JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Public Service Commission has approved United Way of Greater Kansas City, Inc.’s request to continue serving as an information and referral service provider, providing 2-1-1 service to the area. United Way 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service that connects people to a number of resources, including counseling, health clinics, or job training. The commission first granted the United Way the opportunity in 2004, and has renewed that in 2007, 2011, and now in 2016.
The commission on Wednesday also approved a small company rate increase of roughly $20,000 for Rex Deffenderfer Enterprises, Inc., as well as a tariff. The PSC also approved the granting of a certificate of convenience and necessity to expand the service area. This was called for because the company was servicing two subdivisions outside of their area, which provides service for about 1,100 customers in Christian County.
Counsel explained that the company had used inaccurate maps while building their service lines, and gone farther than their boundary line. All of the commissioners agreed that the oversight should have been processed in the proper methods, but approved the measures unanimously. “Sometimes it makes sense to cut corners for efficiency purposes,” Chairman Daniel Hall stated.
The third item on the agenda was an issue that has been on the docket several times: a rate increase for Raccoon Creek Utility Operating Company, Inc. Under the proposed plan, customers would see a rate increase from 151 percent to 200 percent.
The commission in the last meeting said they didn’t like the idea of approving the rate hike, but unanimously agreed that it had to be done, due to the circumstances surrounding the issue.
“This agreement is about the best we can do at this time,” Commissioner Stephen Stoll said.
The commission quickly moved through the next three items: an order approving an agreement in regard to Ameren’s Performance Incentive Award, a tariff for Liberty Utilities, and an order for Summit Natural Gas of Missouri, Inc.
All three were approved unanimously.
The commission finished their meeting, discussing a possible rule change and additional rules added to the Missouri Code of State Regulations on the issue of communication between parties and the commission. The commission agreed that the rules they proposed would enable greater communication, which they believe would better their ability to make fair rulings and judgments for the state.
The proposed changes will be sent to the Missouri Department of Economic Development for review before being sent to the Secretary of State.
The Missouri Times will post the proposed changes when they are made available.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
