot afford. We get poor service, bills that are estimated instead of reading the meters and are not correct, while wanting us to pay more. Please stop this. |
| P202600340 | 7/28/2025 8:19 AM | “I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase.” As someone who has experienced alot of unplanned medical bills every few years paying about $4200 ever other year is killing me financially along with your already high rates. And the dumb idea to tear down the Asbury plant that just received millions in upgrades is completely stupid on your part |
| P202600342 | 7/28/2025 8:22 AM | I was not able to make it to the hearings that went on this past week and thought I would at least put my two cents in. We as Americans have built this backbone on helping each other, but in the last decades, things have not gone that way at all. Everything is nickel and dime the consumer for everything that they are worth, even if it is not needed. Liberty is no exception to this rule. The question for you - the commission and anyone else, when is enough enough?? We as consumers already pay extremely high rates with Liberty and my bills are breaking my bank. I can barely afford my electricity as it is and now you want to steal even more money from me. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600343 | 7/28/2025 8:23 AM | Please oppose Liberty Ultilities rate hike request case no. ER-2024-0261. We have no alternative choice for our electricity and must pay what they bill us. I was very disappointed when Empire sold out to Liberty and is no longer local to us anymore. |
| P202600344 | 7/28/2025 8:23 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase.” |
| P202600345 | 7/28/2025 8:25 AM | My name is Jack Reynolds, reside 293 Park Circle Sparta, MO. I attended the Commission's meeting of July 25, 2025 in Nixa, Mo. After listening to comments regarding the proposed retail customer increase by Liberty Electric ; Office of the Public Counsel and PSC Staff. It's my position the $152.8 million would place a heavy burden on all retail customers - the increase is not warranted and should not be approved. (See attached PDF) |
| P202600346 | 7/28/2025 8:26 AM | To whom it may concern, I am writing as a concerned mother, wife, and Joplin area resident. I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family and my community. We are a one income household and are already struggling to make ends meet with the price of housing, utilities, and groceries. Missourians shouldn’t be responsible for paying for the financial mistakes of Liberty Utilities’ executives. Please deny this increase. |
| P202600347 | 7/28/2025 8:29 AM | I think Liberty has went overboard with the rate increases. They have raised our rates and raised our rates until we can't even be comfortable in our own homes. We can't even depend on them. I am still wondering why they are asking for another rare increase since they just got one. They are getting government subsidies for the wind turbines and solar panel farms, so why raise our rates? You have given them so many increases that people are suffering all year long. Either too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. I can't remember the last time I felt comfortable in my own home. Please don't allow another rate increase. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600348 | 7/28/2025 8:31 AM | I am a Liberty customer in Oronogo, MO. I have lived in this area since 2006 receiving electric energy resources from Empire Electric initially and now from Liberty Electric. If I, as a consumer, would have had a choice I would have stayed with Empire Electric. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600351 | 7/28/2025 8:45 AM | I’m writing to express my deep frustration and growing outrage over the conduct of Liberty Utilities and their blatant abuse of monopoly power in Bolivar and surrounding areas. Their latest proposed 33% rate hike is unconscionable and reflects a complete disregard for the working families they claim to serve. I currently pay over $300/month for electricity in a modest 1,500 sq ft, 3-bedroom home, even while keeping my thermostat at 75°F during peak hours and minimizing usage. This is not just unreasonable—it’s exploitative. (see attached PDF) |
| P202600352 | 7/28/2025 8:48 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600353 | 7/28/2025 9:04 AM | As sr citizens living on a fixed income, my wife and I feel it necessary to write to you about the proposed rate increase by Liberty. The PSC is responsible for ensuring that we receive safe, reliable, and affordable utility services from the companies it regulates. My wife and I live in an area of rural SW MO served exclusively by Liberty: we don't have a choice of electric providers. Liberty is asking the PSC for an increase that will raise our costs for electricity by more than 30%. Other than Social Security, our income is fixed. The COLA for Seniors on Social Security in 2025 was 2.5%. How can Liberty or the PSC expect seniors on a fixed income to absorb a 30-39% increase in electrical costs? We request that the PSC deny it. |
| P202600354 | 7/28/2025 9:06 AM | I am writing to you today as a deeply concerned Missouri resident and electricity consumer to strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed electric rate increase. This request for an additional $152.8 million annually isn't just a number; it translates to a crushing 30-40% hike for many residential customers, a burden that is profoundly disproportionate, unfair, and falls heaviest on the most vulnerable among us – particularly those who use the least electricity. *See attached for full comment. |
| P202600355 | 7/28/2025 9:09 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600357 | 7/28/2025 9:11 AM | “I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase.” |
| P202600359 | 7/28/2025 9:20 AM | I strongly oppose Liberty Utilities’ proposed rate increase (Case No. ER-2024-0261). It will devastate my family, my business, and my community. We are already struggling to afford rent, groceries, and gas. Liberty’s executives shouldn’t profit while southwest Missourians suffer. Deny this increase. |
| P202600360 | 7/28/2025 9:22 AM | As a senior citizen on a fixed income, i am concerned about the high percentage. Are you trying to kill us all? Many of us will have to choose, food, medicine, or electric. Which one would you choose? |
| P202600361 | 7/28/2025 9:58 AM | See attached |
| P202600362 | 7/28/2025 10:00 AM | See attached |
| P202600363 | 7/28/2025 10:05 AM | We cannot afford an increase that big in electric and rent. This is mc donald county. Most of us are just barely making it. We wouldn't be able to afford a place if they have to raise rent due to a elec. Increase that large. Please consider all of us that aren't made of money. Thank you. Very concerned citizen. |
| P202600364 | 7/28/2025 10:07 AM | If you guys raise rent then we are going to be homeless. We already have a hard enough time paying our rent without the increase. We have suffered the heat not using an air conditioner, just a fan. Raising the electric bill is going to cause a domino effect. Please reconsider raising the bill 🙏 |
| P202600365 | 7/28/2025 10:10 AM | I live in the City of Aurora, I am a widow in my 60’s. I work full time - long, hard shifts at the chicken plant and every day I’m off from there, I work a second job also. Due to a rise in my insurance and escrow requirements, as well as inflation, I have no other option. The only time I don’t work is the two hours I’m at church on Sundays. I keep my air conditioner set at 81 degrees, and watch my water consumption diligently, because I can’t afford not a single cent more than I pay out now, and I don’t have the strength to work even one more hour beyond the 80+ hours I’m currently putting in. **See attached for full comments |
| P202600366 | 7/28/2025 10:16 AM | See attached |
| P202600367 | 7/28/2025 10:33 AM | "They don't need to raise the rates because they're already charging us double than what they were 3 years ago because of these extra fees and line items. It's going to be where people can't afford their utilities. My highest bill in the dead of winter or summer was $296 before Liberty took over and now it's almost $400.00." |
| P202600368 | 7/28/2025 11:07 AM | I oppose this Liberty increase. We get charged way too much to begin with. Everyone is struggling and we are suffering in southern Missouri. |
| P202600369 | 7/28/2025 11:11 AM | It is alarming that so many of our utilities are owned and controlled by companies that are outside of the US. We need to be very astute and do our due diligence. This is dangerous for our country. Liberty is owned by Canadians and Spire is owned by BlackRock and Vanguard. |
| P202600370 | 7/28/2025 11:53 AM | "I oppose this rate increase." |
| P202600371 | 7/28/2025 11:57 AM | I oppose the request made by Liberty Electric for an increase. Every time we turn around they are wanting an increase...for what???? We don't see any benefits to it at all except higher bills we already can't afford. We are still paying for the Joplin tornado mess although I'm certain they got a huge ck from FEMA for their losses. This whole thing is a fiasco!!! Taxes for this & that & a fuel charge (??). I'm total electric.*See attached for full comment |
| P202600372 | 7/28/2025 1:11 PM | Seer attached. |
| P202600374 | 7/28/2025 1:18 PM | See attached. |
| P202600375 | 7/28/2025 1:21 PM | See attached. |
| P202600377 | 7/28/2025 3:36 PM | "We are senior citizens and on fixed incomes and are voicing our opposition to the proposed rate increase. This would be extremely difficult on us, financially. I also don't agree that the customers are paying for the Asbury take-down and Storm Uri. We shouldn't have to pay for that. Other utilities around us have a much bigger customer base and don't charge as much. I don't think the PSC is doing a very good job and not thinking about the people and their income and impact on businesses when making these decisions; not a legal formula. Food pantries and assistance agencies are already taking a huge hit and this will make that worse." |