Public Service Commission OKs natural gas rate increase

Cape Girardeau area AmerenUE customers will see a 42 percent increase in natural gas rates over last year, the Missouri Public Service Commission confirmed Monday.

Exactly how much more customers will pay to heat their homes will depend on weather, an AmerenUE spokesman cautioned.

If weather conditions are near normal, the PSC said in a news release, an average residential customer will pay approximately $950 for the November through March period.

The Cape Girardeau area rates cover about 20,000 natural gas customers in Cape Girardeau, Scott and part of Stoddard counties.

Higher rates were also approved for an additional 2,000 AmerenUE customers in Butler, Bollinger and part of Stoddard counties. But because those customers receive gas from a different pipeline than the one serving Cape Girardeau, total costs will be considerably less. The average residential customer in those areas will pay about $719 for gas during the five-month period if weather is average, the PSC said.

Rising steadily

Last winter was milder than normal, AmerenUE spokesman Mike Cleary said. That cushioned last year's rate increase and could exaggerate the effect of the new rates, he said. Gas prices have been rising steadily for about five years.

Customers need to understand that the rate increases approved Monday are based on the wholesale price of gas, not the utility's push for more profits, Cleary said.

"We are concerned," Cleary said. "We don't want everybody to pay more and these high prices aren't benefiting us as a company."

Along with the higher prices, several steps to cushion the increase take effect today. The PSC's long-standing Cold Weather Rule, which bars utilities from shutting off customers when the temperature is below 32 degrees, begins operating.

The Cold-Weather Rule, which lasts until March 31, also protects customers who make and keep payment plan agreements with utilities as well as elderly and disabled customers who register with the companies.

Another effort to help low-income customers that will begin today is an agreement between Gov. Matt Blunt, the PSC and investor-owned utilities to make sure the taxpayer-supported utility helps pay for fuel, not fees.

Customers eligible for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program won't have to pay reconnection fees and demands for deposits will be suspended until March 31.

But customers who incurred such charges prior to today must pay them, Cleary said.

Demand for utility help

The demand for utility help hasn't slackened, said Gretchen Weber of the East Missouri Action Agency office in Cape Girardeau. The first applications were accepted Oct. 1 and the office has been busy ever since, she said.

"It is unreal," she said. "You really can't imagine how busy we are."

One applicant brought in a disconnection notice a week ago, Weber said, and the agency was getting to work on it only Monday.

Exact figures on how many applicants have sought help were not available Monday afternoon. Cape Girardeau County residents seeking help can visit the agency's office at 1111 Linden St., Weber said. Applicants should bring a Social Security card, proof of income, the most recent fuel bill and any disconnection notices.

Residents of areas outside Cape Girardeau can call the agency's Park Hills, Mo., office at (800) 392-8663 for information on where to go to apply for help.

rkeller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 126