The cost of natural gas could rise later this year for some Missouri consumers including those in Hannibal. Liberty Utilities has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission for a net rate increase of approximately $7 million. Liberty claims that would result in approximately $2.06 more per month for existing Northeast Missouri customers. Western Missouri would increase around $7.62 a month, while Southeast Missouri bills would increase over $14 a month.

Two public hearings are planned in Northeast Missouri on Tuesday, March 27: Hannibal area customers can voice their opinion to PSC officials at 12 noon at Hannibal-LaGrange University’s Partee Center. Kirksville customers can express their concerns at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Student Union Activities Room of Truman State University.

Evidentiary hearings will be held in Jefferson City in May and June at the offices of the Missouri Public Service Commission.  Customers unable to attend a hearing may contact The Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Mo.  65102, telephone 573-751-4857, e-mail: opcservice@ded.mo.gov or the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Mo.  65102, telephone 1-800-392-4211 or e-mail:: pscinfo@psc.mo.gov.

LIBERTY UTILITY METER UPGRADE ONGOING IN HANNIBAL

Liberty Utilities says a meter upgrade project continues through the end of March in selected cities including Hannibal. Contractors are installing automated readers, or AMRs on gas meters.

In most cases there is no disruption in service when installing the rectangular sending unit on an existing meter. The new technology allows meters to be read without having to access a customer’s property.

Officials say AMRs are not 2-way smart meters--they only send information to a receiver in a nearby Liberty Utility vehicle. Data from the new readers will be used to generate April bills.

More From KHMO-AM 1070, News-Talk-Sports