Natural gas customers of the Empire District Gas Company d/b/a Liberty (Empire) may see natural gas rates change under a filing that takes effect on Wednesday, December 1.

According to a press release, Empire’s current ACA period (September 1, 2020 through August 31, 2021) includes costs associated with the February 2021 Cold Weather Event (Winter Storm Uri) which had a significant impact on certain natural gas prices.

Empire says the rise in gas prices increased Empire’s cost to serve its customers. In total, Empire says its cost of gas for Winter Storm Uri during this period was approximately $31.2 million as compared to a typical February of approximately $1.7 million, and $15.4 million annually.

Officials say the Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by Empire extending the ACA recovery period from 12 months to five years in the South System and three years in the North and Northwest Systems.

In its South System, residential customers currently pay approximately $0.39 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas. Under this filing, the rate will increase to approximately $0.97 per Ccf. The South System includes three cities in the KMMO listening area: Lexington, Marshall and Sedalia.

The cost of natural gas from wholesale suppliers generally makes up approximately 50 to 55 percent of a customer’s total monthly natural gas bill. The wholesale cost of natural gas – the cost your local natural gas company must pay to its suppliers for natural gas – is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission.

What you can do to help manage your utility bill:

• Add attic insulation if necessary.
• Place weather stripping around doors, use plastic film covering and caulk windows to keep heat from escaping from your home.
• Change or replace furnace filters each month when dirty.
• Have your chimney checked for blockage.
• Close fireplace dampers when the fireplace is not being used.
• Have your heating system checked and tuned-up if needed.
• Place an approved insulated cover-jacket around the hot water heater.
• Consider getting professional help for any projects that are beyond your capabilities.
• Contact your local utility company to ask about energy saving tips and programs.

The Missouri Public Service Commission does conduct an annual regulatory review to ensure that regulated natural gas companies make prudent decisions in securing natural gas supplies for their customers. Empire serves approximately 43,500 natural gas customers in Missouri.