Joplin-area senator urges Liberty Utilities to fix issues before raising rates

JEFFERSON CITY — After hearing a significant number of complaints from her constituents about inaccurate, delayed and skyrocketing Liberty Utilities electric bills, State Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, is urging the company to meet customers halfway before asking them to pay more.

“Several constituents have reached out to my office after getting delayed bills that show charges for multiple months of service in the same statement,” said Sen. Carter. “This comes at a time when rising utility rates have many people worried. The cost of everyday essentials adds up quickly. Food, gas, housing and utilities costs have gone up faster than most people’s wages.”

Liberty Utilities has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC), seeking a nearly $153 million rate hike (or about 30%) in annual general base revenues. The PSC scheduled several public hearings to receive input and says it will make a ruling on Liberty’s rate hike request later this year. If approved, new rates would go into effect in early 2026.

“I believe Liberty should address these issues before increasing their rates,” said Sen. Carter. “Rate increases should follow clear improvements in service, not precede them.”

Senator Carter will continue to monitor the situation closely and advocate for ratepayer protections. If you are struggling to pay your electric bill, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) may be able to help. Visit mydss.mo.gov for more information. You can also submit comments directly to the PSC at psc.mo.gov/General/Submit_Comments.