Friday 29th March 2024

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To reflect estimated changes in the wholesale cost of natural gas, as well as a change in the company’s Actual Cost Adjustment (ACA) factor, Spire West customers can expect to see natural gas rates change under a filing, effective Monday, November 30.

According to a news release, the ACA factor is a tool which tracks any over-collection or under-collection of actual natural gas costs over a 12 month period. Then the net over- or under-collected balances are subsequently either refunded or collected the next year.

Officials say Spire’s current ACA period includes costs associated with the February 2021 Cold Weather Event (Winter Storm Uri) which had a significant impact on certain natural gas prices.

Spire West residential customers currently pay approximately $0.40 per Ccf (per hundred cubic feet) of natural gas. Under this filing, the rate will increase to approximately $0.79 per Ccf.

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 is not regulated by the Missouri Public Service Commission. The cost of natural gas is unregulated and is primarily driven by supply, demand and the weather.

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.

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

Spire West provides natural gas service to approximately 522,000 customers, including six KMMO listening areas: Area counties impacted are Carroll, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline.

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