Liberty files new “large load” rate for massive power users
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Liberty Utilities is asking Missouri regulators to approve a new rate structure aimed at keeping the cost of serving massive electric users from being passed on to homes and small businesses.
The proposed “large load” tariff would apply to new or expanding customers expected to use at least 25 megawatts of electricity — a threshold that could include a future hyperscale data center in Joplin.
Under Liberty’s proposal, a large customer would be responsible for the additional power plants, transmission lines, substations, interconnection equipment and other infrastructure needed to serve it.
Liberty’s tariff specifically says those incremental costs are intended to be recovered from the large customer instead of other Missouri retail customers.
The protections go beyond construction costs.
A large customer would generally sign a 15-year agreement, with an optional ramp-up period of as long as five additional years.
Even if the facility used less electricity than expected, minimum monthly bills would generally be calculated using at least 80% of its contracted capacity.
Large customers would also be responsible for 100% of fuel and purchased-power costs attributable to their service.
Transmission facilities and new Liberty-owned generation needed specifically for the customer could require upfront payments covering as much as 100% of construction costs.
A company that leaves early would face an exit fee and would generally be required to provide 24 months’ notice. Liberty would also retain the ability to curtail large customers during electric-system emergencies.
The Missouri Public Service Commission has not yet approved the tariff.
