| Citizens are being asked to join the city of Joplin in its attempt to intervene in the most recent rate increase filed by Missouri American Water with the Missouri Public Service Commission. Missouri American is asking for a 32% rate hike coming on the heals of an approximate 63% increase granted by the PSC last year. If granted, it would mean that Joplin residents would be experiencing an increase of approximately 115% within a 12-month period.
City intervention in the rate case before the PSC allows city officials to provide input as the process unfolds. However, such attempts have proven futile in the past.
“This rate increase would be an ill-timed burden for the citizens in Joplin to bear,” said City Manager Mark Rohr. “The price of gasoline continues to rise, causing costs of many other daily necessities, such as food and medicine to escalate. The citizens are reaching deep into their pockets now to make ends meet. A rate increase in water pricing would be detrimental to many households.” [an understatement]
Citizens interested in voicing their concerns directly should contact the PSC at (800) 392-4211 or by filling out a form here. Many citizens last year voiced concern when their rents were raised to pay for water charges borne by their landlords and at a time when corresponding increases in pay were denied them.
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