(From Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby)As State Senator for Southwest Missouri, I hear daily from families across our community struggling with Liberty Utilities’ inaccurate, delayed, and skyrocketing electric bills. The Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) is investigating Liberty’s billing and customer service practices, as well as their proposed $153 million rate hike, a 30% increase that could add $33-$39 to monthly bills by 2026.
This has sparked outrage, how can we have confidence in our utilities when they are struggling to get billing right? As your advocate, I voted against the recent utility bill in the Missouri legislature that would have enabled future test year rate increases, partly due to Liberty’s troubling business practices. We need accountability, not higher costs.
The increasing cost of living is crushing Southwest Missourians. Food, gas, and housing prices are outpacing wages, and Liberty’s billing failures add insult to injury. “I got a bill for four months at once, with no explanation,” said Maria, a Joplin single parent.
“I’m already cutting corners—how can I handle this?” In Granby, retiree James told me, “My fixed income doesn’t stretch to cover these erratic bills. I’m scared to open my mailbox.” A Neosho small business owner shared, “Delayed bills mess up my budgeting. Now a 30% hike? Liberty’s not earning my trust.” Along with many others I have talked to, these stories reflect a pattern of dysfunction that undermines confidence in our utility provider.
The PSC’s investigation, launched in February 2025 after hundreds of complaints, is critical. At the Town Hall meetings and public hearings held this summer, residents reported bills for multiple months, incorrect charges, and unresponsive customer service. Another Joplin resident, Sarah, added, “I called Liberty for weeks about a wrong bill, but got no help. Why should we pay more for this chaos?” The PSC received over 200 testimonials before formal hearings, signaling a crisis. Liberty claims the rate hike funds $700 million in infrastructure upgrades, like substations and cybersecurity, to improve reliability. But upgrades mean little when basic billing fails.
The PSC’s investigation, launched in February 2025 after hundreds of complaints, is critical. At the Town Hall meetings and public hearings held this summer, residents reported bills for multiple months, incorrect charges, and unresponsive customer service. Another Joplin resident, Sarah, added, “I called Liberty for weeks about a wrong bill, but got no help. Why should we pay more for this chaos?” The PSC received over 200 testimonials before formal hearings, signaling a crisis. Liberty claims the rate hike funds $700 million in infrastructure upgrades, like substations and cybersecurity, to improve reliability. But upgrades mean little when basic billing fails.
We need to address fundamental concerns such as decommissioning of existing coal fire plants without any PSC oversight. States like Utah have passed legislation requiring utilities to seek approval from the PSC before decommissioning these facilities. I filed similar legislation last year legislative session. The PSC must ensure Liberty fixes these problems before any rate hike is considered.
The PSC is set to rule on the rate hike later this year and they need your input! You may provide feedback at psc.mo.gov/General/Submit_Comments (case ER-2024-0261). For those struggling, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) offers relief (mydss.mo.gov). But we need systemic change: transparent billing, responsive customer service, and proven reliability before rate hikes. I’m fighting for ratepayer protections and monitoring the PSC investigation closely. Let’s hold Liberty accountable to deliver dependable service before asking families to pay more. Together, we can ensure Southwest Missouri’s utilities earn our trust.
3 comments:
Jill Carter needs to try harder AND PAY ATTENTION!
The White House said LIHEAP is unnecessary for REASONS!
". The Trump White House said LIHEAP is “unnecessary” and that the administration would “support low-income individuals through energy dominance, lower prices, and an America First economic platform.”
ALSO!
Why are politicians interfering with the energy dominance of Liberty Utilities? Some profits are good but more profits are better!
We have pre paid these fools by them taking my tax dollars and installing wind turbines that will never pay for themselves in there lifetime….
Idk about everyone but the $ amounts it would increase are way off. $33 to $39 a month increase does not match the 30% increase. For myself that would mean anf where from $60 to $180 a month increase. There is no way the average for Liberty customers is that low.
I've never had an issue with the billing skipping months and receiving several bills at once. Just them being ridiculously high.
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