Rising energy prices are a growing concern among the public, and state utility regulators have taken note. The Missouri Public Service Commission has started a process to study the effectiveness of energy assistance programs.

State regulators have asked investor-owned utilities in Missouri to provide data on the payment plans and bill assistance programs they offer customers. The commission has regulatory authority over corporate utilities, such as Ameren and Spire, but not municipal utilities run by cities such as Columbia and Jefferson City.

Rich Germinder, a senior policy and strategic initiatives adviser to the Missouri Public Service Commission, said regulators and staff will use the data gathered to evaluate efficiencies and consider changes to programs aimed at helping low

See Full Page