Missouri Gas Energy customers to see gas rates increase

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Customers of Missouri Gas Energy can expect to see an increase in their natural gas bills starting next week.

The Missouri Public Service Commission recently approved a request by the company to add a 17-cent monthly surcharge to customers' bills. The surcharge would be used to fund pipeline replacements and/or relocations. Customers can expect to see the surcharge listed on their bill as an "infrastructure system replacement surcharge" or ISRS.

Natural gas companies can petition the commission to establish infrastructure replacement surcharges under a state law passed in 2003.

Missouri Gas Energy serves approximately 500,000 gas customers in western Missouri.