By: Brian Evans

In a move that has sent shockwaves through households across Joplin and Southwest Missouri, Liberty Utilities is seeking approval from the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase its annual revenue by a staggering $152.8 million. If approved, this proposal will cause monthly electric bills to rise between 30% and nearly 40%, depending on usage—a burden that many residents simply cannot afford in today’s economy.

At a packed public hearing at Missouri Southern, concerned citizens gathered to voice their frustrations and fears. Charlie McGrew, a Liberty customer, summed up the sentiment: “Given the current economic climate, how can you justify a 30% increase?” Others like Maurice Filson shared the extreme sacrifices they’ve had to make to keep up. “I haven’t run my air conditioner or my heat for the last three years,” Filson admitted. These are not dramatic stories—they are everyday realities for working families and seniors across the region.According to documents from Liberty and the PSC, here’s what the proposed rate increase means in real dollars:

Monthly Bill Impact

(June–September):

500 kWh: Increase from $80.39 to $112.10 — $31.71 more (39.45%)

1,000 kWh: Increase from $147.77 to $196.45 — $48.68 more (32.94%)

1,200 kWh: Increase from $174.73 to $229.02 — $54.29 more (31.07%)

1,500 kWh: Increase from $215.16 to $277.87 — $62.71 more (29.15%)

Monthly Bill Impact (October–May):

500 kWh: Increase from $80.39 to $112.10 — $31.71 more (39.45%)

1,000 kWh: Increase from $138.25 to $185.03 — $46.78 more (33.84%)

1,200 kWh: Increase from $160.45 to $211.88 — $51.43 more (32.05%)

1,500 kWh: Increase from $193.74 to $252.16 — $58.42 more (30.15%)

These figures represent more than just numbers. For a single mother raising children on a fixed income, or an elderly resident living on Social Security, these increases could mean choosing between electricity and food. Tammy Walker of the Economic Security Corporation spoke of a 90-year-old woman who lives on less than $1,000 per month and receives no food stamps. She cannot afford any increase, let alone a 30% spike.

Liberty defends the hike by citing more than $700 million in infrastructure investments over the past three years. But a closer look reveals that a portion of these costs is tied to the unnecessary demolition of the Asbury Power Plant. This facility had been upgraded under the Obama administration’s clean coal technology initiative and was still viable when Liberty chose to shutter it. Rather than continue using an already-modernized energy source, the company demolished the plant in 2023 to make way for wind and renewable operations—costs now being passed directly to customers.

This transition, though marketed as a push toward clean energy, raises critical questions about corporate priorities and financial responsibility. Why should residents be forced to absorb the cost of a decision that removed a functioning power source and increased dependence on infrastructure that still doesn’t adequately serve the region?

Liberty Utilities argues that customers “demand the energy we provide,” yet they offer no clear explanation as to how this dramatic rate increase will lead to lower bills or improved service in the short term.

The Missouri PSC is tasked with ensuring that utility rates are “just and reasonable.” However, if they approve this hike, they will have failed in that mission. This is not a modest adjustment to keep up with inflation—it’s a multi-million-dollar ask that will hurt the most vulnerable among us.

What Can Joplin and SW Missouri Residents Do?

1. Attend Public Hearings

PSC has scheduled both in-person and virtual hearings. These are your chance to speak directly to Liberty representatives and regulators.

Residents can register to speak by emailing pscinfo@psc.mo.gov or calling (800) 392-4211.2.

2. Submit Testimony in Writing

For virtual hearings or if unable to attend, you can submit your statement via email to…OPCService@opc.mo.gov or PDDComments@psc.mo.gov

3. Contact State Legislators

Demand a review of the decision to demolish the Asbury Plant and call for a full audit of how Liberty allocates customer-funded capital expenses.

4. Spread the WordShare this information with friends, family, and neighbors. Many remain unaware of just how drastic these changes will be to their monthly budgets.

This is a pivotal moment for the region. Joplin and Southwest Missouri residents should not be forced to pay for questionable corporate strategies and long-term infrastructure projects through inflated monthly bills. The time to act is now—before the PSC locks in years of higher costs for the people who can least afford them.

Sources:

Missouri PSC Case File – https://www.efis.psc.mo.gov/Case/Display/85589

Liberty Utilities Electric Rate Update –

https://central.libertyutilities.com/all/missouri-electric-rate-update.html

Asbury Power Plant Demolition –

https://central.libertyutilities.com/all/to-the-next-50-years-demolition-of-asbury-power-plant-ushers-in-a-new-era-for-the-site.html

WatershedGeo on Asbury – https://watershedgeo.com/projects/asbury-power-plant

Joplin Business Outlook PSC Hearing Notice

Missouri Public Service Commission Changes Local for Joplin Local Public Hearing in Schedule in Liberty Utilities Electric Rate Case

Liberty is a utility—not a private investment fund. When it forgets its responsibility to the public, it’s up to the public to remind them.