Missouri Sky High Natural Gas Rates About to Get a Lot Worse?

In case you didn't know, Missouri natural gas prices rate among the highest in America. If what I just received in the mail is correct, prepare for them to get much much worse soon.

I found this ranking by Choose Energy which ranks states based on the residential natural gas rates. Guess where Missouri lands? That's right. Near the top having one of the top 7 natural gas rates for regular people like you and me in the country. Only Hawaii, Texas, Georgia, Florida, Arizona and South Carolina have higher natural gas rates than Missouri.

The worst news about natural gas in Missouri is yet to come...

My family lives in Missouri and I just got a letter in the mail this week that said (and I quote) "Notice of Virtual Public Hearing". I'll leave the name of our gas provider anonymous for now, but it goes on to say the company "has filed a rate increase request with the Missouri Public Service Commission. The requested increase would total approximately $11.2 million for an approximate increase of 32.57% in the territory served".

Gulp. A natural gas increase of more than 32% could happen in Missouri?

For what it's worth, the "virtual public hearing" will happen at noon on September 26, 2024. You can dial in at 1-855-718-6621, but you'll need an access code and password from your notice from the utility company if you got one.

There's a tiny message of hope at the end saying the commission may not let them raise it above a certain number, but cynical me says brace yourself for a natural gas price increase shock in Missouri much the same as the one we got this summer on our electric bills.

The utility cost struggle is real in Missouri in 2024 and looks to get much worse. (*sigh*)