Spire Seeks Rate Increase That Could Raise Western Missouri Customers' Bills by $10 a Month

JOPLIN, MO. — Natural gas customers across western Missouri, including those in the Joplin area, could see their monthly bills increase by about $10 under a rate increase request filed by Spire Missouri.

Spire Missouri Inc. filed its request Nov. 2 with the Missouri Public Service Commission, seeking approximately $208.56 million in additional annual base-rate revenue.

The proposed increase would raise the average residential customer's bill in Spire West territory by approximately 11%, or about $10 per month. Spire East customers could see an estimated increase of $13 per month, or roughly 15%.

Scott Weitzel, Spire's vice president of external affairs, said the company is seeking to recover costs associated with investments made to modernize and maintain its natural gas system.

"Safety and reliability is a core function for Spire," Weitzel said. "Serving the natural gas needs of our customers is forefront."

Weitzel said Spire has invested approximately $800 million in Missouri infrastructure, including projects to replace aging pipelines, update equipment and strengthen system reliability.

The company has operated in Missouri for more than 100 years. Weitzel compared maintaining the natural gas system to maintaining a vehicle, saying infrastructure requires continued investment to keep it operating safely and reliably.

He said much of the investment involves replacing older pipes installed decades ago with newer materials and reinforcing infrastructure to ensure assets are replaced in a timely manner.

Weitzel emphasized that the proposed increase reflects investments made over multiple years rather than a single project or one-time expense.

How the rate case works

The proposed rate adjustment is now under review by the Missouri Public Service Commission, which will determine whether the requested increase is justified.

Weitzel said the review process typically takes 11 months and involves extensive documentation and examination of the company's expenses.

"When we file a rate case, our regulators look at certain customers, customer classes, and when we run those numbers and impacts, that comes to about $10 for customers on the west side of the state," Weitzel said.

He said the process includes hundreds of documents detailing company investments, work orders, supplies and other costs associated with serving customers.

Other parties, including industrial customers, consumer advocates and regulatory officials, can participate in the case. Those parties will review the documentation, ask questions and provide testimony to evaluate whether Spire's investments and expenses were reasonable.

The commission will ultimately determine which costs can be recovered through customer rates.

If approved, the new rates could take effect by October 2027.

Customers will have an opportunity to weigh in Weitzel acknowledged that any increase in utility costs can affect households, particularly those already struggling to keep up with monthly expenses.

He said Spire works with churches, community organizations and community action agencies to connect customers with available assistance.

The company also offers programs intended to help customers who may have difficulty paying their bills, including assistance opportunities tailored to those with the greatest financial need.

Customers can learn more about available programs through Spire's website at SpireEnergy.com or by contacting their local community action agency.

Local public hearings on the proposed rate increase have not yet been scheduled. Weitzel said the company will notify customers once dates and locations are established.

Customers will also be able to submit comments directly to the Missouri Public Service Commission or the Office of the Public Counsel.

The deadline to formally intervene in the rate case is Nov. 23, 2026 . Those interested in becoming formal parties to the proceeding can submit an application through the commission's electronic filing and information system .

Customers who do not formally intervene can still share their opinions with the commission through its website, by calling 800-392-4211, emailing [email protected] or writing to the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

Spire's request is filed under case number GR-2027-0075 .

The proposed increase is not yet approved, and the final rates will depend on the commission's review and decision.