Linked Consumer Comments - GR-2022-0179

Current Date/Time: 5/4/2024 2:09:05 PM

Linked Consumer Comments
GR-2022-0179

Consumer Comment No.	Date Filed	Consumer Comments
P202200473	2/11/2022 5:49 PM	Just wanting to know why a group of people/ board members would allow Spire to increase the price of gas like it is. These increases are way above the average increases we are seeing. Bad timing with the pandemic issues taking focus. I'm sure Spire company bonuses were issued like normal to their employees. The middle class gets sat on once again. Half to go without groceries for a week to pay a rediculous gas increases bill. Stop the increases...so the middle class can survive.
P202200484	2/17/2022 1:55 PM	Have owned my home for over 4 years and my bill has never been over $100 and has now doubled. Cannot afford another increase! Wasn't notified and don't have any other option to keep my house warm.
P202200522	4/1/2022 10:16 AM	To whom it may concern: As you know, Spire literally doubled their price of gas. Our gas bill DOUBLED from the month before - and we used less than the month before. See attached for full public comments.
P202200523	4/1/2022 10:24 AM	To Whom it May Concern, I recently learned that Spire is going to request an increase in delivery charges. They were just approved for a price increase in November and took no time in increase those prices 96.2%. I understand they have a business to run, but a 96% increase shows some the company being greedy, not efficient. See attached for full public comments.
P202200524	4/1/2022 10:27 AM	Second month in a row, but great improvement — reduced by almost $15. I hope you’ll forgive my sarcasm, but we just had an unseasonably warm month. The fact that my gas bill is still almost $140 is ridiculous. What happened to an average of $25? See attached for full public comments.
P202200525	4/1/2022 10:29 AM	*Correction: you approved a 96.2% rate hike, so double basically. Absolute insanity. See attached for full public comments.
P202200526	4/1/2022 10:32 AM	The recent increase that was authorized for Spire natural gas is in actuality much more than represented by Spire upon their request for the rate increase. Please consider this misrepresentation with future rate increase requests. See attached for full public comments.
P202200527	4/4/2022 3:02 PM	KCMO gas bills just went up an astounding 73% in January 2022, now Spire wants to raise it another 63%!?!? This is outrageous. Gas companies are a State-Approved Monopoly. We have not other choice. How am I supposed to put food on my child's table and keep the house warmer than 50 degrees at the same time!? Their absurd rate increase request must be denied.
P202200528	4/4/2022 4:30 PM	We just had a 96% rate increase this winter that has dramatically affected your customer base. Seeing their CEO receive a 1.5 million dollar raise for record profits right before plscing this additional financial burder on your clients is extremely demoralizing. An additional rate hikr is absolutely preposterous. This is not a bill citizens can "opt out" of nor should we be responsible for the companys profits. Say NO.
P202200529	4/4/2022 4:42 PM	Spire wants to increase their profits at the expense of tax payers and it is reprehensible. Missourians deserve better than to allow a massive corporation like Spire (who we are FORCED to use with no other options) to almost double their rates just because they want to line their own pockets.
P202200530	4/4/2022 5:50 PM	I understand there may be ANOTHER bill increase from Spire Energy. This is absolutely unacceptable. How can you expect middle to low class people, who AREN’T receiving pay increases to be able to pay higher and higher gas prices? Your company hasn’t lost a dime, nor will it. Stop using the current climate to justify screwing people
P202200531	4/4/2022 7:47 PM	Please reconsider approving this gas rate increase. Our personal gas bills have tripled compared to last year at this time. Eventually it will come down to keeping my kids warm at night or putting food on the table if rates continue to increase.
P202200532	4/4/2022 8:04 PM	They have already recently put into place rate changes that have close to doubled my bill this winter. I wasn’t even aware of the previous rate changes until after my gas bill was astronomically high in comparison to what it normally.I encourage the committee to consider what a fair, competitive rate would be, and what is Spire providing in the way of benefits to Missourians such vs what are they costing us in terms of money and in terms of our shared environment.
P202200538	4/8/2022 10:04 PM	Utility companies exist to provide a service to the public at a reasonable and fair price. This attempted rate hike is an egregious attempt to make money at the expense of consumers, with those with the least being most affected by this change. As essentially a legal monopoly, there should be few, if any, price increases most years. We have already seen a huge (to the level of causing us to redo our monthly budget) increase in our gas bill. To ask for another is nothing but greedy.
P202200539	4/10/2022 8:11 AM	I am a senior citizen and living on a fixed income. Last year's rate increase caused my gas bill to double which really hurt and caused me to decrease my room temperatures to 65 degrees all winter which is cold for me. Please, please don't let Spire increase the rates again!
P202200540	4/10/2022 9:35 AM	On the heels of a 96.2% increase, Spire wants another increase? These greedy people must think their customers are made out of money! Speaking as a retiree, I must protest this proposed rate increase. I cannot just turn off my furnace and freeze. Spire needs to work on improving their business efficiency, perhaps not be so greedy at the paycheck line.
P202200542	4/12/2022 8:31 AM	To whom it may concern, I saw an article in the Kansas City Star that the gas company Spire intends to raise the price of gas units in 2023 by 63%! See attached for full public comments.
P202200546	4/13/2022 12:43 PM	Please do not approve the Spire rate increase. The previous increases in November and December 2021 caused my household's bill to increase by $100. Spire said that the increase would only be around $20, which was completely false. If gas rates continue to increase in the Metro Area households even at the median wage range will struggle to afford these bills.
P202200547	4/14/2022 10:24 AM	(tb) rate increase seems ill-timed based on the general inflation increases in the economy. This is too much too soon after the wholesale gas increase. Feels they need a year or two to adjust to that fee. Everyone wants more more and it's not sustainable
P202200556	4/22/2022 8:52 AM	DO NOT INCREASE RATES FOR SPIRE NATURAL GAS AGAIN! WE JUST HAD TO DEAL WITH A RATE INCREASE, THIS IS HARMFUL TO LOW INCOME HOUSEHOLDS, DO NOT DO THIS
P202200557	4/22/2022 9:07 AM	If SPIRE is experiencing shortfalls in money to pay employees, I suggest they lower the pay of top administrators.
P202200558	4/22/2022 1:39 PM	(LK) Ms. Giseke called regarding the increases in rates for Spire customers. She states that it is putting a real life changing strain on those with a fixed limited income who are just above the income guidelines for assistance. She asks the PSC to not approve further increases and to consider the burden these increases have already had on those above the assistance income guidelines, such as retired or lower middle class.
P202200559	4/22/2022 4:44 PM	The customer service employees cannot figure percentages. Also, customers should have a number to call at no charge to them to pay their bills. On our bills we have a higher pipe line charge than the gas we are using. I would like to see an audit from the time Laclede Gas became Spire. What was the amount of money they had and how it was spent? Thank you. Kathy Friederich
P202200560	4/24/2022 8:06 AM	Now is not the time to raise rates for utilities in Missouri. Inflation being at an all time high, mixed with plenty of businesses taking unnecessary advantage of these high prices to unnecessarily raise their own is already making things tough on residents. The impact these rate increases have on low income residents in Kansas City are real.
P202200561	4/24/2022 9:42 AM	How about reduce the millions you are paying to CEOs and other higher up workers and stop asking for more money from poor people.
P202200562	4/24/2022 11:44 AM	I say NO to any rate increase for Spire. People are suffering from inflation, lack of employment opportunities that pay a living wage as it is. As a senior on a fixed income, no one is giving me an income increase. My heart does not bleed for those poor executives who already make an obscene wage. Nor do I have sympathy for 'corporate profits'.
P202200563	4/24/2022 12:24 PM	The rate from .40 cents per unit to .79 cents per unit made my bill basically DOUBLE in the Spire west area of Missouri. The headlines always say $5 or $10 a month- but that is NOT THE REALITY for Missourians. My house if very efficient and the winter has been mild. There is nothing else I can do to keep warm. We cannot continue to keep up with these increases when EVERYTHING else in becoming in affordable. The ability to afford to heat our homes is essential. Stop this.
P202200564	4/24/2022 12:34 PM	Families do not need another rate increase! This is corporate greed at its finest and unnecessary
P202200565	4/24/2022 12:37 PM	Spire just got a rate increase five (5) months ago. How about if their executives take a pay cut instead of trying to balance their books on the backs of the people? It's immoral that their top executives are making millions of dollars while Missouri citizens struggle to pay their heat bills. We have had enough!
P202200566	4/24/2022 12:44 PM	Spire does not deserve to win a rate increase, this move will harm low-income people and vulnerable renters and working-class homeowners. Why should CEOs and executives raise gas rates while continuing to rake in millions off of a basic service that we need to survive? This hike in rates will hurt working people the most. Many of my neighbors are struggling with shut-offs and falling behind on their bills. Utility assistance is not accessible to everyone. Please don’t rate the rate!
P202200567	4/24/2022 12:51 PM	I do NOT agree with Spire's request for another rate increase. My gas bills this winter were more than double the amount paid the previous year, yet energy consumption was less during the same time period. What Spire claimed as a few dollars more per month was actually over $60 compared to the same time period last year with less consumption. Execs at the top should take a pay cut to cover salaries instead of giving themselves a 20 million raise. Do NOT allow Spire to raise gas rates or fees.
P202200568	4/24/2022 1:29 PM	I don't think it is fair to raise the cost again so soon. How about lowering the wages of the president and vp level employees instead?
P202200569	4/24/2022 2:41 PM	If you can’t cover executive salaries… decrease the number of executives. People already struggle just to keep the gas on in their homes. Many people don’t eat so they can cover utilities. That is simply unjust.
P202200570	4/24/2022 5:02 PM	I’m writing to the commission today asking them not to approve Spire’s rate hike. I live in KC where too many people struggle to pay their utility bills on top of rent already. People go cold in the winter to afford their own rent, or avoid having their gas shut off. After failing to provide consistent and safe service in the extreme weather of last February, it does not make sense to push the price onto the people who have no choice but to use them, esp. in wake of large earnings for Spire.
P202200571	4/24/2022 5:09 PM	We are retired and on a fixed income. It was a shock to our budget when our Spire bill doubled at the end of 2021. Please consider requiring Spire to forgo or postpone another increase so soon. There must be some way the company can manage, just as we have had to do what we can to decrease our use of gas heat and appliances since our monthly bill has doubled.
P202200572	4/24/2022 5:21 PM	They are asking to increase the rate not because of improvements to service, or inflation, or rising costs, but because of their need to pay for the corporate salaries? Just cut corporate salaries and don't shift an over 120$ a year estimated cost onto me for no benefit.
P202200573	4/24/2022 5:39 PM	Didnt we just have an increase last year?? I’d love to see how much in bonuses your top dogs are getting.
P202200574	4/24/2022 5:50 PM	I am a resident of Kansas City MO Brookside, I am extremely concerned with the hike in rates from both Evergy and Spire. We have seen our utility bills skyrocket over the last few month. Our neighbors to the east (Troost) are already impacted by the utilities disregard for humane health. We advise you. to hold Spire and Evergy accountable for the well being of our beautiful city.Spire as they have just announced to raise rates. We need a community oversight on our public utilities.
P202200575	4/24/2022 5:50 PM	In the midst of near-record inflation and energy crises, it feels quite inappropriate for Spire to hold its hand out for more money from the people it serves. We are struggling enough with rising food and housing prices and Spire just had its chance to ask for more money from us. Spire should plan ahead more carefully. I do not approve of this request.
P202200576	4/24/2022 5:51 PM	Do not approve the rate increase for spire gas!
P202200577	4/24/2022 5:55 PM	Who in their right mind would willingly consent to their rates being raised? Spire doesnt need any more money off the losses of the working class.
P202200578	4/24/2022 7:20 PM	If the CEO of Spire can have a 20% increase in pay, they don't need to raise rates for the everyday person.
P202200579	4/24/2022 11:13 PM	Missouri citizens cannot afford to foot the bill for Spire's Ceo's 20% raise. Please consider the people who are already struggling to afford groceries during this time of inflation.
P202200580	4/25/2022 3:10 AM	It fully appears that this is simply a continuation of the previous request. The commission didn’t give them what they wanted the last time, so they almost immediately come back and ask again. Please do not honor their request. I am a senior citizen, with a business degree and this is BAD business for the consumer. I am of course responding to the Spire rate increase request.
P202200581	4/25/2022 7:52 AM	Please see the attached document outlining why I believe the proposed Spire rate increase request should be denied by the Missouri Public Service Commission. Thank you.
P202200582	4/25/2022 8:34 AM	Please do not allow Spire to so quickly increase our gas rates in Missouri. We have no other choice but use Spire and even middle-income earners are struggling to pay these bills. Rent is going up, groceries are going up, gas is going up — we are at a breaking point. Please deny Spire the rate increase they are requesting. If they want to increase wages for workers, they should cut into shareholder profits or cap wages for their CEO. Please don’t make the people of Missouri cover Spire’s bill.
P202200583	4/25/2022 9:25 AM	I write today in strong opposition to the request made by Spire. They already increased customer rates recently, and we saw a significant increase in our natural gas bill as a result - much more than we've ever paid, so much so that I was worried we may need to take out a loan so our bank account wasn't overdrawn. It is not fair that Spire's CEO saw her compensation go up about 20% to $5.57 million, while the public ends up paying higher prices. I urge you to say NO to Spire's request.
P202200584	4/25/2022 10:05 AM	Maybe instead of raising rates, Spire should control out of control wage increases for its top tier of executives and shareholders and perhaps even lower PROFIT by a small amount.
P202200586	4/25/2022 10:17 AM	I do not agree with another rate increase for Spire and would like Spire and our elected officials to explore other options to make the company more efficient and cost effective.
P202200588	4/25/2022 12:34 PM	The utility’s five highest-earning executives received more than $12 million in compensation in 2021, according to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Suzanne Sitherwood, Spire’s president and CEO, received $5.57 million last year — an increase of more than 20% compared to 2020. And you want to raise our prices for who? Don't pretend you are raising prices to help out the hourly employees who do the manual work!
P202200589	4/25/2022 12:46 PM	This is absolutely outrageous. If you need to pay your employees more, pay your ceo less. In a state where the minimum wage is barely $10 an hour how do you think people can afford this? Do I have to choose between paying my rent or paying my goddamn gas bill? Do you want people to struggle to pay? I already could barely afford it with the last increase and I make $40k a year. Y’all can take your fucking rate increase and shove it. Jesus fucking Christ y’all are a bunch of greedy assholes.
P202200590	4/25/2022 2:26 PM	We as customers should not continue to foot the bill of Spire’s wages when their top executives are making several MILLIONS a year. Spire’s president/CEO just got a hefty raise compared to 2020. Take it out of their incomes to pay their employees and other costs. Then continue to audit this company as this is the second increase in a short time. This will hurt the low to middle class citizens in an already tough economy. This is not right. Make them find another solution.
P202200591	4/25/2022 2:46 PM	Spire should not increase rates so soon after a previous increase. The recent pandemic has resulted in lost income for myself and others. The inflation from supply chain slowdowns have caused additional inflation, not to mention the war in Ukraine. Piling on another rate increase may lead to users falling behind on payments and then gas shutoffs. Spire should do all it can to help its customer base and build goodwill.
P202200592	4/25/2022 4:47 PM	I recommend that the commission not approve the proposed rate increases. Inflation is incredibly high. The rate increase will be highly detrimental to the public, especially middle and lower income households. The burden of poor accounting practices by the company should not be borne by the public.
P202200593	4/26/2022 10:43 AM	The price increase has impacted my family . How could you not warn us of price hikes? How can you increase so much in one year. This is terrible.
P202200594	4/26/2022 12:45 PM	This is ridiculous! The rates goes EVERY year. You all allowed this first one to happened and they did not get what they wanted so now they want the increase for salaries. That is nonsense when the CEO MAKES OVER 20 MILLION A YEAR as well as some other executives! They need to not make more money or take a pay cut! Most of us are still struggling with our bills! Every thing is going up and Spire has already has a price increase and I never hear about the prices go down. For once do not do it
P202200595	4/26/2022 1:00 PM	There was a serious lack of communication about price increases with our gas bill. It was a HUGE increase all at once without warning. Since the increase we have kept our home turned down below 60F and we are still paying a higher bill than our previous year.
P202200597	4/27/2022 6:59 PM	Please do not allow another rate increase by Spire. My budget payment already increased by 50%. I am a senior citizen on a fixed income. My thermostat is set at 68 degrees through the winter. I’ll be purchasing more electric space heaters and electric cooking appliances.
P202200602	5/3/2022 12:41 PM	When Spire was in Concordia, Mo putting in new gas lines, we approached the supervisor with the question as to why they were not using the easement instead of tearing up the street. We were told there was no easement behind our property. The existing (original) gas line does lay in the easement behind our property. See attached for full public comments.
P202200618	6/1/2022 3:47 PM	(JP) "Something has to be done about these ridiculous rate increases. What are people on fixed incomes supposed to do? The price of everything is going up and our paychecks aren't going up."
P202200636	6/22/2022 11:41 PM	The answer to the rate increase should be a big fat resounding NO. They just increased our rates at the end of 2021 from $0.40 to $0.79 per hundred cubic feet, or 96.2%!! My bill doubled and we were paying way too much to keep our house warm. We had no option of turning the heat down because we just had a newborn baby. There is no other gas company for me to use, they are really taking advantage of us. They just had record revenues and don’t need more money, we the people are the ones struggling
P202300002	7/6/2022 8:35 AM	(co) Customer called stating the customer charge is a real good deal for Spire. Meters are being read electronically. Surprised public utilities allow them to stick to every customer for $40 before they use their product.
P202300143	8/4/2022 10:52 AM	I heard Spire is requesting another rate increase. I simply cannot afford these bills anymore. This past winter, my bills DOUBLED in spite of the fact that I invested in new windows in my home. If it goes up any more, I'm truly worried about how I'm going to pay. Over $300 a month to heat an 1800 sq ft house is already insane.
P202300144	8/4/2022 11:06 AM	How are you allowing Spire to increase their prices so much!?? Protect the citizens of your state from corporate welfare. They're taking record profits directly out of the pockets of taxpayers. Do your jobs and work for the citizens of this state, not corporate interests. They're requesting a 63-67% increase in price on top of already increasing the price more than 100% from a year ago. How are you allowing this?
P202300383	8/26/2022 1:21 PM	the Kansas City Star published an article that Spire was going to raise natural gas prices by 65% starting in the fall. This is an excessive increase of rates. Where is the MPSC in helping protect the interest of the citizens of Missouri from price gauging? Siting supply and delivery problems in the shadow of the Pandemic is not a legitimate reason for this excessive hike. But rather a scape goat excuse, the band wagon of such many merchants have jumped upon.
P202300454	9/15/2022 3:06 PM	(JE) Robert is opposed to any rate increase for Spire. He is on a fixed income & due to rate increase in 2021 & PGA increase his budget amount increased from $75 a month to $140. He even put in an electric water heater to not use as much gas due to increases & wholesale cost of natural gas not being controlled by PSC. Can't afford more increases
P202300460	9/16/2022 2:34 PM	(tb) Reggie is opposed to the rate increase because his gas rate doubled after Spire replaced the gas lines and the new meter.
P202300461	9/17/2022 8:44 AM	I am a retired person on a limited income. A rate increase of 10-12.65% such as what Spire wants for its customers would be a real hardship for me and others like me. With the severe inflation we are experiencing in the US now, many of us can barely afford food and rent. Heating is a necessity. Please reconsider this increase and the hardships it will place on the many residents of Mo. who are just struggling to survive.
P202300464	9/17/2022 12:12 PM	Spire has consistently charged higher rates every year-in particular during summer months. When contacted about this, they offer no explanation. They simply read your meter, report that all their equipment is working fine, and claim you need to replace your own equipment to lower usage. This despite the fact that at our home we have replaced appliances with more efficient ones, replaced light bulbs with LEDs, lowered use, and installed a smart thermostat. Clearly Spire greed is the cause.
P202300466	9/18/2022 4:01 PM	As a Missouri resident, I am opposed to the proposed revenue increase of 10.29% by Spire. My family, and many others cannot afford utility increases right now. With inflation, many of us are trying to figure out a way to continue paying all of our bills and still putting food on the table.
P202300468	9/19/2022 8:19 AM	Now is a hard time to raise rates given all the financial struggles many are experiencing, due to the economy and ongoing impacts from Covid-19. See attached for full public comments.
P202300469	9/19/2022 8:21 AM	The monthly charge is already too high and should not be increased $8 or $9 a month. In the summer, I don’t use gas, but I have to pay $25 every month anyway for a service I don’t use. This amount should not be increased.
P202300470	9/19/2022 8:26 AM	See attached for public comments
P202300471	9/19/2022 8:29 AM	See attached for public comments.
P202300472	9/19/2022 8:36 AM	Spire shouldn't be passing their lack of profit on to their customers. It would be a better idea to reasses their business model and pushback against their supplier.
P202300474	9/19/2022 9:05 AM	See attached for full comment.
P202300475	9/19/2022 9:08 AM	I'm concerned about the proposal to increase Spire revenues by a 10.29% and 12.65% increase respectively. This steep of an increase puts extreme negative impact on already financially strapped consumers. (See attached for full comment)
P202300476	9/19/2022 9:15 AM	I live in Monett Mo and cannot attend the public hearings I don't believe a rate hike would be very good for the average person with the way everything else is increasing that would put a burden on people's income which already is hurting. Especially going into winter.
P202300477	9/19/2022 9:31 AM	We would like to thank you for sending us a notification of a rate increase requested by Spire. We are hard working people that are employed by the State of Missouri. Expenses are difficult enough to manage right now. We urgently need you to be aware of our requests and hear what we are asking of you. We respectfully request the PSC deny the request for rate increase proposed by Spire. Thank you for your time.
P202300479	9/19/2022 10:04 AM	(tb) Gary is strongly opposed to rate increase, he's a retired senior citizen, on a fixed income and will greatly effect him
P202300480	9/19/2022 11:00 AM	(JE) Lady called regarding notice she received on Spire's proposed rate increase. She did not want to provide her name. She is disabled & on a fixed income. She already can't afford rates due to the PGA increase & PSC approved rate increase from 2021. She wants the PSC to deny the proposed rate increase
P202300481	9/19/2022 11:21 AM	i am writing you to voice my opposition to Spires request for a 10.29% rate increase. The reason i am opposed to this increase is in my opinion this increase is far in excess of the inflation rate. For many missourians, especially our senior citizens on a fixed income. this increase will cause undue hardship to many and is not necessary in my opinion. (see attached for full comment)
P202300482	9/19/2022 11:31 AM	As a very much lower "middle income", single, tax payer, I am begging you to postpone a rate increase. With all the other increases from electric, water, taxes, groceries, EVERYTHING, it is becoming increasingly hard to maintain just the basic standard of life. If we have any kind of a winter here in MO, it will be impossible to keep up with the gas bill as it is. Add an increase an the average taxpayer is doomed.
P202300483	9/19/2022 12:31 PM	(JE) Lady called regarding LPH notice received in mail and did not want to provide name. She is low income & disabled and cannot afford rates that she is already paying. She would like the PSC to deny the increase.
P202300485	9/19/2022 12:51 PM	My wife and I are retired and on a fixed income. Inflation is eating up our income. Not against increase per say but I do have deep concern. Spire should tighten their belts just like the rest of us.
P202300486	9/19/2022 1:24 PM	(co) Customer called asking why can't we have a hearing around Joplin. He stated we don't even matter. It's 2.5% higher than Biden's cost of living increase already this year. He asked if they're going to listen to the man that's on a fixed income. He stated he can't keep affording this stuff. He's sick of it. He asked what are they doing with all of this money.
P202300487	9/19/2022 1:31 PM	(tb) opposed to rate increase, retired on a fixed income, no extra money coming
P202300488	9/19/2022 1:39 PM	I don't believe this increase is a very good idea. People on social security or low income are already having a difficult time paying the increases of everything else as it is.
P202300489	9/19/2022 2:05 PM	My wife and I received notice of the proposed rate hike requested by Spire Missouri, Inc filed with the Missouri Public Service Commission. Spire seeks to raise rates by over 10%. The available information does not present any explanation of how the increase would improve the quality of the service provided by Spire nor any benefits extended to the public or my family. (See attached for full comment)
P202300490	9/19/2022 2:12 PM	As a very much lower "middle income", single, tax payer, I am begging you to postpone a rate increase. With all the other increases from electric, water, taxes, groceries, EVERYTHING, it is becoming increasingly hard to maintain just the basic standard of life. If we have any kind of a winter here in MO, it will be impossible to keep up with the gas bill as it is. Add an increase an the average taxpayer is doomed.
P202300491	9/19/2022 2:32 PM	My name is Ken Perry my address is 7405 NE 112th Ct. Kansas City Mo. 64157 . This increase at this time is totally wrong . My Spire bill is up 32% over last year at this time , now they want another 10.29% increase. So put me down as strongly being against this increase at this time
P202300492	9/19/2022 3:11 PM	I am very unimpressed by the thought of Spire seeking a revenue increase just months after the last one. The public is feeling inflation more than ever, but I have a feeling the Spire executives raking in $12M+ each don’t experience it quite the same way. I seem to remember Joe Biden and Kamala Harris telling the public that we are doing the right thing by taking on the burden of gas costs and inflation because of this Ukraine conflict. So… when does Spire carry this burden?
P202300494	9/19/2022 4:05 PM	I am writing to voice my opinion as a Spire West customer that I oppose any new rate increases. It seem like every few months a rate increase is being discussed. Why is Spire management not looking ahead and investing their profits to continue to be fiscally and operationally successful? (See attached for full comments)
P202300495	9/19/2022 4:08 PM	I would like to leave a brief statement in regards to spire an the rate increase. I would hope that the Missouri Public Service Commission rejects any and all rate increases as Spire is not deserving of them and here is my reasoning behind this. (See attached for full comment)
P202300496	9/19/2022 4:50 PM	I understand prices are rising, but a 10% increase is a bit extreme. This is a political problem, not a tax payer problem. Spire should demand more access to gas fields to lower prices instead of taking the easy route of asking for a price increase.
P202300497	9/19/2022 5:35 PM	Gouging the public because they can. Using the proceeds to buy back more stocks to enrich the board members and valued investors. This is the financial way our economy works these days. The public is nothing more than the host for the corporate debt parasite's. We need a true publicly owned non profit utility. Our government though is captured by this neoliberal plague.
P202300498	9/20/2022 8:44 AM	The proposed Spire rate increase (GR-2022-0179) is clearly a cash grab. Utility companies are using the failures in Texas last year as an opportunity to extort their monopoly on the system. I strongly disagree with this. I find it disgusting that it's even been taken seriously.
P202300499	9/20/2022 9:05 AM	As I am unable to attend the public hearings on the rate hike application filed by Spire Missouri Inc,, I wish to register my input via this method. (See attached for full comment)
P202300500	9/20/2022 9:07 AM	I'm writing in response to the mailer that came in the mail today about Spire's intention to "increase revenues." Living in Western Missouri, it seems my rate will increase another 12.65%/month. Great. I can promise you my income isn't going up anywhere near that amount. Cost-of-living raises ended some years ago. (See attached for full comment)
P202300501	9/20/2022 9:09 AM	I know there have to be increases sometimes but in the way the country is right now I don't know how much more senior citizens can take that live on a fixed income and especially when the Republicans say they want to take all their benefits away their money their health care and everything. Is there no concern for the people of this country anymore is it all just about money and who can get richer and the poor get poor and they don't care about the poor people anymore.
P202300502	9/20/2022 9:11 AM	I will be unable to attend the in-person meeting about Spire's rate increase(GR-2022-0179); however, I would still like to register a comment. This rate increase is clearly driven by the failures of utilities in Texas last year and is a cash-grab. I strongly disagree with this rate increase. Thank you for your consideration
P202300504	9/20/2022 11:04 AM	"I say no to this proposed raise increased. I'm on a fixed income and now they want to raise it $10-14/month? No. I cannot afford that."
P202300505	9/20/2022 11:07 AM	We are elderly and are against the increase Spire has proposed.
P202300506	9/20/2022 11:27 AM	"We do not need a rate increase. I am a senior citizen and cannot afford a rate increase. We do not get any increases in our social security so I don't think there should be an increase in anything."
P202300507	9/20/2022 11:30 AM	I'm writing in response to the mailer that came in the mail today about Spire's intention to "increase revenues." See attached for full comments.
P202300508	9/20/2022 11:31 AM	To Whom it may concern, I am apposed to you raising rates at this time. You just about doubled my bill because of the war in Ukraine. I propose to ride out the storm until the war is over. Consumers are already spending a lot of money to fuel our cars and buy food. Raise the prices after gasoline and food costs are back to normal
P202300509	9/20/2022 11:33 AM	Hello, I will be unable to attend the in-person meeting about Spire's rate increase(GR-2022-0179); however, I would still like to register a comment. This rate increase is clearly driven by the failures of utilities in Texas last year and is a cash-grab. I strongly disagree with this rate increase. Thank you for your consideration.
P202300510	9/20/2022 11:34 AM	To Whom It may concern, My opinion is that revenues do not need to be increased. Based on the high cost of living that we are currently experiencing, Spire should consider the people and find another way to come up with the funds. Thank you Saundra
P202300511	9/20/2022 11:35 AM	My opinion is that revenues do not need to be increased. Based on the high cost of living that we are currently experiencing, Spire should consider the people and find another way to come up with the funds. Thank you Hazel
P202300512	9/20/2022 11:37 AM	I received a letter today giving me notice of Spire requesting to increase prices for the services that they provide. Here are my thoughts on this? See attached for full comments.
P202300513	9/20/2022 11:40 AM	i am being charged 50 dollars more for my gas and being on a fixed income that is to much of a price rase the gas service is at 218 locust st carterville mo.64835 somebody is padding their pockets while the rest of us starve'
P202300514	9/20/2022 11:43 AM	To Whom It May Concern, I am writing in response to a notice I received from Spire, regarding the company's filing with the PSC to approve a rate increase to customer bills. I would like to provide written comments. See attached for full comments.
P202300515	9/20/2022 12:41 PM	Case No. GR-2022-0179 - Spire Proposed Rate Increase I oppose Spire's rate increase of 12.65% for infrastructure investment, rate of return, overhead costs, and transportation tariff provisions. This rate increase is proposed to occur before February 2023 (Winter of 2023) and Spire just implemented a rate increased for the Winter of 2021.
P202300516	9/20/2022 1:04 PM	Hello There! I just got a letter explaining that Spire is requesting for a rate increase 10.29%. I am a customer in the Missouri West part. I feel like 10.29% increase is very unreasonable. We all are being crushed by inflation and increase in basically everything, and they are asking for 10.29% increase? If they need money…they can find it somewhere else where it wouldn’t affect us much. I usually don’t voice out or leave a comment but inflation have made everything so ridiculous.
P202300518	9/20/2022 1:12 PM	(co) Customer called stating Spire just doubled his bill in the Spring. It's the first time since he's lived in Joplin that he's had to go on that monthly program because it's so high. You can't let them keep screwing us old people down here. Some point in time got to say no.
P202300519	9/20/2022 2:19 PM	I will not be able to attend a public meeting; however, I believed this issue to be of enough importance to give my thoughts. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300520	9/20/2022 2:22 PM	I received a letter today giving me notice of Spire requesting to increase prices for the services that they provide. Here are my thoughts on this...(see attached for the full comment)
P202300521	9/20/2022 2:25 PM	I am writing in response to a notice I received from Spire, regarding the company's filing with the PSC to approve a rate increase to customer bills. I would like to provide written comments. I respectfully request that you do not grant Spire approval for their rate increase. (see attached for full comment)
P202300522	9/20/2022 2:28 PM	Dear Sir or Madam, Spire Missouri Inc. has filed a request for a rate increase GR-20222-0179 of $151.88 Million resulting in a 12.65% or average of $10.95 additional monthly charge for Spire Missouri West customers such as myself. I feel strongly that the proposed increase is excessive and should not be approved. Many customers are on low or fixed incomes, including myself. I am a single 87 year old widower. (See attached for full comment)
P202300523	9/20/2022 2:36 PM	(tb) David is opposed to rate increase, seems to be unreasonable due to the situation we are in. Doesn't feel their delivery costs are higher since their infrastructure is in place & it coming to thru the pipelines. Also, doesn't think it is fair the east & west have different increase amounts.
P202300524	9/20/2022 4:46 PM	(JE) Matt got rate increase brochure in mail. He is opposed to any increase & wants PSC to deny rate increase. Spire just got increase in December 2021 & should not get any more increases. Said there should be no increases due to pandemic & economy in a recession. Single parent & cannot afford anymore increases
P202300525	9/21/2022 7:45 AM	I would like to take strong disagreement with this proposed rate increase by Spire. 12.65% per month will be extremely damaging to everyone who is mostly dependent on Social Security or has limited retirement savings available. With the inflation rate running 10% already this will be a devastating blow to a large group of people who are barely getting by. Not just retirees but average working people on minimum wage. This needs to stop so please help protect the citizens of Missouri!
P202300526	9/21/2022 7:48 AM	Hello. In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. Down with GR-2022-0179!
P202300527	9/21/2022 7:50 AM	We urge the public service commission to deny SPire's request to raise rates to consumers once again. It seems that they just keep coming back to the committee to increase their profits. This continues to put a hardship on middle class consumers, and I am not convinced the increase is warranted. Cost of living is fast becoming the cost of surviving. Thank you for your consideration.
P202300528	9/21/2022 8:03 AM	Please help the everyday people survive in these times. We have already experienced increases on top of increases. Have mercy and decline the increase. Thank you very much
P202300529	9/21/2022 8:04 AM	Please do not raise charges again on Missouri resident's gas bill. A increase just occurred and another would be financially crippling to myself and other Missouri residents. Please find your additional source of funding internally.
P202300530	9/21/2022 8:06 AM	Do not permit Spire to again raise rates less than 1 year after their previous raise. Their claim that most customers will incur a small increase is an outright lie, as documented by the KC Star in March 2022 which showed between 70 & 96% increases (link below). I myself experienced a 73% rate increase. This utility monopoly must not be allowed to extort customers who have no other choice in their gas provider. https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article259319739.html
P202300531	9/21/2022 8:07 AM	SPIRE proposed rate increase, I have heard that in 2021 Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. I do not believe they need this increase.
P202300532	9/21/2022 8:09 AM	Please do not approve the price increase
P202300533	9/21/2022 8:22 AM	Today in the mail our family received a notice that Spire Missouri Inc. has filed a request for a rate increase. In December of 2021 our rate for natural gas went from $0.1567 to $0.27073, that is a 59% increase!!! Even though our usage was less for the year our budget went from $50 per month to $90 per month! I am absolutely opposed to this increase. Please protect Missouri families!
P202300534	9/21/2022 8:29 AM	I implore you to please not authorize a Spire price increase. Families are struggling with gas bills that are already out of control on top of soaring prices in every other area as well. Please consider the needs of the people of Missouri and deny further rate hikes.
P202300535	9/21/2022 8:41 AM	I am demanding that you vote NO on this increase .
P202300536	9/21/2022 8:44 AM	Please vote against a rate increase by Spire. Now is NOT the time for another increase.
P202300537	9/21/2022 8:47 AM	Please do not allow Spire an increase at this time. I’m a senior citizen and have limited funds. I would hate to think I would have to make a choice between heat or food. I’m also fighting lung cancer.
P202300538	9/21/2022 8:49 AM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. Down with GR-2022-0179!
P202300539	9/21/2022 8:52 AM	I am writing in response to the proposed Spire gas rate increase. Speaking for only my family and myself, we will find it difficult to handle a 12.65% increase in cost. We have had to adjust for the overall rise in inflation and have not received any increase in pay to help offset the additional cost in fuel, groceries, hardware to repair our homes, etc. so I strongly object any increase, especially a ridiculous 12.65% increase. Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion and may god bless.
P202300540	9/21/2022 8:54 AM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40%higher. Down with GR-2022-0179!
P202300541	9/21/2022 9:00 AM	I am reaching out to your Commission, to voice my concerns on granting Spire Missouri Inc ANY kind of rate increase......I am totally & completely against a rate increase. (See attached for full comment)
P202300542	9/21/2022 9:02 AM	I am unable to attend the meetings regarding the rate hike for Spire. While I understand that there may need to be some increase for various reasons...increased gas cost, building infrastructure.. I believe that there was recently a 3% hike already approved by Missouri regulators as well as an increase in 2021. Now there is a request to raise rates an additional 10.44 - 12/65 percent. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300543	9/21/2022 9:04 AM	Spire operates a public utility and has the profit line of a private cooperation. Another delivery increase from Spire after last winter's hike, which blindsided me and many of my neighbors, is an unnecessary price gouge during a time of inflation (which does not impact their delivery abilities). According to Spire Energy's latest financial reports the company's current revenue (TTM) is $2.17 B. In 2021 revenue was $2.27 B an increase over the years 2020 revenue that were of $1.80 B.
P202300544	9/21/2022 9:05 AM	I am unable to attend the meetings regarding the rate hike for Spire. While I understand that there may need to be some increase for various reasons...increased gas cost, building infrastructure.. I believe that there was recently a 3% hike already approved by Missouri regulators as well as an increase in 2021. Now there is a request to raise rates an additional 10.44 - 12/65 percent. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300545	9/21/2022 9:08 AM	I'm writing to you about Spire Missouri Inc. and their request they have filed with the Missouri Public Service Commision (PSC) to increase revenues by $151.88 million. I am opposed to their request. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300546	9/21/2022 9:11 AM	Is Spire not making ENOUGH money? In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. They are on track to increase revenue in 2022 by 68% over 2021. Again, is Spire not making ENOUGH money? (See attached for the full comment)
P202300547	9/21/2022 9:13 AM	I am a homeowner in Kansas City, Missouri. I received notice today that Spire is requesting to increase revenue again. I am opposed to allowing Spire to increase revenue again. Instead, I would vote to and for the elimination of Spire's monopoly on providing this service. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300548	9/21/2022 9:22 AM	I am writing, as I did last March, to request the Missouri Public Service Commission deny the request of Spire gas. In March the rate increase for "infrastructure improvements" seemed dire. This time I am protesting an increase for “the volumetric” part of the delivery charge under case GR-2022-0179. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300549	9/21/2022 9:29 AM	I understand the need for increased rates to maintain a workforce and continue to provide service, and inasmuch am not opposed to a modest rate increase. As we enter deeper into our golden years, I can tell you that my wife and I, nor most Missourians, will receive a 12.65% increase in our household income this year, and do not feel that Spire should either. I would be in support of a more modest 4% increase, with plans to reevaluate it annually moving forward.
P202300550	9/21/2022 9:49 AM	The proposed increase to Missouri West of 12.65% is egregious and should be criminal. This will create a financial hardship to families and make homes practically unlivable in the summer for the elderly and those with small children or those that are ill. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300551	9/21/2022 9:52 AM	Regarding requested rate increase for Spire Missouri to increase revenues: When will this stop? There have been numerous increases over the last 5 years. Spires rate increase requests have far outweighed the annual COLA. Your Missouri citizens are having to choose between groceries and utilities!
P202300552	9/21/2022 10:07 AM	See attached for public comments
P202300553	9/21/2022 10:09 AM	Spire has sure got nerve to ask for more money!! I am retired and on social security. We are already paying too much!
P202300554	9/21/2022 10:13 AM	See attached for comments
P202300555	9/21/2022 10:15 AM	I am a 75 year old single woman and having my gas bill go up at this point in time would be a very real hardship for me. Inflation is crippling right now. I hope an increase in the gas rate can be delayed until my expenses make it possible for me to live in my home over the long term.
P202300556	9/21/2022 10:18 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300557	9/21/2022 10:21 AM	See attached for public comments.
P202300558	9/21/2022 10:24 AM	See attached for public comments
P202300559	9/21/2022 10:25 AM	Please help the everyday people survive in these times. We have already experienced increases on top of increases. Have mercy and decline the increase. Thank you very much Sylvia Yancy
P202300560	9/21/2022 10:27 AM	Is Spire not making ENOUGH money? See attached for full comments
P202300561	9/21/2022 10:28 AM	Please do not approve the increase.
P202300562	9/21/2022 10:30 AM	See attached for public comments
P202300563	9/21/2022 10:33 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300564	9/21/2022 10:37 AM	Today in the mail our family received a notice that Spire Missouri Inc. has filed a request for a rate increase. See attached for full comments.
P202300565	9/21/2022 10:39 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300566	9/21/2022 10:42 AM	See attached for comments
P202300567	9/21/2022 10:45 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300568	9/21/2022 10:46 AM	I strongly oppose the rate increase Spire Missouri Inc. is requesting. The overall 10.29% increase will have a devastating impact to the customers of Spire Missouri Inc. If approved, this increase will create hardship for not only my household but also for many of my neighbors.
P202300569	9/21/2022 11:02 AM	Its ridiculous for the rate increase and I don't know how people can live. Last year our bills have doubled and I just don't understand how they would ask again for more.
P202300570	9/21/2022 12:14 PM	Its like the cart before the horse. Who wouldn't want to get a raise in pay because times are expected to be horrible! Instead tell the public what the Co. is doing to cut back its own expenses. To start with a 2nd increase is a Co. that only cares of its own to get profit and not the people who are your paychecks, We have no way to change to a different supplier other than to move, not fair at all, a strangle is not theAmerican way.Show us your ways of stretching the Co.profit BEFORE Increases!
P202300571	9/21/2022 12:46 PM	We feel that the current fees are already too high. If the price is raised it will be hard for those of us on fixed incomes to pay for this update.
P202300572	9/21/2022 1:01 PM	(JP) "They do not need another rate increase. They just got one. It is a large increase they're asking for and it is going to cause a lot more people to be living on the streets. People cannot afford this."
P202300573	9/21/2022 1:12 PM	This increase in Winter Usage that is proposed will strain people's budgets even more. There has already been an increase last winter of almost 50% more last winter than the winter of 2020. People are already living paycheck to paycheck and already paying a premium for the "Winter Usage" fee
P202300574	9/21/2022 1:47 PM	(co) Customer called stating senior citizens aren't seeing this type of increase in social security benefits. Is there anyway that can be considered or brought up?
P202300576	9/21/2022 3:17 PM	(JE) Lynn called into PSC & is opposed to any rate increase. She already is struggling to afford groceries and other things due to pandemic and ongoing inflation. She is on social security. She also stated that Spire got a rate increase last winter & should not be given any more increases. Rates are already too high.
P202300577	9/21/2022 3:53 PM	Senior citizens are already suffering enough. Don't approve this rate increase.
P202300578	9/21/2022 4:50 PM	(co) Customer called stating he's arguing the increase. A lot of people going to be harder to pay it out of what social security they get. What do they expect us to do? Everything else went up.
P202300579	9/21/2022 5:05 PM	Do not allow this rate hike from Spire! A second rate hike, the first in the midst of a pandemic and colder than average winter, and now on the verge of a recession when inflation is already sky-high and people have a hard enough time affording GROCERIES. Spire is a horrible company looking out only for their wealthy investors, for once show some support for the people of Missouri and deny this rate increase.
P202300580	9/21/2022 5:58 PM	Hello, I have attached a list of questions that I would like answered along with a brief set of comments on the issue at hand. Any follow up should be made via mail to the address included in the form. Thank you, Austin Glass
P202300581	9/21/2022 6:01 PM	Hello, I have included an attachment with a list of questions I would like answered as well as a brief comment regarding the case. Any communication can be made to my address included on the form. Thank you, Sam Glass
P202300582	9/21/2022 6:18 PM	Remember that according to Spire's Schedule 14A filing, the total direct compensation for the executive officers raised on overage 25% in one year. Spire already increased their rates once back in November 2021, an average of 80%. And now they're trying to raise rates again by 63%. This is getting out of hand!
P202300583	9/21/2022 6:28 PM	I live in a small NW missouri town and Spire is our only choice for gas. We had rate increases last year and are facing more now. Please do not approve this increase Missouri is already suffering
P202300584	9/21/2022 8:21 PM	We have been financially hurt now for 2 years. After Covid and all the time lost but our bills kept coming. We are on SS!! This amount is outrageous… please bring the increase down? Better yet wait. Americans are hurting!!
P202300585	9/21/2022 11:20 PM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for?
P202300586	9/22/2022 7:56 AM	I strongly oppose the rate increase Spire Missouri Inc. is requesting. The overall 10.29% increase will have a devastating impact to the customers of Spire Missouri Inc. If approved, this increase will create hardship for not only my household but also for many of my neighbors.
P202300587	9/22/2022 7:59 AM	We just got a notice in the mail that Spire wants to raise their rates by another 12.95%. They have already raised our rates!! Our last bill jumped from $60 a month to $105 a month and we haven't used anymore gas than usual. This is wrong! It is hard enough with the cost of groceries and everything else going up, and they want to raise the gas bill even more.
P202300588	9/22/2022 8:02 AM	Another rate increase after a 50% increase in December 2021 is ridiculous!!!!! People are already struggling to put food on the table and a roof of the children’s heads! And big ass corporations think they can just keep raising our prices!. There should not be another price increase especially after a 50% increase in December 2021. Everything is going up some parents can’t afford to even feed their kids because everything’s going up and big corporations take it vantage of that
P202300589	9/22/2022 8:04 AM	I am a resident of Gladstone, Missouri and understand why SPIRE is requesting a rate increase. However, a 12.65% for my area is way overboard. Inflation, which is hard enough, isn't as high as what they're asking for! As a retiree, on a pension, I feel that they should be able to negotiate a lower fee. I would be ok paying them an additional 8% but NOT 12.65%.
P202300590	9/22/2022 8:09 AM	Please do not approve Spire's request to increase rates. I am a Missouri resident, in zip code 64137.
P202300591	9/22/2022 8:11 AM	I am writing as it seems that we already pay a great deal for utilities and with the economy the way it is, this is not a good time to increase fees. Thank you
P202300592	9/22/2022 8:15 AM	Why would Spire think I’d be okay with giving them over $120 more per year just so that they can pay “overhead costs”? Sounds like they’re just too stupid to run a business. Regardless, we all know these hearings are a charade and Spire Missouri is going to do whatever the fuck they want. But for the record, I am vehemently against rate raising of any kind.
P202300593	9/22/2022 8:21 AM	(JE) Lady called after she received LPH notice in mail about Spire rate case. She did not want to provide her name. She is elderly and on social security which is a little over $800 a month. She cannot afford a rate increase. Says Spire just got a rate increase last year and does not need another one. Social Security doesn't go up to offset inflation
P202300594	9/22/2022 8:26 AM	There are too many people struggling to make ends meet right now. There is too much suffering. There is no need for Spire to increase their rates, causing further harm to millions of Missourians. People will become homeless. People will be unable to pay for food and medication. PLEASE VOTE NO! (see attached for full comment)
P202300595	9/22/2022 8:29 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300596	9/22/2022 8:32 AM	Today in the mail, I received a pamphlet about a rate increase for a public hearing for spire gas company. I live in Joplin, and all the locations are 3+ hours away from my home. spire was just granted a rate increase last year, and they are now asking for another rate increase. our electric company did the same and you guys allowed such an increase. (see attached for full comment)
P202300597	9/22/2022 8:36 AM	Spire just received a huge rate increase that has severely impacted people’s ability to heat their homes in Winter. This increase would not help and would make it even more difficult for people during inflationary times. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300598	9/22/2022 8:40 AM	This is insane! We already faced a rate hike in the midst of a pandemic, while winter temperatures were significantly colder than years prior, and our comments did nothing! And now we're faced again, with an even GREATER increase, in the middle of soaring inflation/on the cusp of a recession! How is this legal, or appropriate! ( See attached for full comment)
P202300599	9/22/2022 9:46 AM	(tb) Tom is opposed to the rate increase, says gas prices are already up high enough.
P202300600	9/22/2022 10:13 AM	(co) Customer called stating he's on level pay. He was paying $80 a month, so the gas bill just went up last month or the month before last to $130. Senior citizens can't afford on a fixed income. This is kind of ridiculous. He's against going up.
P202300601	9/22/2022 10:22 AM	Spire is proposing an over 10% rate increase for our natural gas bills. This is completely unreasonable. They want to increase their rate of return, while ordinary citizens, many like me senior citizens, are trying to just make ends meet. We aren't getting increases in our cash flow to be able to afford this! It's outrageous and we strongly oppose the increase.
P202300602	9/22/2022 10:24 AM	Being in Lee's Summit, I'm on the western side which per the letter received, would get roughly a 12.65% increase. At a time where costs are rising dramatically and pay is not, we can't afford to continue increasing the prices on our basic necessities. (see attached for full comment)
P202300603	9/22/2022 10:30 AM	Spire is going to ask for a rate increase. That will cost customers about 7.50 a month on top of the apx. 35 a month we pay now. Without the use of any gas. They claim is for updates to the system. When they came in and bought MGE MGE had been paying profits to its investors they had more locations to drop off payments locally in kansas city mo And had crews out sniffing for gas leaks All this went away. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300604	9/22/2022 10:34 AM	All Americans are being squeezed right now with inflation and a recession on the horizon. Spire was already granted a huge rate increase in 2021 that has hurt our finances. it is unrealistic to add another increase to the consumers when they are already carrying the burden of the previous increase, which was not suppose to be this huge increase that it turned out to be. It is imperative for the Missouri Public Service Commission to decline the next rate increase request from Spire.
P202300605	9/22/2022 10:34 AM	I am vehemently opposed to Spire's request to raise rates for MO homeowners yet again. This comes shortly after they found a loophole to charge astronomical and unregulated prices for gas knowing they hold the monopoly in the area. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300607	9/22/2022 11:26 AM	See attached for comments
P202300608	9/22/2022 11:40 AM	Please accept our written interest in the Spire request in hiking rates. As senior citizens, on Medicare, we cannot pay higher rates. Sincerely, Michael & Lesta Jane Patrum, Joplin, MO 64804
P202300609	9/22/2022 11:49 AM	See attached for full comments
P202300610	9/22/2022 11:51 AM	See attached for comments
P202300611	9/22/2022 11:57 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300612	9/22/2022 12:00 PM	See attached for comments.
P202300613	9/22/2022 12:02 PM	I am writing as it seems that we already pay a great deal for utilities and with the economy the way it is, this is not a good time to increase fees. Thank you
P202300614	9/22/2022 12:05 PM	See attached for comments
P202300615	9/22/2022 12:07 PM	See attached for comments
P202300616	9/22/2022 12:08 PM	To whom it may concern: I say NO to spire wanting to increase our bill that’s already expensive. I ask that you disapprove this request from them. Sincerely Faye Jacobs
P202300617	9/22/2022 12:10 PM	See attached for comments.
P202300618	9/22/2022 12:16 PM	I just received a notice that Spire is requesting a price increase, my actual bill for gas was like four dollars but the time they added on everything else it was forty-five. (See attached for full comments)
P202300619	9/22/2022 12:20 PM	Spire is seeking a $10.95 monthly increase in my area. (See attached for full comments)
P202300625	9/22/2022 1:31 PM	Reference Case No GR-2022-0179. Spire's application to be able to raise funds by increasing my gas rate by about 12.65% every month is unacceptable. Spire is a publicly traded company that, as of today, is paying it's shareholders a dividend of 3.94%. And they want me to foot this bill?! If Spire needs money, it can cut its dividend to shareholders. Instead of protecting its stockholders, Spire should be forced to beaccountable to treating its customers fairly. Do not approve this application!!!
P202300626	9/22/2022 2:34 PM	This is in reference to case No GR-2022-0179. (see attached for full comments)
P202300627	9/22/2022 2:35 PM	I’m a senior citizen living on a fixed income and with inflation as bad as it is I cannot afford an increase on my utilities. Thank you
P202300628	9/23/2022 7:50 AM	I am writing this in reference to Spires request to increase gas prices. PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN! People are already struggling to pay their bills and CANNOT afford to add more costs to their struggle. I myself am on a fixed income. Everything is so overpriced. Why add to our struggle with winter approaching? This is NOT a good time to increase natural gas prices. Please say NO!
P202300629	9/23/2022 7:52 AM	I am a Spire gas consumer in Windsor Missouri and I am not a le to attend any of the public hearings about Spire gas proposed rate increase. I am against the proposed rate increase as I and everyone else I know are severely struggling financially due to skyrocketing increases in gas for vehicles, food, pretty much everything. we cannot afford an increase by Spire so I would ask that it be denied. thank you
P202300630	9/23/2022 7:53 AM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. Down with GR-2022-0179!
P202300631	9/23/2022 7:55 AM	Spire's application to be able to raise funds by increasing my gas rate by about 12.65% every month is unacceptable. Spire is a publicly traded company that, as of today, is paying its shareholders a dividend of 3.94%. And they want me to foot this bill?! If Spire needs money, it can first cut its dividend to shareholders. Instead of protecting its stockholders, Spire should be forced to be accountable to treating its customers fairly. Do not approve this application!!!
P202300632	9/23/2022 7:57 AM	I just received a notice that Spire is requesting a price increase, my actual bill for gas was like four dollars but the time they added on everything else it was forty-five. With the ridiculous prices on everything else this is a bad time to be raising gas prices but everybody else is gouging us I guess it's time for the utility companies to get in on the act. I really don't think they need more money and I really wonder if it really goes to what they say, please reject the price increase.
P202300633	9/23/2022 7:58 AM	I received the letter stating that Spire is wanting more money, which will hurt many people who are already in financial straits over other increases everywhere we turn. Enough is enough and I want to say I for one am very much opposed to this proposal that is coming up. Since probably me and many others cannot attend the meetings in person due to high gasoline prices, I want my voice to be heard by email and would like feedback on the results of what is going on.
P202300634	9/23/2022 7:59 AM	I’m a senior citizen living on a fixed income and with the inflation as bad as it is cannot afford an increase in my utilities. Thank you
P202300635	9/23/2022 8:01 AM	Please do what you can to limit the rate increase requested by Spire for Missouri West. I think more should be done to the companies that overpriced natural gas during the very cold weather. My wife and I are retired and living on my retirement. The almost $11 a month truly makes a difference. Help keep this increase more limited.
P202300636	9/23/2022 8:04 AM	I would like to ask the PSC to deny any request for an increase. Our community is hurting. People are already having a hard time paying their bills and interest rates, food, and many other product costs are rising. Deny spire this request to increase revenues - which will increase payments for families across the state of Missouri.
P202300637	9/23/2022 8:05 AM	We, like many Americans, are working people who paid a huge amount for natural gas this past winter. With inflation and higher interest rates, it is ridiculous of Spire to ask for an increase. I am not in favor of an increase for Spire.
P202300638	9/23/2022 8:10 AM	I will continue to be against these rate reviews after Spire's 2021 increase. An increase that was half communicated to the public. An increase that used deceptive terminology to confuse ratepayers until the increase took effect. Natural gas prices nearly doubled with the last adjustment less than a year ago. Letting a for-profit company continually make rate increases for a public utility is ridiculous. ( See attached for the full comment)
P202300639	9/23/2022 8:12 AM	I received notice that Spire Missouri is requesting a rate increase. While I cannot attend a public hearing, I wish to make my opinion known to the Commission. Currently, Spire is telling its investors that it has a 5-7% EPS long-term growth projection. It's stock dividend has grown for nineteen consecutive years. Their net income YTD is $227.9M. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300640	9/23/2022 8:14 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for? (see attached for the full comment)
P202300641	9/23/2022 8:20 AM	Spire has once again decided to raise rates in Missouri under shoddy pretense. We have no other utility options for gas and are at the mercy of their price fixing with what seems to be very little oversight. ( See attached for the full comment)
P202300642	9/23/2022 8:22 AM	This is in regards to the Spire gas company increase. (See attached for full comments)
P202300643	9/23/2022 8:25 AM	I would have liked to attend public hearing, however, both your meetings were to be held in North St. Louis Co and none in South St. Louis Co.,of which I am a resident. (See attached for full comments)
P202300644	9/23/2022 8:26 AM	We, like many Americans, are working people who paid a huge amount for gas this past winter. With inflation and higher interest rates, it is ridiculous for Spire to ask for more money. I am opposed to any raise for Spire gas Co.
P202300645	9/23/2022 8:27 AM	This proposed rate increase may seem insignificant to some who won’t notice a monthly hike. But I feel the segment of the population who lives primarily on Social Security (and maybe a few minor investments that are in the red) should not be ignored. Increased costs in about everything are being met with a flat income. Not fun! Please keep all situations in mind when considering rate hikes!
P202300646	9/23/2022 8:31 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. (See attached for full comments)
P202300647	9/23/2022 9:19 AM	Please do not approve this rate increase. As a consumer I am voicing my opinion as a no. Thank you.
P202300651	9/23/2022 10:56 AM	Has a retired person of 72 years old, I find this 10.29% rate increase to be appalling, we have a hard time meeting ends me now. You must vote against this increase!
P202300652	9/23/2022 10:59 AM	I would like to comment on the proposed Spire Rate Increase. See attached for full comments.
P202300653	9/23/2022 11:28 AM	Has a retired person of 72 years old, I find this 10.29% rate increase to be appalling, we have a hard time meeting ends me now. You must vote against this increase
P202300654	9/23/2022 11:38 AM	Spire is a monopoly and they have us over a barrel. Why should we pay for their upgrades so they can make more money? They just recently had a rate increase, and now they want another. My bill's about $30 a month now, and they're saying they want another $10 a month? That's ridiculous. They waste money now as it is. Every time you see a crew, there's always one in the hole and at least two standing there watching. Don't approve any increase.
P202300655	9/23/2022 11:44 AM	(co) Customer called stating they want us to pay for their expansion. Their a monopoly company after making a profit. They should pay for their expansion. He just doesn't get it. He's on a fixed income.
P202300656	9/23/2022 12:17 PM	Case No. GR-2022-0179. As 78-yr old cannot make public hearing re "Spire" rate increase, especially West region. Spire notified of proposed increase, which states customers in my area already being collected. I oppose this additional price increase in light of our rural area. Due to the existing economic condition and cities & Fed Gov. increases rates and income for people is not raising to enable us to withstand further increase(s), especially in light of current economic condition. How pay?
P202300657	9/23/2022 1:11 PM	Thank you for the updates and chance to comment/ask questions. Thanks to the commission for scrutinizing the practices of Spire- its hard for me as a taxpayer to accept the "for profit" connection of a monopoly stranglehold on customers. See attached for full comments.
P202300658	9/23/2022 1:13 PM	Realizing that costs have gone up substantially since COVID, we are all feeling the burden. However in Spire’s case, the co can request an increase in fees and that amount falls on the user. As a retired widow I live on a fixed income. Your increase, that falls on me, has to come from the only income I receive. Please consider all of your customers and our limits.
P202300659	9/23/2022 3:41 PM	This relates to the rate increase proposed by our local utility company. I plead with you not to allow this. Many are barely making ends meet as is with inflation as high as it is now and will continue to rise. For all Missourians please take a stand and vote NO to any and all increases at this time!
P202300660	9/23/2022 3:44 PM	As a spire Missouri West customer, I oppose the proposed rate increase. Spire manages to get rate increases every year at the beginning of the heating season. They can reduce shareholder profit and reduce CEO pay in order to pay for infrastructure.
P202300661	9/23/2022 3:47 PM	Thank you for the updates and chance to comment/ask questions. Thanks to the commission for scrutinizing the practices of Spire- its hard for me as a taxpayer to accept the "for profit" connection of a monopoly stranglehold on customers. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300662	9/23/2022 3:48 PM	Realizing that costs have gone up substantially since COVID, we are all feeling the burden. However in Spire’s case, the co can request an increase in fees and that amount falls on the user. As a retired widow I live on a fixed income. Your increase, that falls on me, has to come from the only income I receive. Please consider all of your customers and our limits. Diane
P202300663	9/23/2022 3:50 PM	I wanted to provide a comment in regards to the proposed “revenue “ increase. Please take into account that inflation is at an ALL time high of 9%. I receive on average a pay increase of 1-3% a year. This will add an additional 10plus% to my monthly bill. When is it ever going to give? The lower middle class is drowning. Please take into account the little people before trying to please the big guys. Thank you for your time.
P202300664	9/23/2022 3:54 PM	My comment is that you should say no to the requested increase. This is not a very good time to raise the rates. It is already very hard to make a living and as winter approaches everyone will be paying high rates as it is just to stay warm. Another comment is that when Spire took over here and they dig the road up, could they get better engineers so the road can be flat when they fill it back in.
P202300665	9/23/2022 3:56 PM	This rate increase is alot. Please say no.
P202300666	9/23/2022 3:59 PM	A 10% increase is excessive. Our bills are already too high. A few years ago we lived in an area that was entirely electric, and with a move here to gas & electric, our total energy bills greatly increased (despite moving to a smaller home). Inflation in recent months has more than wiped out increases in wages for most families. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300667	9/23/2022 4:22 PM	Spire already has increased rates over the past 5 years. An additional 10% to 12% increase at this time of inflation when everyone is struggling to make ends meet is uncalled for. Please do not let this go forward.
P202300668	9/23/2022 5:41 PM	I disagree with the proposed 10.29% increase. It creates a burden on those barely making it each month. Please do not approve the 10.29%increase. Case number GR-2022-0179
P202300669	9/23/2022 8:05 PM	I dont see Why Spire needs ANY kind of a rate increase. I use less than 7.20 in gas per month average (including winter) and my bill I end up paying 35.00 per month. 22.00 for a customer charge is a little ridiculous. and now they want to increase for an average of 8.19 more? no explanation now for the 22.00. The electric company has more issues possible than the gas company due to power lines falling, things of that nature and customer charge only 12.00 and they make a profit!
P202300670	9/24/2022 10:27 AM	In reference to your proposed rate increase. How about having your top executives take a pay cut and really make a statement? Always wanting to make the working class pay. Sadly, our world will continue with the rich getting richer and the working class just making ends meet. I don't have time to sit in a public hearing when I know that you will just try to make your case when in reality, the decision has already been made to make the increase. Shame on you.
P202300671	9/24/2022 1:18 PM	I cannot believe we are facing another increase. I am 18 years old living alone in the cheapest apartment I could find, working full time to pay all my bills. I cannot afford to keep buying groceries and the gas it takes me to drive to work. I can only imagine how another increase to my gas bill is going to make my situation even worse. How will we stay warm in the winter if we can’t afford to pay our gas bill? This is heart breaking for me and all the low income families this is going to affect
P202300672	9/25/2022 11:12 AM	I am against the proposed increase the Spire Co. is requesting at 12.65 %. The increase just keeps hurting working class and the poor more and more when the rate is always higher the the what peoples inflation rate is. Wages never keep up.
P202300673	9/25/2022 12:51 PM	RE: Case No. GR-2022-0179: While it is understandable that Spire must invistigate its own budgeting, I humbly ask that they seek to find another way to achieve their financial goals than by increasing prices. If there is no way other than to increase the price, can it not be closer to 4-5%? As a Spire Missouri West customer, the estimated 12.65% increase is even more than surrounding inflation! Missouri Families are already facing price increases and inflation-related hardships. Please help!
P202300674	9/25/2022 1:23 PM	I am deeply troubled by Spire's request to increase the volumetric portion of the delivery charge well above the rate of inflation and any other reasonable explanation. This is an unjustified "money grab" that will not serve the interests of the customers of the regulated monopoly provider, Spire, but, instead, is only going to enrich the shareholders and provide bonuses to their executives. As such, I encourage the Public Service Commission to significantly reduce this request.
P202300675	9/25/2022 2:10 PM	I do not support Spire Missouri Inc.'s request to increase revenues. In a time "record earnings", why would they need to increase prices for their consumers further? They are using inflation as an excuse for corporate greed. Executive pay increases, especially for their CEO, are disproportionate with inflation - why isn't that gross excess being used to cover the cost of infrastructure investment? They are taking advantage of the average Missourian and should not be allowed to proceed.
P202300676	9/26/2022 10:12 AM	See Attached
P202300677	9/26/2022 10:14 AM	See Attached
P202300678	9/26/2022 10:15 AM	See Attached
P202300679	9/26/2022 10:21 AM	I am opposed to the rate increase. This is very bad. The customer charge of 22.00 a month is bad enough on top of all the other charges and taxes. These rates are already killing us and it is really getting out of hand. Its not right.
P202300680	9/26/2022 10:34 AM	(tb) per Juanita, they are opposed to the rate increase. They are on a fixed income, if the rates continue to get higher will be forced to get rid of gas and go all electric
P202300682	9/26/2022 11:14 AM	I wanted to provide some context as to why GR-2022-0179 is being proposed. The Inflation reduction act offers significant incentives for Electric Stoves, Dryers, and most importantly Heat Pump HVAC units with an $8,000 rebate. With the significant increase in Solar and Wind Production in the US, it is going to clearly be cheaper and cheaper over time to heat your home (at least partially through an electric heat pump) with electricity instead of gas. (See attached for full comment)
P202300683	9/26/2022 11:18 AM	I would like to express my thoughts regarding the proposed Spire rate increase. Utility companies are constantly requesting a rate increase and are always granted permission. Because their costs are rising, they choose to pass it on to their customers; the customers who are typically struggling to make ends meet because the cost of all utilities, along with the cost of gas, groceries, and basically everything else is also increasing. So what do we customers have to do? (see attached )
P202300684	9/26/2022 11:19 AM	RE Case No. GR-2022-0179 We feel the $25.00 increase we already received in 2022 (level-pay-plan) should be quite enough. As retirees, the limited income annually just isn't stretching far enough to meet the every-increasing needs of all utilities.
P202300685	9/26/2022 11:21 AM	Stop letting them raise our bill!
P202300686	9/26/2022 11:26 AM	I would like to be documented that I absolutely, 100% oppose the rate increase for Spire Missouri, Inc. - My January 2021 Bill used 133 Units and paid $104.08 My January 2021 Bill used 131 Units and paid $165.55 (See attached for the full comment)
P202300687	9/26/2022 11:28 AM	I’m appalled that Spire would have the nerve to ask for an increase of 10.29% or 151.88 Million dollar revenue increase. The consumer is already suffering from the inflationary costs of food, goods and services. My answer to Spire in NO. “Suffer” like the rest of us have to do. Live within your means Spire!!!
P202300688	9/26/2022 12:05 PM	"I am extremely against this increase. I am 80 years old and before long we won't be able to afford to live"
P202300689	9/26/2022 12:44 PM	Against rate increase of 10.44% - 12.65% Inflation has cost households Hundreds of dollars a month -food prices are outrageous - milk up over 50% at over $6.00 a gallon Recession coming or already here - this would be the worst possible time - people at breaking point now!
P202300690	9/26/2022 1:55 PM	im writing concerning the up coming notice of Spire Gas proposed increase. As a senior on a limited budget, im concerned with these increases. I understand the need or reasons fo such increases, however these increases a more than double the c.o.l.a increases we receive in our Social security and or pension increases. 12.65% is what spire is requesting for western Mo. Its too much for those on limited incomes! I am requesting a NO vote to this level increase!
P202300691	9/26/2022 2:28 PM	No to Spire Energy's latest request for a rate increase. Employee compensation is already high for a job guaranteed as a monopoly versus the vagaries of actual competition in the open market.
P202300692	9/26/2022 2:36 PM	Spire needs to live within the cost capability of its residents. Recommend that rate increases be limited to the most recent 5 year average of CPI all urban consumers Midwest.
P202300693	9/26/2022 2:39 PM	I am opposed to a rate increase. Good and Services have risen in cost by at least $1.00 and sometimes $2.00 per item in the last year. I have not received a salary increase nor can I work more than the two jobs I already work. This huge corporation has the funds to absorb the costs to help it’s loyal customers who do not have the funds at this time. The fact that we are at this utility services mercy as it is basically a monopoly is not lost on me.
P202300694	9/26/2022 2:41 PM	How about having your top executives take a pay cut and really make a statement? Always wanting to make the working class pay. Sadly, our world will continue with the rich getting richer and the working class just making ends meet. I don't have time to sit in a public hearing when I know that you will just try to make your case when in reality, the decision has already been made to make the increase. Shame on you.
P202300695	9/26/2022 2:42 PM	(JE) Freida called upset over Spire rate increase notice she received in the mail. She is 83 & on a fixed income. Her fixed income does not go up & inflation is already causing her a financial hardship. Spire got increases last year & wants PSC to deny the entire proposal due to COVID & inflation/economy
P202300696	9/26/2022 2:44 PM	Please deny Spire's proposed rate increase! Missourians are faced with inflation everywhere, which especially hurts seniors like ourselves who are on a fixed income. The proposed rate for the Spire Missouri West residential customer is even larger than the current inflation rate. We cannot afford this! (See attached for the full comment)
P202300697	9/26/2022 2:47 PM	I am an impacted gas ratepayer who received Notice of the subject proposed increase by Spire. It seems strange that for such a significant proposed increase of 10.29% there is only one public hearing scheduled for the entire STL region! My other serious concern is that for that single hearing site you've selected one of the most dangerous,crime-ridden areas of the region,especially at night when your hearing is scheduled for 6pm (See attached for tjhe full comment)
P202300698	9/26/2022 2:49 PM	I would like to express my concern about the proposed increase Spire has put forth. This is a drastic increase in the rate and at a time that inflation is at an all-time high. I have major concerns about community members being able to afford to heat their home this winter with prices skyrocketing
P202300699	9/26/2022 2:52 PM	I understand the need to periodically increase rates and no one likes to hear that. My proposed social security 2023 increase is approximately 8% which is less than Spire's request of 10.44%. Kind of makes it difficult for a senior citizen on a fixed income. Perhaps a 5% increase in rates would be easier for me to cover. Thank you for your excellent gas service. I do like to be warm in the winter.
P202300700	9/26/2022 2:54 PM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. Down with GR-2022-0179! Thank you for your support and consideration.
P202300701	9/26/2022 3:02 PM	(JE) Gentleman called (did not want to provide name) wanting the PSC to deny Spire's rate increase. They just got one last year & PSC needs to stop granting increases. Inflation is already high enough
P202300702	9/26/2022 3:07 PM	(JE) James Ferris called regarding Spire rate increase. Opposes any and all increases. COVID & inflation has caused a lot of financial hardship including on his family. Spire just got increases last winter & should not get anymore
P202300704	9/26/2022 3:11 PM	(JE) Roger called upset over Spire asking for another increase. Opposes increase & is upset that PSC keeps approving increases, especially during COVID & inflation. Rates already high enough & Spire just got increases last winter. States public is not happy with Spire or PSC & would like PSC to deny all rate increases
P202300705	9/26/2022 3:40 PM	Absolutely not and this is insane two years in a row! The economy is shit so let’s make it worse. I work in the public non profit sector this will hurt people even more.
P202300706	9/26/2022 3:43 PM	I understand that Spire is shooting for a rate increase to get to some level of profitability. Nobody’s a fan of rate increases, but what’s more painful is lack of energy - which we are witnessing throughout the planet. Locally, I’ve seen all kinds of threats, to our energy suppliers, including Ameren’s attempt to expand a substation and further back, to clone the Calloway Nuclear Plant; then all kinds of commotion last year on Spire’s pipeline. (See attached)
P202300707	9/26/2022 3:45 PM	The proposed revenue increase will significantly burden elderly, disadvantaged and persons living on fixed incomes. Why can't the utility companies like Spire "tighten their belts" like the rest of us in these trying economic times.
P202300708	9/26/2022 3:49 PM	I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed Spire rate increase. During this time of inflation and given the large rate increase that was approved last year, I find in troubling that the Missouri Public Service Commission would approve another rate increase at this time. If your commission is truly interested in serving the public of Missouri, as you agency name suggest, you should deny this rate increase.(See attached)
P202300709	9/26/2022 3:51 PM	I write to speak against the request of Spire to be able to charge MO residents more than a 10% increase in rate for “infrastructure investment, rate of return, overhead costs, and certain transportation tariff provisions” (See attached for the full comment)
P202300710	9/26/2022 3:55 PM	I am unable to attend any of the public hearings for the Spire rate increase. I understand that companies sometimes legitimately need to increase rates, BUT, this is NOT one of those times. Here are the reasons that Spire should NOT increase their rates at this time: (See attached for the full comment)
P202300711	9/26/2022 3:57 PM	Are you kidding? With the current inflation, and poor economy, a rate increase is really Out of order. You will be killing the middle class. You can cut corners like the rest of us. Many are barely getting by, how can even consider it. We are retired, and have lost a lot of our retirement due to Bidens horrible policies, and spending. NO RATE INCREASE!!!!!!!
P202300712	9/26/2022 4:25 PM	I unequivocally denounce Spire’s attempt at raising customers’ rates. Spire received approval for a rate increase just last year. That, along with the fact that their operating revenue was over $2.2B for 2021, leads me to believe that this is nothing more than another cash grab.
P202300715	9/26/2022 6:18 PM	My family does NOT support ANY proposed rate increase by Spire Missouri Inc. The pandemic, inflation, economy and government subsidies have caused enough financial strain on working families! Increasing our Natural gas bill by 12.65% on top of everything else is ridiculous. I am referring to case # GR-2022-0179. Please protect the public from further financial hardships by rejecting this and future rate increase proposals. Sincerely, Jason Gegg and family - Missouri Tax payers.
P202300716	9/27/2022 7:59 AM	My family and I are opposed to the proposed increase in our natural gas utility prices. Everything has gone up including the Spire natural gas prices reflected in the (ISRS) line item that is already being collected that we apparently had no say in. That increase should be enough at this point and a greater burden on local families should be decided against by you, the Missouri Public Service Commission. Thank you
P202300717	9/27/2022 8:34 AM	Concerning this proposed rate increase from Spire, I consider 10% extremely high. See attached for full comment
P202300718	9/27/2022 8:37 AM	I unequivocally denounce Spire’s attempt at raising customers’ rates, yet again. Spire received approval for a rate increase just last year or the year before. That, along with the fact that their operating revenue was over $2.2B for 2021, leads me to believe that this is nothing more than another cash grab; suck more money out of customers during a time of inflation while generating more money from investors. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300719	9/27/2022 8:39 AM	I wholeheartedly disagree with a proposed rate increase of spire. The service charges are already more than the cost of the gas. And the gas is high enough already for them to have a significant profit. At a time when the middle class is suffering from high rises And gas prices not to mention food and housing this is definitely not the time to increase energy cost as well.
P202300720	9/27/2022 8:42 AM	Im retired and on a fixed income. Two people live in my house. See attached for full comments.
P202300721	9/27/2022 8:51 AM	Regarding: Public Record Comment for Spire Proposed Increase GR_2022-0179 See attached for full comments
P202300722	9/27/2022 8:54 AM	Reference: Proposed rate increase GR-2022-0179 See attached for full comments
P202300723	9/27/2022 9:00 AM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. See attached for full comments
P202300724	9/27/2022 9:03 AM	The proposed revenue increase will significantly burden elderly, disadvantaged and persons living on fixed incomes. Why can't the utility companies like Spire "tighten their belts" like the rest of us in these trying economic times. I OPPOSE THE PROPOSED REVENUE RATE HIKE.
P202300725	9/27/2022 9:03 AM	I am extremely irritated at the fact that there is once again a rate increase. As a one income family, 10$ a month increase is crucial. During the heat of the winter we already pay extreme amounts compared to the past years. An extra 120$ a year on average isnt a slight increase. During the off season, that is a 25% increase… Who does that? Furthermore why even ask for the public’s opinion? We already know that the rate increase is going to happen. It’s just annoying
P202300726	9/27/2022 9:05 AM	I oppose any rate increases on this public service. We are in dire economic times with historic inflation and it is irresponsible and immoral to ask customers of a monopolistic company to pay more for a service they require to meet basic needs.
P202300727	9/27/2022 9:09 AM	I'm a retired person on a fixed social security income. See attached for full comments.
P202300728	9/27/2022 9:15 AM	I am unable to attend any of the public hearings for the Spire rate increase. See attached for full comments
P202300729	9/27/2022 9:20 AM	This email should act as my official comment regarding Spire Missouri Inc.’s request for another rate increase. See attached for full comments.
P202300731	9/27/2022 9:35 AM	Recently we received information regarding public hearing about rate increase GR-2022-1079. See attached for full comments.
P202300732	9/27/2022 9:39 AM	This is regarding the request by Spire to increase revenues. See attached for full comments
P202300733	9/27/2022 10:11 AM	To whom it may concern: Price hikes on any utilities make it extremely difficult on senior citizens on a fixed income. I receive no raises on my social security. At 71 I still have to work to maintain my home and property. Plus have money for food. I am grateful I have my health, and do not take expensive perscriptions. Give the price hikes to the younger population. Not senior citizens!!!
P202300736	9/27/2022 10:29 AM	See Attached
P202300737	9/27/2022 10:47 AM	See attached
P202300739	9/27/2022 1:41 PM	(co) Customer called stating she's a 79 year old widow, and on a fixed income.
P202300740	9/27/2022 7:40 PM	I am against the rate increase. Spire had $1.289 billion in PROFITS last year. Most businesses have to plan for these business expenses because their customers have options to shop around with competitors. Because Spire does not have competition and it’s customers NEED their service, they are allowed to make record profits year after year. This proposed rate increase is essentially a tax that just gets paid to a private company.
P202300741	9/27/2022 7:40 PM	I am against the rate increase. Spire had $1.289 billion in PROFITS last year. Most businesses have to plan for these business expenses because their customers have options to shop around with competitors. Because Spire does not have competition and it’s customers NEED their service, they are allowed to make record profits year after year. This proposed rate increase is essentially a tax that just gets paid to a private company.
P202300742	9/27/2022 8:18 PM	See attached re File No. GR-2022-0179.
P202300743	9/28/2022 7:52 AM	I am sending you this email because of the concerns I have if you agree to increase Spire's rate for natural gas. I am an retired single woman who is struggling as it is on a fixed income. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300744	9/28/2022 7:56 AM	I am against a Spire Rate Increase. Spire recently increased their rate and it is much too soon to increase the rate. They need to find a way to become more efficient if they are having money problems!
P202300745	9/28/2022 8:00 AM	During this time period of inflation I strongly believe any public utility that has a monopoly on supply and delivery for the general public requesting a rate hike is wrong. The public has no alternative to receive natural gas other than Spire and please do not concede to their request of a 10.29% rate hike. Lower income families are suffering as it is without additional demands. Again, I stress, no rate increases from Spire or any other public utility.
P202300746	9/28/2022 8:19 AM	Totally against the Spire rate hike. With the economy the way it is today and the way Biden has screwed the future. For those working for a living day to day and us on a fixed income simply can't afford! Kanas got a decrease in electric and Missouri got a hike. Why is west side more than the eastern side of the state? That a load of hooey! This needs to stop!
P202300747	9/28/2022 8:20 AM	A 10% increase is a hard no for me. I don't understand this large of an increase. I understand the cost of doing business, but this amount seems extremely high.
P202300748	9/28/2022 8:22 AM	I want to voice my objection to the Spire increase. Inflation is already costing families $100s per month. Milk is over $6. A recession on its way if not already here. Can't afford anymore increases.
P202300749	9/28/2022 8:25 AM	I'm a senior, 80 years old, if they keep raising the rates I don't know how I'll keep warm this winter.
P202300750	9/28/2022 8:28 AM	I'm on SS and if they keep raising utility rates it will be devastating. Struggling to get by. That is something to think about. It's going to be a problem.
P202300751	9/28/2022 8:32 AM	Wondering why the western side would have to pay more than the eastern (STL) side? My husband and I are long time residents of Grandview for over 50 years same house and services. We are up in years and it isn't going to be wonderful to pay the extra amount.
P202300752	9/28/2022 9:35 AM	This planned rate increase is outrageous. It's political driven and a money grab at the expense of your constituents and consumers. Spire has been raking in record profit over the pats year. Please don't allow to to happen.
P202300753	9/28/2022 10:01 AM	See Attached
P202300755	9/28/2022 2:00 PM	Hi, It is ridiculous to think that Spire just received a rate increase for 2022 and they want another in 2023, what the hell is going on? See attached for full comments.
P202300756	9/28/2022 2:12 PM	This is in regards to the proposed rate increase of approx. $10.95 per month being requested by Spire (Case No. GR-2022-0179) for the record I am against this increase. I have not received an almost $11.00 raise at work and with the continued rise in gas and food prices by budget is extended as far as it can stretch. This will also have negative impact on seniors who are on a fixed income. Are we to just eat approx. $11.00 worth of food per month, or buy $11.00 less medicine per month ?
P202300757	9/28/2022 2:56 PM	"I am a disabled senior citizen here in St. Louis and I am already paying more than I can afford. This increase is nothing something people will be able to handle. Food prices and everything is rising, utilities should not."
P202300758	9/28/2022 3:23 PM	I went to your website and you have programs for consumers who cannot pay their bills. GET RID OF THE FREE GIVE-A-WAYS!!! YOU ARE ENABLING THIS PEOPLE FROM GETTING JOBS. I have had a job my whole life and now I am retired and you people just keep raising prices on everything. Tighten your budgets and quit giving all the executives BIG raises I do not get a raise everytime you people raise your prices. STOP RAISING YOUR PRICES!!!!!
P202300759	9/28/2022 3:45 PM	I hope this increase isn't to pay for all the property Spire has purchased. This should not be something passed to consumers. Please do not approve this increase. Consider those who are retired and their pensions haven't increased.
P202300760	9/28/2022 3:47 PM	I don't agree with this increase. Instead Spire should lower their rates. They are too high as it is. We can't afford the utilities as they are.
P202300761	9/28/2022 3:54 PM	.Our bills have already been increased substantially last winter; not only did Spire increase rates, but KCPL did as well. The last few years have been more and more difficult on paying utilities. Please follow through with getting Spire to reconsider or do an audit before they raise our prices again. We commission you to defend us to the best of your ability to protect us from monopoly companies. Thank you for your concern.
P202300762	9/28/2022 4:00 PM	It is ridiculous to think that Spire just received a rate increase for 2022 and they want another in 2023, what the hell is going on? Reasons why the increase is unthinkable: (see attached)
P202300763	9/28/2022 5:58 PM	Hello. I do not support Spire's request for an increase. I do not believe that they have provided a compelling reason and justification for such a high price increase. I would assume that they are operating in the black and would like to see more of their money being invested back into St. Louis before they request another adjustment. I request that the PSC deny this request from Spire.
P202300764	9/28/2022 8:08 PM	Spire listed four reasons for rate increase 1. Infr. Investment: Cost overruns on Spire projects are Spire's problem, not the customers' 2. ROI: if you can't operate in within your means, this is not the customer's problem. Try cutting executive bonuses or overhead. 3. Overhead: Spires should run an efficient public service. Get your house in order. Overheads are controllable with proper management. 4. Tarrifs : shouldn't you know what these are? Again get your house in order. "No" to rate hike.
P202300766	9/29/2022 7:59 AM	To Whom It May Concern, This afternoon I received a Request for Comment regarding a proposed rate increase by Spire Missouri to cover infrastructure improvements averaging approximately $10.95 per month. See attached for full comments.
P202300767	9/29/2022 10:27 AM	See Attached
P202300768	9/29/2022 10:28 AM	See Attached
P202300770	9/29/2022 10:30 AM	See Attached
P202300776	9/29/2022 11:43 AM	My family and are a family of 4 living in the western Missouri region that spire currently services. I also have many family and friends living in Jackson, Johnson and Cass counties. Naturally, we have discussed this revenue increase at length. See attached for full comments.
P202300781	9/29/2022 3:50 PM	case number GR-2022-0179 Please do not raise Spire Gas premiums, we cannot afford to pay an increase. Thank you.
P202300782	9/29/2022 4:17 PM	I am a retired Navy Widow and I am strongly opposed to any kind of increase. The rates are too high as it is right now. Any higher and I won't be able to afford to live in my home. I've worked for 30 years and have retired with no retirement. Seniors should be exempt from having any increases as our social security doesn't increase.
P202300784	9/29/2022 6:53 PM	Please do not allow Spire to raise prices. They had an increase in March of this year. That's enough. Us Senior citizens cannot continue to pay these inflated prices. Everyone is raising prices during a recession. It is totally unfair to the citizens of Missouri.
P202300785	9/30/2022 7:59 AM	This afternoon I received a Request for Comment regarding a proposed rate increase by Spire Missouri to cover infrastructure improvements averaging approximately $10.95 per month. I completely disapprove of Spire's request. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300786	9/30/2022 8:01 AM	I am writing to provide comments on the public hearing since I am unable to attend. I am in no position to discuss the rate increase, however I would like for the Commissioners and the regulatory judge to be aware of an unfair practice of collecting revenue in my opinion. (see attached for the full comment)
P202300787	9/30/2022 8:03 AM	On behalf of our neighbors here I say please do NOT raise our Spire Energy bills by propose 10%!!! This small town of Crane, MO 65633 is filled with poor people many of whom need food stamps, etc. This would hurt all of us who already are paying higher prices on everything we must purchase to maintain life. Thank you for this consideration,
P202300788	9/30/2022 8:06 AM	In 2021, Spire Energy had a net income of $271 million, according to their "Energizing the Future" report. They made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022! That's profit, money after expenses. Spire doesn't need to raise our monthly bills by 13%! Families are already struggling to make ends meet and keep up with inflation. Our Spire bills last winter were already 40% higher. Down with GR-2022-0179!
P202300789	9/30/2022 8:09 AM	Do not approve Natural Gas price increase
P202300790	9/30/2022 9:13 AM	Please see attached letter in reference to Spire's proposed rate increase.
P202300791	9/30/2022 9:51 AM	See Attached
P202300792	9/30/2022 10:03 AM	I recently received a “Notice of Local Public Hearing” pamphlet in my monthly Spire natural gas bill. This letter is in response to the offer of “Additional ways to Provide Comments and Feedback,” to Spires request to the Missouri Public Service Commission for a rate increase. I worked for a municipal electric utility for 30 years, and I understand that over time, rates must increase to keep up with rising costs associated with running a utility.(See attached for the full comment)
P202300793	9/30/2022 11:08 AM	Please, don't allow this proposed increase to be approved. See attached for full comments.
P202300794	9/30/2022 11:10 AM	To Whom it May Concern, I am writing to say that I believe a rate increase for Spire MO West customers is unjustified. Especially at the proposed rate of 10-12 percent. Case No GR-2022-0179 Thank you, Alison Alford
P202300795	9/30/2022 11:13 AM	(JP) "I do not think they need nor do I want them to have an increase."
P202300796	9/30/2022 11:38 AM	Please find attached my letter for comment in regard to Spire's request to the MPSC for a rate increase.
P202300797	9/30/2022 11:40 AM	I am against the rate increase, the rate increase on top of the higher price for groceries, fuel, etc. If the rates go up over 10%, we would have to seriously consider switching to a wood furnace.
P202300799	9/30/2022 2:07 PM	(JP) "It's not right that they want to change different areas of the state different prices. Everything has gone so high; you can't even afford to live. How do they expect people to live in the cold. This is completely wrong. Wrong is wrong and this is wrong."
P202300800	9/30/2022 2:51 PM	I received the pamphlet on the upcoming hearings due to spire requesting more funding and a rate raise. I will not be able to attend the meetings, but would like to throw my comments into the hopefully large pile. (See attached for the full comment.)
P202300802	9/30/2022 4:13 PM	I would like to provide feedback on the “proposed increase GR-2022-0179” that I received in the mail. This cost should NOT be trickled down to the consumer! Once again a monopoly company raises prices with the help of the government and the customer foots the bill. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300803	10/1/2022 10:58 AM	I am opposed to the proposed rate increase by Spire Gas to increase both summer and winter rates to a profit rate of 0.43923. As a monopoly Spire is now getting a fair rate of return that is guaranteed . The officers are very well compensated so if they want more let them compete in the marketplace in a non-regulated industry. GR-2022-0179
P202300806	10/3/2022 9:16 AM	I do not support the proposed revenue increase for Spire Missouri.
P202300807	10/3/2022 10:41 AM	Now is not the time for Spire to raise rates 10 % in a year. They already asked for and received an increase. Maybe if they are hurting for money they shouldn't have rammed through a pipeline without the right permits.
P202300808	10/3/2022 1:14 PM	Spire Energy Increase - Please don't allow this. Many like me have struggled with employment this year. I finally got a job but took a 30% pay cut simply to get some income. Another rate increase from another utility will be difficult to swallow on top of food and gas prices.
P202300809	10/3/2022 2:37 PM	No to rate increase for spire.. recently granted rate increase I agreed with but now another increase and for double the first approved amount. No,No.. it took three months to install new shutoff valves on the block near us, perhaps better efficiency of your work force would reduce your costs.. the amount you request, where did that figure come from, a guesstimate. but what you want to charge is set and inflexible?
P202300811	10/3/2022 2:45 PM	See Attached
P202300812	10/3/2022 2:55 PM	See Attached
P202300814	10/4/2022 7:56 AM	We are in a recession. Inflation in food, gas and all other products make it impossible to make ends meet. I am opposed to Spire getting an increase in natural gas rates. Please see attached pdf.
P202300815	10/4/2022 8:47 AM	I would like to provide feedback on the “proposed increase GR-2022-0179” that I received in the mail. See attached.
P202300816	10/4/2022 8:50 AM	In 1974, I worked for a major hospital chain where I was astonished to learn that our government (medicare, VA, Medicaid) contracts were a cost + basis. Yep, guaranteed profit and a lot of effort spent on increasing our costs. More complicated than that, but you get the idea. See attached for full comments.
P202300817	10/4/2022 8:52 AM	I along with many others ask you to please not to increase prices. See attached for full comments.
P202300818	10/4/2022 8:56 AM	As I cannot attend the public hearings on Spire’s rate increases, my main comments are as follows: See attached for full comments.
P202300819	10/4/2022 8:58 AM	I am providing my comments in regards to Case No. GR-2022-0179. See attached for comments.
P202300820	10/4/2022 9:02 AM	I am unable to attend the public hearings, however, I want to voice my opposition to the proposed rate hikes. See attached for full comments.
P202300821	10/4/2022 9:51 AM	The League of Women Voters would urge the PSC to consider the increased energy burden when deciding the rate increase, perhaps consider a modified rate for those individuals with greater energy burden. Spire needs to work to control their costs, embrace renewables, become more efficient and review timing of projects to reduce the need for this rate increase.
P202300822	10/4/2022 9:58 AM	See attached
P202300823	10/4/2022 10:06 AM	see attached
P202300824	10/4/2022 10:08 AM	See attached
P202300825	10/4/2022 10:10 AM	See attached
P202300826	10/4/2022 10:11 AM	see attached
P202300827	10/4/2022 10:13 AM	please see attached
P202300828	10/4/2022 10:15 AM	see attached
P202300829	10/4/2022 10:19 AM	From the St. Joseph/Kansas City area. This is not a good time for raising any utility rates. The country is in economic crisis.
P202300830	10/4/2022 10:23 AM	Everything is increasing. Gas is needed. It is not winter yet but gas is already going up. Water bills are high too can't afford more.
P202300831	10/4/2022 10:27 AM	I am paralyzed on both sides, have had 2 strokes, am diabetic and have vertigo. I am alone trying to take care of myself and unable to work. I can't afford an increase.
P202300832	10/4/2022 10:31 AM	I am 87 years old. 12.65% increase on our bills. This is ridiculous! Power bills $170+, water bill is $200+ per month for 2 people. Can't handle this in addition to medical expenses. They promised it would go down but it never does. I don't know what we're going to do. Everything has gone up so much but the retirement check doesn't increase.
P202300833	10/4/2022 10:36 AM	Can't afford increase. Everything is increasing (inflation). We were against the Ameren increase and you gave it to them anyway. Why do you keep it to us? Look at the shape of the country!
P202300834	10/4/2022 10:40 AM	I am on level payments. Was $40 then $50 then $60. Has been $60 for years and now it's $100/mo level payment. I am totally against the increase. By the time I pay all my bills I cannot afford. I would like to know why? Will there be any relief for seniors?
P202300835	10/4/2022 10:43 AM	Only my stove and water heater are gas. I am 77 years old, disabled and in a wheelchair on social security. If they raise the rate how will I pay?
P202300836	10/4/2022 10:46 AM	Spire increased rates last winter! It's been $75-$100 more per month to heat my business last year. I have 2 meters (business & home) that I would receive an increase on again. Really wish rates could be kept from going too high.
P202300837	10/4/2022 10:50 AM	I'm just a voice in the wilderness. We don't see anything about these big businesses. Always raising our ! I'd like to know what they are paying. It's unfair to see what I'm paying but not these big businesses e.g. stadiums.
P202300838	10/4/2022 11:16 AM	Vote no on Spire rate increase. You need to vote No on this rate increase. I am barely getting by now. My bill had gone up by $30.00 a month in the last 2 months, and with electricity, water, groceries and everything else I don't want to lose my home. I am a widow and I can't afford all this. PLEASE VOTE NO!
P202300839	10/4/2022 11:36 AM	My name is Kyle Wissler and I am a resident of Affton, MO. I have received a letter stating Spire of Missouri is wanting to increase their revenue. See attached for full comments.
P202300840	10/4/2022 3:10 PM	I am unable to attend the public hearings, but I wanted to register my comment that any more Spire rate or base increases are untenable. My gas bill has already gone up 125% within the past year. This is unreasonable, and it is even more unreasonable to propose adding another 12+% on top of that. Absolutely not. Thanks, Elena Casanova
P202300841	10/4/2022 4:26 PM	(JE) Robert called after receiving the Spire rate case notice letter. He opposes the increase & thinks Spire should decrease rates especially for low income and seniors. Would like PSC to deny rate increase
P202300842	10/5/2022 9:16 AM	Spire should not demand a 12% increase YOY from their customers, when it's the only option we have for gas service. Especially where they are lacking transparency on what the millions of dollars of revenue they are getting will fund.
P202300843	10/5/2022 10:16 AM	I object to another increase in natural gas. People can't afford it and eat also. Have your employees take a reduction in their pay to compensate paying your shareholders . That would be fair.
P202300844	10/5/2022 11:55 AM	(JP) "I don't think another increase is necessary since they just had one. It seems like they always get what they ask for whether customers can afford it or not. A lot of us are on fixed incomes and this increase is very unfortunate and the amount of increase is astronomical."
P202300845	10/5/2022 1:07 PM	I am strongly against the proposed revenue increase filed by Spire Missouri Inc., Case No. GR-2022-0179.
P202300846	10/5/2022 1:54 PM	(co) Customer called stating big no. Social security only gave us an increase of almost 6%. Why should they get over 10%? Not providing any extra. They want to make a killing. My gas bill 3 years ago would average $25. This year $105. Too much following a pandemic. Nobody there. Who's going to listen?
P202300847	10/5/2022 3:19 PM	Spire Missouri’s rate increase request should be denied. The company continues to hold the monopoly in the region and continues to make excellent profits. There is no reason to increase the rate. The budget they have is more than sufficient. This cannot be said of the average Missouri resident. (see attached)
P202300848	10/5/2022 3:21 PM	In 1974, I worked for a major hospital chain where I was astonished to learn that our government (medicare, VA, Medicaid) contracts were a cost + basis. Yep, guaranteed profit and a lot of effort spent on increasing our costs. More complicated than that, but you get the idea. (See attached for the full comment)
P202300849	10/5/2022 3:24 PM	I am writing to add written comments regarding Proposed Increase GR-2022-0179. First off I would like to thank you for notifying us of this proposed increase and allowing for comment. (See attached)
P202300850	10/5/2022 3:27 PM	Based on the absurd pay increases the CEO and I'm sure others have received in the past few years, I 100% am against us paying more. Stop giving these ridiculous raises, and use the existing rates to do whatever upkeep is necessary. (see attached)
P202300851	10/5/2022 3:29 PM	I am retired living on a fixed income, due to the rising inflation my monthly costs have gone up dramatically, and although you state the increase will be approximately $10.95 per month I along with thousands more will negatively impacted. The rising costs In groceries, gasoline, insurance and taxes has increased my budget and yes by just adding $11.00 more will hurt me along with thousands more. I along with many others ask you to please not to increase prices.
P202300853	10/5/2022 3:32 PM	I own 3 properties with spire service and am opposed to such rate increase for my tenants and myself. I would hope a more gradual fee increase would occur to take care of the needs. Perhaps some federal funding could be obtained. Some will likely look at replacing gas appliances/furnaces with electric when purchasing replacement units. Thank you for your time.
P202300854	10/5/2022 3:34 PM	I am unable to attend the public hearings, however, I want to voice my opposition to the proposed rate hikes. (See attached)
P202300855	10/5/2022 10:07 PM	I firmly oppose the rate increase proposed by Spire to "increase the rate of return" and asking (a second time) to allow money currently collected for infrastructure system replacement to be raided for other purposes. In this time of climate crisis, extensive building of pipelines is counter-productive and investment should be curtailed. A 12.65% rate increase to bump up the rate of return is obscene and will cause serious hardship to many in Kansas City. I ask that you deny this request.
P202300856	10/6/2022 6:33 AM	At this time of raging inflation, and the Federal Reserve's irresponsible act of imposing a series of interest rate increases, it WOULD BE A DIRE TRANSGRESSION TO EXTRACT MORE RESOURCES FROM THE PUBLIC. Besides, I don't see that Spire has made a sound case for its 10% (approximately) rate increase. I REQUEST THAT THE PSC DENY THIS RATE INCREASE. Thank you.
P202300858	10/6/2022 7:51 AM	See Attached
P202300859	10/6/2022 8:36 AM	See attached for comments
P202300861	10/6/2022 9:00 AM	See Attached
P202300863	10/6/2022 2:54 PM	(JP) "I disagree with this increase and any utility increase."
P202300864	10/6/2022 5:01 PM	I oppose the request Spire Missouri Inc. has filed to increase revenue. This request comes at a time when Missourians are seeing expenses climb and income stay stagnant. Big companies like Spire should only receive as much funding as to keep providing safe, efficient, reliable service. My question is; what benefits will the consumer see should this rate hike be approved?
P202300866	10/6/2022 6:10 PM	I am 100% against the rate increase Spire is requesting. They should finance their upgrades, overhead, and tariffs with the record-breaking profits (net income of $271.1 million) from fiscal year 2021. As for the rate of return they seem unhappy with, they'll just have to live with a smaller return (like all of us who aren't getting raises to keep up with inflation).
P202300869	10/6/2022 8:45 PM	I am against the rate increase. Spire has cited their desire for more profits among the reasons and I don’t see the justification for that, especially considering the significant increases aim executive compensation on top of the already multi million dollar benefits they receive.
P202300870	10/7/2022 10:34 AM	VOTE NO FOR RATE INCREASE FOR SPIRE RARE INCREASE. I CAN'T AFFORD ALL THESE PRICE INCREASES. HOW DO YOU THINK PEOPLE CAN SURVIVE. I AM A WIDOW FOR GODS SAKE AND I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MY HOME.
P202300871	10/7/2022 10:50 AM	. I have received a letter stating Spire of Missouri is wanting to increase their revenue. I am strongly against allowing Spire to further increase their revenue because they already have increased their revenue significantly and this further increase will place undue burden on the citizens of Missouri. Currently taxes and utilities are at an all time high and if infrastructure improvements are necessary they should be completed with state and local tax accounts.
P202300872	10/7/2022 10:52 AM	I am unable to attend the public hearings, but I wanted to register my comment that any more Spire rate or base increases are untenable. My gas bill has already gone up 125% within the past year. This is unreasonable, and it is even more unreasonable to propose adding another 12+% on top of that. Absolutely not.
P202300873	10/7/2022 10:54 AM	I am writing regarding the proposed increase for Spire. I am asking that the increase not be allowed. Being on a fixed income it would be too much of a burden. Rate increases have already been approved and gone into effect in April 2021 and in December 2021. Two within 4 months is too much. Now they’re asking for a third in a 13 month period. Please do not approve this latest proposed increase.
P202300874	10/7/2022 10:55 AM	I received notice of the public hearing regarding Spire’s requested rate increases. I am unable to attend the meeting, but I wanted to give my input. I am strongly opposed to the requested rate increases; my Spire bill was already the highest it’s ever been last Winter, and there’s no reason that I and others should be paying even more. Please do not approve their request. Thank you.
P202300875	10/7/2022 10:58 AM	I am asking for you to not allow a third increase in 13 months! I am on a fixed income and it would be a financial burden on a strained budget! Spire got a rate increase in April 2021 and a rate increase in dec 2021 a third rate increase in such a short period is gonna be a big hardship on missouri people taking away much needed money to support there families. Thank you for you doing the right thing and not approving the rate increase.
P202300876	10/7/2022 10:58 AM	PLEASE vote NO on this outrageous request to raise our gas heating bills AGAIN! Really...do Spires' shareholders have that much CLOUT over and above Spires' paying customers who are "over a barrel" so to speak for services that we sorely need, from our monopoly vendor...WE NEED A BREAK!!!
P202300877	10/7/2022 11:00 AM	I am writing to strongly object to Spire Missouri's request that the Missouri Public Service Commission allow them to increase customer costs. To any conscious citizen of Missouri (or the United States), it is obvious that we live in a period of dramatic inflation. Basic costs in nearly every aspect of life have continued to spiral upward in this horrendous Biden economy. We simply do not need the additional cost burden of a rate increase by Spire. (See attached)
P202300878	10/7/2022 11:00 AM	I am emailing in today to provide my comments and insight on Spire. See attached for full comments.
P202300879	10/7/2022 11:02 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for? (See attached)
P202300880	10/7/2022 11:03 AM	I am writing to strongly object to Spire Missouri's request that the Missouri Public Service Commission allow them to increase customer costs. See attached for full comments.
P202300881	10/7/2022 11:04 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for?
P202300882	10/7/2022 11:06 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. See attached for full comments.
P202300883	10/7/2022 11:08 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. See attached for full comments.
P202300884	10/7/2022 11:08 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. Spire is a company that pays their CEO, Suzanne Sitherwood over 5.2 million dollars, and their VP, Steve Lindsey, over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021 Suzanne received a total pay increase of 1.2 million dollars. That’s almost 130%. Ask yourself, when was the last time you received a raise of 130% at any employer you ever worked for? (See attached.)
P202300885	10/7/2022 11:11 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates 12.65% on citizens of Missouri would be harmful to all of us. See attached for full comments.
P202300886	10/7/2022 11:12 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates to 12.65% on Missouri residents would be incredibly harmful to everyone in the state. Suzanne Sitherwood, their CEO, made over 5.2 million dollars, and Steve Lindsey over 2.1 million dollars. From 2020 to 2021, their CEO received a salary increase of 130%. Tell me, when was the last time you had that? Does anyone in the working class get a 130% salary increase? Spoiler alert: the answer to that question is no. (see attached)
P202300887	10/7/2022 11:13 AM	Allowing Spire to increase rates to 12.65% on Missouri residents would be incredibly harmful to everyone in the state. See attached for full comments
P202300888	10/7/2022 1:00 PM	Spire Energy has time and time again tried to pass on THEIR business costs to the consumer. A multi-million dollar company should be able to maintain their business in a way that allows them to stay up to date with current trends in the industry without raising rates every year. Because they've been allowed to create a monopoly on our utility services, we have no choice in the matter. Protect Missouri citizens from predatory monopolies like this.
P202300890	10/7/2022 4:14 PM	We do not need higher gas bills considering the high prices we are paying on everything else. A 42% increase for the average customer last year was enough. Please vote no on the revenue increase for Spire.
P202300891	10/7/2022 4:18 PM	Everyone has inflation fever. Even regulated monopolies. An estimated 10-12% increase in rates. No one gets raises like that. (see attached)
P202300892	10/7/2022 5:09 PM	I am against rate increase proposed by Case No. GR-2022-0179. Spire has already had a 267% rate increase in the 5 years since they acquired Missouri gas. This increase will make a rate increase of 495%. That's outrageous and will financially hurt people that can least afford it.
P202300893	10/7/2022 6:44 PM	I can't attend one of the scheduled rate increase meetings in STL, OCt 12th or KC on Oct 18th. I'm just assuring myself that the commission will take into consideration that the price of natural gas has dropped from a high of nearly $10 earlier this summer to $6.60 on the futures market at the end of trading today, 10/7. As with all businesses, any costs incurred end up being paid by the consumer. For example, someone at MO Gas Energy decided to change the name to Spire a few years ago. We paid!
P202300894	10/9/2022 8:31 PM	I would like to express my opposition to Spire Missouri Inc. and their desire to increase revenues through a 10.29% price increase. According to Spire's 2021 form 10K, their revenue totaled over $2 BILLION dollars, with a net income of $271 million. There is absolutely no justification for this 10% increase other than corporate greed. Corporations should serve their communities, not hinder them. Natural gas is harmful to the environment and people's health. Corporate greed is killing America.
P202300895	10/11/2022 9:05 AM	No to Spire gas price increase We do not need higher gas bills considering the high prices we are paying on everything else. A 42% increase for the average customer last year was enough. Please vote no on the revenue increase for Spire.
P202300896	10/11/2022 9:07 AM	I'm tired of all these increases. Bill tripled. I can't afford more. I say no more.
P202300897	10/11/2022 9:11 AM	I am OPPOSED to the rate increase requested by Spire (case# GR-2022-0179). See attached for full comment
P202300899	10/11/2022 9:13 AM	If what I am hearing is correct, and Spire is requesting a 13% increase, for 2022, I vote No. Unless there is a clear explanation of why such a large increase is warranted. We, as a country, are struggling financially already and increasing the cost of a necessary utility, such as heat, is hurtful and wrong.
P202300901	10/11/2022 9:16 AM	I won't be able to attend in person, so I wanted to provide comments via email. See attached for full comments.
P202300904	10/11/2022 9:35 AM	I don’t support the preposed rate increase of Spire especially since the amount of profit made in last two years .
P202300905	10/11/2022 9:47 AM	I am OPPOSED to the rate increase requested by Spire. A significant part of recent energy cost increases has been a direct result of invasive and ill-advised government mandates and regulations attempting to force transition to “green” energy, put a choke-hold on fossil fuels, and advance partisan “climate change” agendas against the will of the people and, I might add, against economic, scientific or common sense.
P202300906	10/11/2022 9:49 AM	If what I am hearing is correct, and Spire is requesting a 13% increase, for 2022, I vote No. Unless there is a clear explanation of why such a large increase is warranted. We, as a country, are struggling financially already and increasing the cost of a necessary utility, such as heat, is hurtful and wrong.
P202300907	10/11/2022 9:51 AM	It's unjust and deplorable that Spire is constantly charging higher rates when Americans, especially the non-wealthy and the poor are struggling and struggling even more so than normal struggling, due to the various current situations plaguing the economy, at this time, mostly engineered. (See attached)
P202300908	10/11/2022 9:53 AM	I am opposed & vote NO to our residential increase
P202300909	10/11/2022 9:55 AM	Greetings ! I am requesting that you DENY Spire Energy this price increase !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! These utilities are constantly raising prices on us, and along with the major inflation we are now experiencing, we cannot afford it. I am tired of funding union retirement and wage increases. Thank you for your ears. When has the PSC denied a rate increase ?
P202300910	10/11/2022 9:57 AM	I live in Ferguson and have a few simple points I'd like to make. It's not comprehensive or completely nuanced, but probably more than what the average person might ask. Spire increased prices in December of 2021 by just under 3%. Is it actually absolutely necessary to propose a much larger price increase, instead of just 3% this time? (See attached)
P202300911	10/11/2022 12:14 PM	With the current inflation crippling families and those of us on Social Security, I IMPLORE you to deny Spire's proposed 10.44% rate increase. This increase is outrageous and would create a severe hardship for many customers, in addition to contributing to the already spiraling inflation rate. We're all being forced to live with less than we'd like...our savings are down 20+%. A maximum 2 or 3%, increase would be reasonable and with proper management should suffice. Thank you.
P202300912	10/11/2022 12:48 PM	(JE) Mike called & wants the PSC to deny the rate increase that Spire is wanting. Mike believes that rates are already high enough & they just had an increase last winter. Mike also wants PSC to deny increase due to the wholesale cost of natural gas being crazy high last increase & what is being projected for this winter. Believes it is too much to be able to afford any increases
P202300913	10/11/2022 12:51 PM	(JP) "I worked for MGE for over 16 years and now that they have asked for a rate increase but have notified retirees that affective 1.1.23 they have to find health care through provides that Spire deems acceptable. The CEO makes 5 million a year but wants a rate increase. This is completely unethical."
P202300914	10/11/2022 1:14 PM	I, along with many are opposed to Spire increase request. Spire requested and received a rate increase that became effective 12-23-2021. The citizens of Missouri demand the PSC deny this increase as it is harmful to the financial and psychological well-being of customers. WE CAN'T AFFORD IT.
P202300915	10/11/2022 2:16 PM	An average increase of 10.44% per bill is outrageous. Spire Missouri Inc. has an opportunity here to Not be a factor in the sporadic tide of inflation by keeping their increases to a more reasonable rate such as 2%. This amount will enable more customers to afford their gas without sacrificing other purchases and will help keep us out of a recession. At the very least Missourians should not be the ones to pay Spires Investors their rate of return.
P202300916	10/11/2022 5:07 PM	Regarding GR-2022-0179 - SHAME ON SPIRE. Monopolies do not serve the people. Missourians deserve better than increasing rates just because Spire want to line their own pockets. SHAME ON SPIRE. NO RATE INCREASE. I strongly disagree with this rate increase. I pray to God that faceless, money hungry entities stop leeching off hardworking Missourians.
P202300918	10/12/2022 9:19 AM	(tb) Per lady who wants to remain anonymous, she is opposed to the rate increase because there is an increase on everything. A person only has so much money since wages are not going up.
P202300919	10/12/2022 9:43 AM	(JE) Lady called about receiving Spire rate case notice in mail. She did not want to provide her name. She is retired and on fixed income & cannot afford current rates or other things like gas, groceries due to inflation. She is asking the Commission to deny the increase. It is not the time to be increasing rates especially after they just got one in December 2021
P202300920	10/12/2022 10:34 AM	In Nov 2021 Spire increased rates by 60%. In Dev 2021 the CEO of Spire gave herself a 26% raise making 5.6 million dollars running a PUBLIC utility. 2021 Spire made $271 million in profit a 206% increase from the prior year. Spire built a pipeline so it can sell gas to itself to make a larger profit and then threated the public that they would shut off their gas if it wasn't approved. Spire is a regulate monopoly and should remain regulated.
P202300921	10/12/2022 10:45 AM	Case No. GR-2022-0179 Desr PSC, please do not approve the proposed Spire Missouri rate increase. Consumers are already struggling with higher prices for food and other necessities. Many seniors are on fixed incomes. This request should be delayed until our economic recovery is more fully realized. It is cruel to raise the prices on gas that people need to heat their homes for winter.
P202300922	10/12/2022 11:06 AM	DO NOT increase rates again, especially when you gave the CEO a 26% pay raise. This is unconscionable during a major recession where more citizens are being squeezed by the cost of living. This is unethical, if not outright immoral.
P202300923	10/12/2022 11:14 AM	I used to work in a system that delt with budgeting and I understand that you always ask for more than what you actually need, however, I ask that the PSC take careful and close consideration to granting as small amount as possible. Most Missourians are facing extreme financial strain due to inflation while Spire is making incredible profits. I believe they can hold off on making more profits for another year. Our bills are already extremely frustrating.
P202300928	10/12/2022 11:51 AM	I’m a mom struggling with inflation and worried about how climate change is impacting my child’s future. I have attended KCMO city council meetings where Spire promotes itself to be a safe, inexpensive energy source. But, methane, the main component of natural gas, has been proven to be a dangerous, intense source of climate warming. Now spire wants to raise rates to maintain their profits and expand obsolete infrastructure. Please save customer's money and protect our climate future. Deny Spire
P202300929	10/12/2022 1:06 PM	Please see attached comment from the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council RE: File No. GR-2022-0179
P202300930	10/12/2022 1:08 PM	I can not afford my gas tripling. I've been on level pay for over 10 yrs. Never paid more than 60 give or take a few dollars. Now it's 150. . No more price increase.
P202300933	10/12/2022 2:36 PM	(co) Customer called stating she's a retired person on social security pension. Her Spire bill has already gone up 64% in September. Now another one will make it go up almost 100%. She's not happy about this. It's too much.
P202300934	10/12/2022 2:46 PM	(tb) Donna stated she's a senior citizen and is opposed to the rate increase. She can't afford a rate increase with what she makes on her social security
P202300938	10/12/2022 4:34 PM	I am also concerned that the utility companies that run credit checks to determine if a customer should be charged a deposit. I'm wondering how this is legal? Also in the past utility company have stated that they have the right to charge a higher utility rate because the customer lives in a community where there's a history of non-payment.
P202300941	10/12/2022 9:51 PM	I oppose the proposed price increased. Spire has recorded RECORD profits while consumers struggle to keep the bills paid on time. Corporate greed in killing our country and the majority deserve our voices and concerns to be heard.
P202300942	10/13/2022 7:39 AM	I feel the above case regarding the rate increase from Spire is totally unfair. People that are already struggling due to the increase in cost on everything especially people on fixed incomes or families with children can not afford a 12.65% increase. A 2% or 3% increase might be understandable but this amount is exorbitant. Hopefully this increase will not be passed.
P202300943	10/13/2022 9:10 AM	I feel the above case regarding the rate increase from Spire is totally unfair. People that are already struggling due to the increase in cost on everything especially people on fixed incomes or families with children can not afford a 12.65% increase. A 2% or 3% increase might be understandable but this amount is exorbitant. Hopefully this increase will not be passed.
P202300944	10/13/2022 9:11 AM	NO on Spire rate hike . They aren't even hiding the reason any more. It's all about more $$$ for higher PROFIT !! Their profits go up and up and up. Pure greed. Time for the PSC to do their job, which is to PROTECT the consumers from these monopolies and get OUT of the lobbyists pockets.
P202300945	10/13/2022 9:59 AM	See attached for comments.
P202300946	10/13/2022 10:03 AM	I am writing to request that you DENY SPIRE access to a utility rate increase. Customers are already facing the rising costs of goods. To any individual family, an extra $10 a lot can be quite meaningful. I suggest the CEO look at their own pay and determine if they could take a 10% decrease to help make their business practices more sustainable - if they're not willing to attempt that, do not ask consumers, once again, to subsidize this greed.
P202300947	10/13/2022 10:20 AM	I am 74 years old on social security that is less than $22,000 a year. I am a widow on my own. Paying for everything is impossible because everything is going up but social security really doesn't. When I do get a SS increase it's small and then it goes to Medicare. I don't know why Spire is going up but I can't afford it.
P202300949	10/13/2022 10:43 AM	See Attached
P202300950	10/13/2022 11:18 AM	Please do not allow Spire to raise their rates so early.
P202300952	10/13/2022 12:02 PM	In times of inflation, it is preferred not to have an increase in rates. 11.00 more a month is a rather large increase.
P202300953	10/13/2022 12:44 PM	Serving those in need is at the core of our mission at Isaiah 58 Ministries. We have seen our food pantry guests increase to over 400 visits per month. Many are seniors who are living on fixed incomes of less than $1000 a month. Increases in gas prices will make our people choose: food or heat. A rate increase of this level puts lives at risk. A public utility should not be receiving a 9% corporate profit while tax-paying residents freeze. This increase should be rejected.
P202300954	10/13/2022 12:50 PM	Regarding Case N. GR-2022-0179 public webex/phone meeting on 10/13/2022. The proposed changes by spire have a rate increase ranging from 8-13% depending on the location of the consumer. The common question was (that didn't seem to be answered explicitly), was "Why are consumers bearing the brunt of this proposed increase, vs coming out of profits/raises?". Example cited was CEO raise of last year of 26-29%.
P202300955	10/13/2022 1:01 PM	Case No. GR-2022-0179Dear Sirs, I am in receipt of the Notice of Local Public Hearings and Request for Comments regarding Proposed Increase GR-2022-0179. Since my husband and I are Spire Missouri West residential customers, we would have an increase of approximately 12.65% on our total bill. This is unacceptable. It's hard enough to live on a fixed income, but 12.65% is a lot of money for a natural gas increase. Please do not allow this to go through. Thank you.
P202300956	10/13/2022 1:39 PM	Please do not grant another rate increase. We have all been hit so hard with rising costs, that this could be the straw that breaks the camels back
P202300957	10/13/2022 2:15 PM	Really seems like a dirty trick to squeeze population even more. People already struggling. Spire sending people to various "help programs" - which is using government=taxpayers money. Why are consumers bearing this proposed increase, vs coming out of profits/raises?. The CEO raise of last year of 29%.
P202300958	10/13/2022 2:16 PM	Really seems like a dirty trick to squeeze population even more. People already struggling. Spire sending people to various "help programs" - which is using government=taxpayers money. Why are consumers bearing this proposed increase, vs coming out of profits/raises?. The CEO raise of last year of 29%.
P202300959	10/13/2022 2:22 PM	Dear Sirs, I am in receipt of the Notice of Local Public Hearings and Request for Comments regarding Proposed Increase GR-2022-0179. Since I am a Spire Missouri West residential customer, I would have an increase of approximately 12.65% on my total bill. This is unacceptable. It's hard enough to live on a fixed income, but 12.65% is a lot of money for a natural gas increase. Please do not allow this to go through.
P202300961	10/13/2022 2:52 PM	Please see attached Word document for public comment.
P202300962	10/13/2022 3:13 PM	Spire should NOT BE ALLOWED to increase gas prices. During a time of record high inflation (for consumers) AND record profits for the company (execs and shareholders), to cite "supply chain" issues as a cause to raise prices is a bald face lie by a greedy monopoly, attempting to shake down citizens of Kansas City.
P202300963	10/13/2022 3:21 PM	I am in receipt of the Notice of Local Public Hearings and Request for Comments regarding Proposed Increase GR-2022-0179. Since I am a Spire Missouri West residential customer, I would have an increase of approximately 12.65% on my total bill. This is unacceptable. It's hard enough to live on a fixed income, but 12.65% is a lot of money for a natural gas increase. Please do not allow this to go through.
P202300964	10/13/2022 4:34 PM	I think it is too soon for Spire to come back for yet another price increase. And this is another substantial request. Mismanagement and bad decisions should not result in consumers paying more.
P202300965	10/13/2022 4:48 PM	Style of Case: In the Matter of Spire Missouri, Inc.'s Request for a General Rate Increase Case No. GR-2022-0179 To the Honorable Commission: Attached please find written comments from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri in opposition to the rate increase in GR-2022-0179.
P202300966	10/14/2022 8:24 AM	I am in receipt of the Notice of Local Public Hearings and Request for Comments regarding Proposed Increase GR-2022-0179. Since I am a Spire Missouri West residential customer, I would have an increase of approximately 12.65% on my total bill. This is unacceptable. It's hard enough to live on a fixed income, but 12.65% is a lot of money for a natural gas increase. Please do not allow this to go through.
P202300967	10/14/2022 1:20 PM	I am a senior and on a fixed income. In August 2022 my bill went from $60 to $105 which is a 57% increase. People are already struggling like myself and an increase again will hurt more people. I do not agree to any kind of increase in gas or fuel and this administration has destroyed our energy independence and the people should not have to suffer due to poor management in our government. Let them foot the bill not the people.
P202300968	10/14/2022 1:58 PM	EnergyCare has been helping low-income people keep the gas on with utility assistance for 39 years. The people we serve struggle with disconnections even with current rates. An increase will cause more of them to seek help from EnergyCare and other agencies that provide utility assistance. Hopefully, rates stay reasonable and more resources can be put into energy efficiency efforts for low-income people (to lower their energy burden) that are easier to access and more customer friendly.
P202300969	10/14/2022 3:10 PM	Our economy is bad enough with inflation. People are already having an extremely difficult time paying their bills. Raising rates will not help at all or make anything any better. I hate to say this but you can't get blood from a turnip. People will not be able to pay their bills at all with this increase. With the interest rates going up as well plus utilities and everything else, people will not be able to make payments.
P202300970	10/16/2022 12:16 PM	I implore you to reject Spire Missouri Inc. request to increase revenues. Spire Missouri Inc. has not shown an increase in quality of service since their last, incredibly recent, rate increase was granted. They have also not shown exemplary community engagement considering their fear campaign to customers last winter, stoking fears of service shutoffs if their pipeline project wasn't pushed through. Please do not reward its undeserving executives and shareholders.
P202300972	10/17/2022 8:12 AM	I want to comment on the request for the approval of a rate increase Spire gas Co is asking for. They say the money has been borrowed and they are already spending money they didn't have....so they need more of ours. They want to inflate our monthly bills because of their irresponsible planning and poor budgeting. How do they justify that? (See attached)
P202300973	10/17/2022 8:14 AM	I am unable to attend the public hearings regarding the Spire request to increase my gas rates. I oppose a gas price increase. Spire is already making record profits and they do not need a rate increase to remain solvent as a utility company. The increase in gas price will cause an undue burden to many families, including mine, in the Kansas City area. Please vote 'no' to any rate hikes
P202300974	10/17/2022 8:18 AM	Last years rate increase was difficult followed by very high summer electric bills. Please remember there were several hot spells in Missouri beginning in April 2022 up to the present that necessitated the use of air conditioning for health reason for a large portion of the population. 2021 was very similar. Another rate increase of any type in less than a minimum of a five year period is not only unaffordable, but seems harsh and cruel. (See attached)
P202300975	10/17/2022 8:21 AM	Well, here comes Spire with its hand out again. This time to increase their profit coffers by raising their "delivery side" rates. Never mind that the average household is facing record inflation and struggling to keep their heads above water This increase it to cover business expenses, employees salaries and pipeline costs. (see attached)
P202300976	10/17/2022 8:25 AM	I live in Ferguson and have a few simple points I'd like to make. It's not comprehensive or completely nuanced, but probably more than what the average person might ask. See attached for full comments.
P202300977	10/17/2022 8:25 AM	I am a 71 yr. old single retiree on a fixed income. In August of this year, my Budget Billing (fixed monthly payment) was increased on my statement from $70 to $135 per month, which is nearly a 93% increase!! This exorbitant increase is not warranted by, nor in line with, my usage. (see attached)
P202300978	10/17/2022 8:29 AM	I want to comment on the request for the approval of a rate increase Spire gas Co is asking for. See attached for full comments
P202300979	10/17/2022 8:32 AM	I am unable to attend the public hearings regarding the Spire request to increase my gas rates. I oppose a gas price increase. Spire is already making record profits and they do not need a rate increase to remain solvent as a utility company. The increase in gas price will cause an undue burden to many families, including mine, in the Kansas City area. Please express my opposition to any gas rate hikes.
P202300980	10/17/2022 8:40 AM	I did not receive the public hearing notice in the mail in time to participate in person hearing in Saint Louis October 12th or view the live stream on October 13th. Please see attached for full comments.
P202300981	10/17/2022 9:36 AM	No on the Spire rate increase. This is no more than a backdoor way to pay for the pipeline, that we did not need or want ,but they built it anyway, and are NOT ALLOWED to stick us for the cost.
P202300982	10/17/2022 10:36 AM	See Attached
P202300983	10/17/2022 12:28 PM	As a result of recent annual account analysis, we incurred a 57% increase in our monthly expenses which will be in effect for full year which was NOT as a result of increased usage rather their rate increase of 12% in November 2021. I request that this additional 12.65% requested rate increase be DENIED.
P202300985	10/17/2022 1:56 PM	I am unable to attend any public meeting on the Spire Energy rate increase, but I would like my opinion to be heard. My family of four and I are struggling to pay even the current rates, so to increase the rates on a basic living necessity is unjust. Please cease the increases, and continue the rates as is for those of us who are just trying to survive.
P202300986	10/17/2022 1:59 PM	To Whom It May Concern: On behalf of my family and household, I am writing in response to the notification received regarding the proposed rate increase, GR-2022-0179, specifically to express my request to DECLINE this rate increase. See attached for full comments.
P202300987	10/17/2022 3:55 PM	I say NO to gas price raises. See attached for full comments.
P202300989	10/18/2022 7:13 AM	Last year they DOUBLED the price of the natural gas. Now they want another rate increase for infrastructure. At what point does it become enough? When no one but the wealthy can pay their bill?
P202300990	10/18/2022 8:09 AM	I am very concerned with the proposed rate increase from Spire. Our utility bills were increased significantly last winter, both by Spire and by KCPL. With the increase in rates, it is becoming more difficult to pay the utilities. Please intervene in this situation with Spire's proposed rate increase and ask them to reconsider. Also, please follow through with getting an audit done before Spire raises our prices, defend us to the best of your ability to keep this increase from happening.
P202300991	10/18/2022 8:11 AM	I am unable to attend any public meeting on the Spire Energy rate increase, but I would like my opinion to be heard. My family of four and I are struggling to pay even the current rates, so to increase the rates on a basic living necessity is unjust. Please cease the increases, and continue the rates as is for those of us who are just trying to survive.
P202300992	10/18/2022 8:13 AM	I am on a fix income as a disabled person. Last winter I had a monthly bill for $456.00. That is over half my income. Many people for one reason or another can barely pay their bills. If the gas bill goes up things will continue to get worse before better for people. Please reconsider the decision to raise gas prices. Thanks.
P202300993	10/18/2022 8:20 AM	I must express that I think it's simply unconscionable to allow Spire to raise their rates 10.44 to 12.65% -- particularly coming out of a global pandemic where so many people are struggling. (See attached)
P202300994	10/18/2022 8:23 AM	The timing of this proposed increase could not be worse. Record inflation, wages unable to keep up, food and all other costs increasing, this is the time to tighten your belt. End users' belts have been tightened to an extreme level. If bonuses were given in the past, it's time to save those monies to support your increased costs. Costs should be shared by "ALL" not just end users.
P202300995	10/18/2022 9:44 AM	Dear Public Service Commissioners, while it is likely true that utility providers, like Spire, are experiencing the same sorts of increases in costs of operation that consumers are experiencing in costs of living, allowing an increase in utility charges only adds to the customers' burdens. I would hope that Commissioners considering the Spire request for an increase in charges for natural gas will limit any such increase to only what's necessary to cover such operational costs.
P202300996	10/18/2022 10:47 AM	I oppose the rate increase for Spire. What is the justification for requesting it? Adding more expense to all families during a recession, on top of runaway inflation affecting all consumers, is not a good decision. They need to wait until the economy and inflation are better to dig more into consumers pockets.
P202300997	10/18/2022 11:27 AM	I must express that I think it's simply unconscionable to allow Spire to raise their rates 10.44 to 12.65% -- particularly coming out of a global pandemic where so many people are struggling. See attached for full comments.
P202300998	10/18/2022 11:31 AM	The timing of this proposed increase could not be worse. See attached for full comments
P202300999	10/18/2022 11:36 AM	The cost of heating our homes is already too expensive! We should not have to choose between staying warm in the winter and feeding our children, buying prescription medications or putting gas in the car to get back and forth to work. No, I do NOT support a gas hike so they can increase the salaries of their board members or any other excuses they come up with to take more money out of our pockets
P202301000	10/18/2022 11:46 AM	Spire trying to raise KC customer’s gas rates by 12.7%. While Spire profits off of surging prices, people suffer. Energy prices are hurting poor/working-class people and Black communities and communities of color the hardest. File No. GR-2022-0179
P202301001	10/18/2022 11:52 AM	Do not allow Spire to raise the rates!! THey are making money from us by putting in infrastructure that helps no one but Spire. They’re doing nothing to save the environment or help low income people keep the heat on. Its all to make a profit for the company. Its unfair that a customer has no choice where they get their gas from because they have a complete monopoly on us and we also have NO say on what they do.
P202301002	10/18/2022 12:15 PM	My family cannot withstand a gas rate hike. Please do not raise the bill. File No. GR-2022-0179
P202301003	10/18/2022 12:26 PM	Spire's request for rate increase. Case # GR-2022-0179. For once the Missouri Service Commission should deny this request. This request damages citizens that have to use this company to stay warm. The amount of this rate hike is obscene. Please consider your citizens for once instead of Spire's greed.
P202301004	10/18/2022 12:26 PM	Re File No. GR-2022-0179 - please rule to deny Spir’s requested rate hike.
P202301005	10/18/2022 12:52 PM	File No. GR-2022-0179. This rate increase has no consideration for everyday Missourians. It will cause tremendous harm to Black, brown, and Indigenous people, who are more likely to live in energy insecure homes, and bear the burden of both financial costs and the climate crisis. This monopoly continues to show that it does not value us, and will put profit over people every time. This increase is not right for Missourians, and Spire needs to be held accountable for its corruption and greed.
P202301006	10/18/2022 12:54 PM	Regarding the proposed 13% increase: This is an outrageous act of greed contributing to the overall inflation rate and increasing profit margin of Spire. They could easily increase the money spent on infrastructure and salaries for the non-executives and still make a profit!
P202301007	10/18/2022 12:55 PM	Comment re: File No. GR-2022-0179. I strongly oppose any proposed rate hike by Spire. With Spire having a monopoly and being allowed repeated unnecessary rate hikes, they are effectively Missouri consumers ransom for their own personal profit. Spire already makes enough profit for advertisements and executive bonuses, they most certainly do NOT need to gouge Missouri consumers for more profits. Utilities should be administered for public good, not private profit.
P202301008	10/18/2022 1:09 PM	Tell spire to pay for their own infrastructure and keep hikes outta KC. Invest in renewable energy sources and infrastructures, you have enough money!!
P202301009	10/18/2022 1:15 PM	Raising the rates for gas users in Kansas City is absolutely unacceptable when there is so much government money out there to fund a transition to zero emissions energy like wind and solar that actually lowers the price of electricity if spire makes the intital investment using givernment money instead of charging the people. I work for an organization CleanAirNow and I just spent a week in D.C. learning about how there is all this money for renewable and zero emission energy. Do your research!!
P202301010	10/18/2022 1:37 PM	So Spire as of 1/1/2023 is no longer providing insurance for retired MGE?Spire employees. You must go to a outside source or you get NO stipend! Of course the CEO according to Google only made $5.2 million dollars! j Union and non-union retirees take a bullet! I only worked there 16 years, but many of my friends worked there 40 plus years and are not in good health sadly! My main issue is a word not heard "ETHICS"!
P202301011	10/18/2022 1:40 PM	Re: File No. GR-2022-0179 In a moment of economic certainty, where wages are not keeping up with the cost of living, and where Spire's revenue in 2021 was up nearly $400 million, it is reprehensible to think they should be allowed to raise rates on ordinary people already suffering. I encourage you to REJECT any rate increase and give some stability to the working families who are just trying to heat their homes and cook their meals. Spire doesn't need this rate increase!
P202301012	10/18/2022 1:55 PM	(co) Customer called stating she can't afford anymore. Bills are so high here.
P202301014	10/18/2022 2:30 PM	My name is Dawson Sims, I'm a Jackson County resident, and I'm writing to express my opposition to Spire's proposed rate hike. I am a library worker and my partner is an elementary music teacher -- we are already struggling enough to make ends meet with increased housing and food costs. A rate increase to line the pockets of Spire investors would be a slap in the face to public sector workers like us.
P202301015	10/18/2022 3:22 PM	This is in reference to File No. GR-2022-0179 Spire has routinely used gas rate hikes to ensure that their $271 MILLION dollar profits go towards stock buybacks and executive pay. As a working class person in KCMO, every instance that prices are raised hurts my ability to afford living in this city even though I work at a local institution. Between the rising costs of every other essential good, these price increases for gas will further strain my ability to live in the city I love.
P202301017	10/18/2022 3:37 PM	Hello, my name is Michael Wolfe, I am a resident of Missouri, and this rate increase is not good for the people of this state. This rate increase is unpopular, as was the last, but Spire continues to hike rates again and again ignoring how it impacts everyday Missourians who are trying to make ends meet. As winter months approach, Spire is taking advantage of families and working people by holding their homes hostage - forcing them to pay their prices or freeze. Don't raise our rates. Thanks.
P202301018	10/18/2022 3:57 PM	Going into winter we have a sum of money set aside for heat. Last year our funds were depleted more than usual due to the price increase and this sets us up for a more difficult winter THIS year, and a price increase on gas would make this even worse. Our families cannot afford this burden that will force us to prioritize our necessities and choose between heat or ability to eat or maintain hygiene. Please do not place this undue burden on our families.
P202301019	10/18/2022 4:07 PM	Spire, stuff stuffing you pockets with our communities hard earned money. Do your job and provide, not drain our daily lives from our resources. Make this change now or we'll replace you.
P202301020	10/18/2022 4:33 PM	See Attached
P202301021	10/18/2022 4:35 PM	See Attached
P202301023	10/18/2022 5:08 PM	Please DO NOT approve Spire's rate increase requests. It is wrong to penalize those in difficult circumstances to make the people at the top more money.
P202301024	10/18/2022 5:27 PM	Everything is so expensive now, and my husband and I did not get pay increases that account for current inflation rates. We have less money than we had this time last year. If our heating costs go up, we will be turning on the heat so that our pipes don't freeze, but no higher. What a terrible thought.
P202301026	10/18/2022 5:35 PM	Re Spire request for rate increase I hope and expect that each reason Spire puts forth to justify this rate hike is supported by FACTS and audited numbers. A utility is entitled to a Profit but not an increased percentage profit. And not entitled to increased salaries to officers hidden before profits are calculated. A public utility must have the public’s interest before it’s shareholders or officers.
P202301027	10/18/2022 5:38 PM	I am opposed to the natural gas rate increases proposed by Spire. These increases disproportionately affect the lowest income residents. In a period of high inflation, where wages are not keeping pace with the rising costs of food, gasoline and rent, access to affordable basic utilities is essential. Allow people to keep their pipes from freezing. Permit them to stay in their homes without shutting off their utilities. Don't approve this rate increase (File No. GR-2022-0179).
P202301028	10/18/2022 5:39 PM	The proposed Spire gas hike will be very difficult to deal with financially each month. Please do not allow it to take place, there is no reason for it. The service is not being improved therefore we shouldn't be paying more. It's unfair.
P202301029	10/18/2022 5:55 PM	Please REJECT the proposed rate increase put forth by Spire (File No. GR-2022-0179). Their rate hike comes at a time when many are struggling to cover basic expenses due to record inflation across the board and around the world. The people of Kansas City need and deserve relief, and the Public Service Commission must deliver that relief.
P202301030	10/18/2022 5:58 PM	God Bless Our Nation. Regarding Case No. GR-2022-0179 I have been following Spire for the last several years and just like the Highway Patrol reminded me there are good and bad wherever you go in life. I feel that Spire needs to really put the communication into place on their events and emergency events. I think in life we all need improvement and no one is perfect but Jesus but I am voting A NO for the increase at this time.
P202301031	10/18/2022 6:17 PM	Spire has submitted a rate increase request. One of the items they said it go to is salaries. As far as i can tell, the top 5 executives made about $11 million in 2021. Meanwhile, this being a public-private monopoly, they are helping bankrupt people who make $20,000 a year. If our government grants monopoly status to essential (life-sustaining) services, government should not allow them to over-compensate their top level staff, while gouging the public and actually causing people to die of cold
P202301033	10/18/2022 9:16 PM	File no. GR-2022-0179 I am against the rise in gas prices. Hard working people in Kansas City are already struggling because of inflation and extreme weather. People are already having to choose between food and heat. People will suffer and might even die if they can't afford heat! Aren't we already struggling enough?
P202301035	10/19/2022 7:55 AM	I wrote earlier about this being a bad time for an increase in natural gas, but in discussions with a neighbor I decided to see what articles I could find supporting or delaying an increase, from the web. What I found is that, some parts of the reasoning for an increase is by good planning which is something energy compnaies should be experts at accomplishing. Sadly, they cannot forecast greater need even when they have access to the web any better than citizens and perhaps worse.(See attached)
P202301036	10/19/2022 8:00 AM	For the record, Energy Enhancement Ministries aided by Deacon John Crooks, and Glen Reagor without prejudice at 5536 Harrison, Kansas City, Missouri [64110] vote for the future belonging to the efficient minimizing high fees for gas service as new methods may exist that are quite wonderful.
P202301037	10/19/2022 9:04 AM	Spire should not be able to raise rates. We already have to pay them when we don't use gas. It's ridiculous. File No. GR-2022-0179.
P202301038	10/19/2022 9:55 AM	Spire should NOT receive a further increase in their allowed rate of return.The company has shown that it solely cares about investor profits by overwhelming local governments with mass litigation to leverage its ability to obtain reimbursement of its operating expenses before the PSC (i.e, litigation costs) to coerce a reduction in its tax base and thereby reap a windfall which does not pass on to the ratepayers.Therein it has repeatedly used unethical behavior and made false statements of fact
P202301040	10/19/2022 11:17 AM	Please decline the proposed rate hike. The working poor, senior citizens and others are already making difficult choices between utility costs and food, in part due to recent gas rate hike(s). Many of these will pay their bills first, meaning less food or not filling medical prescriptions later in the month. This is a social justice issue. Current profits exceed the rate hike by more than $70 million. Spire’s profits tripled from 2020 – 2021 and are on track to increase again.
P202301041	10/19/2022 12:26 PM	(JP) "I am opposed to the proposed rate increase due to the state of the economy. They are seeking a 12.65% increase for Spire West customers and I think that is not inline w/ the state of the economy. People are not seeing that type of increase in their salaries so I believe it will cause undue hardships on the customers. I strongly ask the Commission not to approve this increase in rate structure and ask that it remain the same."
P202301042	10/19/2022 12:27 PM	(JE) Kathy called upset over Spire wanting another rate increase. She opposes the increase and wants audit done. Doesn't think they should get any more money. She feels like they are not a good company & the company is not ran well. Discrimination lawsuit & pipeline issues are recent examples of why they shouldn't get increases. Would like PSC to deny increase
P202301043	10/19/2022 12:33 PM	I'm just curious when you are going to demand that belt-tightening apply to your top executives and Board members. Cut their compensation and keep MO rates as is! File No. GR-2022-0179
P202301044	10/19/2022 1:49 PM	DO NOT raise the spire rates !!! I'm jobless since June 2021 and BARELY make it by on a level pay plan. I've cut my usage to almost NOTHING. If Spire wants a rate increase - take is from the TOP 1% of salaries. They should have planned for this back when covid just started ( stock pile reserves, etc. ). Strategic thinking is why they get the HUGE salaries. DO NOT APPROVE!!!!
P202301045	10/19/2022 3:37 PM	Spire should NOT get ANY rate increase considering recent findings by the MO Public Serv Commission & the office of Public Counsel. 2nd hike in 2 yrs. Replacing meters relatively new or don't have documentation about.7.5% of meter replcd from 2001-2022 were less than 10 yrs old (most last 18-20 yrs) 9% didn't have any documentation. OPC says Spire's records erroneously count 190,000 more meters than customers. Our income didn't increase by 10% & we didn't get Million $ bonuses. Stop the madness!
P202301047	10/19/2022 8:03 PM	Missouri Public Service Commission, PLEASE don’t approve Spire’s rate increase requests File No. GR-2022-0179. Do not make it harder for us to pay our energy bills. Support renewable energy. Minimize fossil fuel dependence.
P202301048	10/19/2022 10:41 PM	Please decline the proposed rate hike. It’s excessive, and would compel the working poor and seniors to cut back on other necessities. It’s not in our public interest to expand Spire’s profits; capital should not be drawn toward the natural gas industry now that our buildings can be heated by other means whose costs are declining. Recognize the external costs of natural gas: fracking pollutes our shrinking water supplies, and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas that’s hurting our climate.
P202301049	10/20/2022 5:22 AM	Please decline the proposed rate hike. The working poor, senior citizens and others are already making difficult choices between utility costs and food, in part due to recent gas rate hike(s). Many of these will pay their bills first, meaning less food or not filling medical prescriptions later in the month. This is a social justice issue. Current profits ($220 million) exceed the rate hike ($150 million) by more than $70 million. Spire’s profits tripled from 2020 – 2021
P202301050	10/20/2022 10:35 AM	(JE) Diane called regarding Spire rate case notice. She opposes an increase. She believes rates are already too high & with inflation the PSC should deny the increase
P202301051	10/20/2022 11:44 AM	This entry serves to document the concerns of the City of Kansas City, MO in response to Resolution No.220861. Please see attached letter and authenticated resolution.
P202301052	10/20/2022 11:53 AM	Please take note that I am strongly opposed to a rate increase from Spire Missouri Inc. See attached for full comments.
P202301053	10/20/2022 1:24 PM	(co) Customer called stating she does everything she can do to reduce. It s very concerning to hear that a company wants to increase her cost to extend a pipeline. All of the money they have made over the years that she pays for natural gas; they can use some of that. There are many different types of methods of natural gas. They need to consider the financial impact of their consumers. She never receives notifications.
P202301055	10/20/2022 9:38 PM	GR-2022-0179 My electric bill is over $500.00 per month. I have a 900 foot square house and keep my thermostat at 60 to 68 degrees. I’m at work 12 hours per day. I cannot believe what I am being charged. An independent party needs to check this company out. They are thieves.
P202301056	10/21/2022 7:43 AM	Please take note that I am strongly opposed to a rate increase from Spire Missouri Inc.. We are already paying high prices for everything and seeing companies having record profits. To be gouged by a company that provides essential energy to our homes and businesses is a slap in the face. Please note my concerns and I strongly urge you make the decision to not raise the rates for natural gas.Thank you for considering my viewpoint and doing the right thing for citizens of Missouri.
P202301057	10/21/2022 9:23 AM	File No. GR-2022-0179 Do NOT approve Spire's 12.7 % rate increase. It's corporate greed at the expense of Missouri citizens. Choose people over money.
P202301058	10/21/2022 10:02 AM	I am writing to strongly oppose the Spire Missouri Inc. proposed rate increase. Energy costs have skyrocketed in recent years and months, without any true increased value to the customer. In fact, Spire just increased rates in March. To ask for another rate increase within less than a year is greedy and ridiculous. We're seeing company profits soar while we are left footing the bill, and for what? (see attached)
P202301060	10/21/2022 4:54 PM	I strongly object to the Spire request for an increase in rates. It comes too soon after the last one and one intent is to make customers pay for new meters that they neither requested or wanted. An audit of this for profit company is needed to see whether current rates are justified and if revenues are being used in a fiscally sound manner and not just to line the pockets of share holders. We also need to find out whether all customers actually received new meters.
P202301061	10/22/2022 9:33 AM	In a time where families are struggling with their own bottom line and making changes to their day to day life to afford things like groceries, housing, utilities I would think that a company could handle feeling the impact on their own bottom line just like others. This is not a time to be asking consumers, who don’t have free market choice with utilities, to pay more when they are already struggling to get by day to day.
P202301062	10/22/2022 4:12 PM	File No. GR-2022-0179 I strongly oppose Spire's proposed rate hikes. Spire executives have opposed Kansas City's emphasis on clean, renewable energy, saying that we need to protect “natural” gas because it’s cheap. If it's so cheap, they don't need to raise the rates. These executives can pass on their bonuses if they're worried about their bottom line, rather than passing the cost on to taxpayers.
P202301063	10/23/2022 10:06 AM	I am commenting on the proposed rate increase requested by Spire. I object to another rate increase for our gas. Last year we experienced a rate increase that nearly doubled our gas bill from Spire. We are using the same or even less gas than we used previously, but our gas bill has gone from $55 per month to $90 per month. Now they are requesting an additional $8 to $10 per customer. Please consider what this is doing to low income customers and retired persons like myself. Thank you, G Khalsa
P202301064	10/23/2022 2:08 PM	The low-income senior and disabled adults served by the nonprofit I work for cannot afford another rate hike, and neither can I. People are going without food and medicine to enrich your shareholders. Spire should pay for repairs and upgrades for what they own just like the rest of us do. Phase out of gas and into renewables quickly. No time or money or lives to waste.
P202301065	10/24/2022 8:15 AM	A 12.65% rate increase from Spire is unacceptable and harmful to Missouri citizens. See attached for full comments.
P202301066	10/24/2022 9:15 AM	I attended the October 18 public hearing in Kansas City regarding Spire Energy’s request for a rate increase. After listening to the many concerns of the public, I decided to do a little research of my own. According to prnewswire.com , Spire reported a net income of $271.1 million for fiscal year 2021. Investors.spireenegy.com says for the 2nd quarter of 2022 the net was $169.2 million. (See attached)
P202301067	10/24/2022 9:18 AM	A 12.65% rate increase from Spire is unacceptable and harmful to Missouri citizens. Spire's CEO has an annual salary of $5.2 million dollars, with a pay increase of 1.2 million dollars between 2020 and 2021. (See attached)
P202301068	10/24/2022 10:41 AM	See Attached
P202301070	10/24/2022 10:59 AM	(co) Customer called stating we gave Ameren exactly what they wanted. They don't need any more money. She's going to say the same thing about Spire. Since Biden got into office, everything else has tripled in price. Why did you do that to us? We're supposed to be for the public. We give them what they want.
P202301072	10/25/2022 8:27 AM	I don't think they need more. They already have a charge they got without a vote or hearing. They charge to bring the gas from the street to the house then charge for the gas used. You gave Ameren their increase! Please deny Spire's increase.
P202301073	10/25/2022 9:01 AM	Look, I don't normally do this kind of thing, but this is getting ridiculous. How the hell can you expect the citizens of Missouri to keep shouldering unnecesary utility price hikes simply to pad the bottom line for Spire? Y'all have a duty to protect your constituents from this type of corporate greed on a service you have NO CHOICE ON TO LIVE: (see attached)
P202301074	10/25/2022 10:35 AM	See Attached
P202301075	10/25/2022 12:09 PM	Look, I don't normally do this kind of thing, but this is getting ridiculous. How the hell can you expect the citizens of Missouri to keep shouldering unnecesary utility price hikes simply to pad the bottom line for Spire? See attached for full comments.
P202301076	10/25/2022 12:13 PM	This is a really bad time for an increase of over 10%. The middle class is already having a hard time with all of the inflation. Please hold off on the increase.
P202301077	10/25/2022 12:16 PM	I am not for this increase. I am a retiree. Other are moving out because they can't afford. Not sure we will be able to pay our gas bill this winter. The government is not thinking of the little man.
P202301078	10/25/2022 12:38 PM	I attended the public hearing in Ferguson. comments attached
P202301079	10/25/2022 12:45 PM	Opposed to the increase. It will be a significant increase to bills. This is a financially sensitive time.
P202301080	10/25/2022 12:48 PM	Comments attached
P202301081	10/25/2022 6:15 PM	I’m a mom struggling with inflation and worried about how climate change is impacting my child’s future. I have read about how Spire promotes itself to be a safe, inexpensive energy source. But methane, the main component of natural gas, has been proven to be a dangerous, intense source of climate warming. Now Spire wants to raise rates to maintain their profits and expand obsolete infrastructure. Please save customer's money and protect our climate future. Deny Spire their rate increase.
P202301082	10/26/2022 7:45 AM	To whom it may concern, Reference Case No. GR-2022-0179. As a Missouri resident and Spire Missouri natural gas consumer. I object to Spire being allowed such a large 10.29% rate increase. My budget is spread very thin. That large a rate increase for Spire will spread beyond thin. I request a more reasonable rate increase of 3 to 4 percent be considered. Thank you for your consideration.
P202301083	10/26/2022 8:16 AM	see attached comments
P202301084	10/26/2022 1:27 PM	As a Missouri resident and Spire Missouri natural gas consumer. I object to Spire being allowed such a large 10.29% rate increase. My budget is spread very thin. That large a rate increase for Spire will spread beyond thin. I request a more reasonable rate increase of 3 to 4 percent be considered. Thank you for your consideration.
P202301085	10/26/2022 1:54 PM	Please do not allow Spire's continued rate hikes. My gas bill from December 2020 to December 2021 already doubled. I used the same CCF of gas both years, the costs still doubled. Spire can't even send me e-bills on time. They are so mismanaged, they shouldn't get any more money for the poor service and value that they provide. Please hold them accountable and don't allow them to continue to monopolize and gouge Missouri residents!
P202301087	10/27/2022 2:04 PM	Spire absolutely should not be permitted to institute their proposed rate increase. Spire increased profits in 2021 by almost half a billion dollars. Spire raised rates less than one year ago - in December of 2021. This proposed rate increase, by Spire's own admission, would result in between an 10.44% and 12.65% increase on the total gas bill of the consumers, at a time when inflation and costs are on the rise for Missouri families. This rate increase is absolutely unnecessary and immoral!
P202301088	10/28/2022 7:58 AM	Please do not grant another rate hike to Spire. This company just was allowed to in crease it's rates less than one year ago. See attached for full comments.
P202301089	10/28/2022 9:11 AM	See Attached
P202301090	10/28/2022 12:47 PM	(JP) "Spire should not be allowed to increase it's rates for Jackson Co. residents. Our citizens should not have to pay for their misdeeds and greed. There should be no rate increase. Missourians are hurting enough. They got a rate increase last year plus inflation there should be no rate increase."
P202301092	10/28/2022 3:08 PM	(co) Customer called stating she doesn't like the idea of a rate increase. She tries to use gas conservatively. This is going to make her unable to stay in her home. Things keep increasing.
P202301093	10/28/2022 3:11 PM	(co) Customer called stating we're pricing them out of their homes. She's so tired of these monopolies. We keep letting these companies increase their prices when the CEOs and CFOs are millionaires. They don't need any more money.
P202301095	10/31/2022 2:00 PM	I do not understand how Spire can raise rates (to fatten their own profits) in the midst of current inflation and a looming recession. It is becoming harder and harder to make ends meet....We already conserve as much as possible and keep our thermostat betw 60-65 in the winter! I do not see how we can go much lower, short of wearing winter outerwear inside. SHAME ON SPIRE FOR THIS UNESSECARY upcoming increase. It's times like this that I wish the public had a choice when it comes to utilities.
P202301096	10/31/2022 2:48 PM	Members of the PSC, I am a 67-year-old person with a very limited income from SSI due to disabilities. My income is less than $800 per month. When I get a high bill from Spire for $200+ and a threat of disconnection, it causes me much distress. I cannot afford a rate increase, and more assistance programs are needed by persons such as myself. We cannot survive the winter without heat. Surely there is something you can do to help us poor people who cannot afford to pay the bills.
P202301097	11/1/2022 10:50 AM	I want to go on record asking for rate increases being considered be delayed until this recession is over as well as interest rates drop back down. I'm not getting additional income to offset your proposed increases and times are very tough these days. The federal government has energy funding in the new energy plan by the current administration that should be looked at instead. Thank you!
P202301103	11/4/2022 1:47 PM	(co) Customer called stating this seems excessive. Don't think this is far. Senior girls get together and do coffee. Very concerned. Eggs $3-4 a dozen. Kids not going to be getting Christmas presents they want. Hurting Americans. 10% is huge.
P202301107	11/8/2022 8:50 AM	Your proposed rate hike for western Missouri will add 12.65 percent increase to our monthly bills. Our nation leaders are calling for a unified effort to reduce inflation. So this is what you do? While we struggle with increases in food, gas, everything basically. Has senior management and board members made any sacrifices? I strongly oppose this increase and your reputation has taken a nosedive.
P202301108	11/8/2022 9:46 AM	The increase of $10.95 per month is a very bad idea because of the high inflation and high gas prices. I also commute to work in Kansas City, Missouri and I deal with high gas prices. I ‘am living from paycheck to paycheck. This increase will cause us a big problem trying to get bills, food, gas, cloths, and other things need to survive. Bottom line is the increase will hurt me and other customers to much because high inflation is climbing, and my paycheck is not so it could absorb it.
P202301109	11/8/2022 1:29 PM	(See attached for comment)
P202301110	11/12/2022 8:46 AM	This shows exactly why Spire SHOULD NOT get a rate increase . My usage for Nov21 - 34.578 units came to $49.40 , my usage for Nov 22- 31.775 units came to $53.69 . I used LESS but get charged MORE. This runaway GREED has to stop .
P202301111	11/14/2022 1:23 PM	Given the ridiculous costs of inflation and the high rate increase for spire that has occurred over the last couple of years I do not think it is sensible to enact a rate increase at this time. Families and everyday people are struggling to fill their basic needs with food and housing and adding an increased cost of heat and energy at this time would cause even more distress on low and middle income families.
P202301112	11/14/2022 2:21 PM	Not sure what is happening with this gas cost increase proposal, but I say NO! We the People cannot afford an increase. We are gouged at the pump, at the grocery store, and Already in our bills being gouged at every turn. The typical American cannot afford to feed their family already, and now you want to take food out of our mouth, or force us to decide whether to pay for gas to heat our home or food for the people. This is outrageous. No, NO...no.
P202301113	11/14/2022 10:20 PM	Please vote NO on Spire's Missouri's request for a rate increase. The company profited $271 million in 2021, according to their "Energizing the Future" report and made $228 million total in the first and second quarters of 2022. Where are the savings to customers? I sealed my attic, replaced my attic insulation, installed a new efficient furnace, and weatherstripped windows and doors. I use less gas each year but my bill increases each year because of their rate increases. Vote NO!!!
P202301114	11/16/2022 11:41 AM	(JP) "I feel that they shouldn't have an increase because that means our rates will go up and it's already hard enough to pay our bills as it is now; especially when you're on a fixed income."
P202301115	11/17/2022 9:36 AM	I whole-heartedly disagree with the notion that Spire needs to raise the rates and increase what customers have to pay for their natural gas. Spire has enjoyed record profits and their upper management has been compensated richly. Spire can leave the rates alone and they will not suffer as a company. Our bills in 2022 were up substantially over 2021, even when temperatures were warmer & we used less gas.
P202301116	11/17/2022 10:46 AM	I write today regarding Spire's request to raise rates of natural gas provided to customers. ( case GR-2022-0179 ) See Attached for full comments.
P202301122	11/28/2022 4:09 PM	Mr. Tomlin owns rental properties. When he has short-term vacancies, he will contact the gas company to turn off the gas (since it's only for the furnace). He's upset that Spire is allowed to charge him $65 just for turning the gas back on if it's within 12 months of shut-off. Twelve months is too long. It should be 6 or 7 months, and $65 is excessive just to turn the gas back on.
P202301123	11/30/2022 9:30 AM	See Attached
P202301127	12/2/2022 8:22 AM	For me the charge is 22 per month which almost doubles my current bill The insert in the billing was poorly communicated as to how the amount was reached and how long the charge would be on the bill. I emailed Spire and was told it is a recurring monthly amount OUTRAGEOUS amount monthly I want to know how this was calculated. With over 1million customers in Missouri-that is 22 million a month collected Where is the accountability for the expenditures
P202301128	12/2/2022 9:52 AM	Spire raised the rates on us three months ago, and now I see they just got another increase from the PSC. We've already been paying almost double what we were paying. I hope it's not going up another 75 percent with this increase. My level pay went from $115 to $245 a month, but my usage is down. There are people who can't afford the last increase, and now it's going up again? This is too much.
P202301130	12/6/2022 9:48 AM	See Attached
P202301133	12/12/2022 2:41 PM	(JP) "Going forward w/ the approval of this increase will exacerbate the already increasing cost of living. Currently our household is heated up to 60 degrees in some areas & others are not. I am 66 years old & been on disability for 20 years. Its problematic for me for companies to be looking after CEOS when customers are trying to find their next meal."
P202301141	12/14/2022 1:38 PM	If Spire is unable to pay their employees amidst literal record profits while simultaneously giving their CEO an almost $5,000,000 annual raise resulting in her salary being 48 times more than the median of employees [via: stltoday's examination of Spire, Inc's public 2021 SEC filing] then that is a failing of the company and not something that MO citizens should foot the bill for especially leading up to what everyone knows is another recession
P202301169	12/27/2022 8:18 AM	(JP) "These rate increase are not helping the people. Just because there is a wage increase does not mean people can afford things due to inflation. Also, we the people should be able to speak with Commissioners since it is our money that is going toward these high bills. God is not pleased with how the office is being ran."
P202301195	1/2/2023 7:16 AM	Our gas bill, serviced by Spire, recently doubled as a result of rate increases. This is unacceptable, and is beginning to become a burden on us as homeowners, and has resulted in a financial burden that exceeds the fair supply of necessary utility this public service commission is supposed to uphold and protect. Please do your jobs and protect the residents of Missouri by better regulating Spires price increases.
P202301271	1/9/2023 11:45 AM	See Attached
P202301292	1/10/2023 10:31 AM	(co) Customer called asking how Ryan Silvey can make decisions about a monopoly utility company that he didn't vote for. He stated this should be an impeachable offense. His previous bill was $120 for November. He just got a bill that is as much as the previous bill for the delivery and pipeline. He screwed everybody over. It'll probably cost him $1,000 every year. People will freeze this winter. He's not going to be able to pay his bills. There are children's lives at stakes.
P202301293	1/10/2023 10:35 AM	(JP) "I would like to call for impeachment of the Commissioners regarding the Spire increase. Lets get all of those dumb f**ks out of office.
P202301362	1/18/2023 4:51 PM	Last January, my gas bill rose above my house payment to become my most expensive bill. If Spire doesn't have enough money to operate they should look to reduce executive compensation first. Before any increase is approved, Spire should be audited regarding how they invested their revenues into necessary vs unnecessary (parties, etc.) or unreasonable things (disproportionate executive compensation, etc.)
P202301421	1/25/2023 2:27 PM	(tb) opposed to rate increase, the gas prices getting so high
P202301438	1/27/2023 4:27 PM	Spire Gas has more than doubled my rate in two years. January 2021 - 198 units used; Bill $142.80. January 2022 -- 201 units used; bill $249.93. January 2023 -- 187 units used; Bill $286.43. This cannot be legal. How is this even possible/ I decrease my usage and conserve per their recommendations and my bill becomes increasingly unaffordable. There is no transparency and zero accountability.
P202301449	1/30/2023 11:12 AM	(JP) "I am on a fixed income and these rate increases are killing me. I can only lower my heat so much. I am not happy with these prices."
P202301455	1/31/2023 10:13 AM	(JP) "The Commission never denies a raise. You people need to realize how this is affecting people out here. My gas and electric and gas rates have gone so high that I can't even afford my insulin. I keep my heat at 65 and it's cold in here and my gas is up 200%."
P202301943	2/10/2023 8:54 AM	(jae)I don't understand the "delivery" charge on my natural gas bill. See attached pdf.
P202301951	2/10/2023 1:47 PM	(JE) William called upset over the Spire rate increases. Thinks rates are already too high & with surging costs the PSC is forcing customers out of natural gas & to go all electric. Wants PSC to stop giving Spire rate increases
P202302028	2/27/2023 10:26 AM	(co) Customer called stating her bill has now gone up $20 a month. Everything in this world is so expensive. It just surprised her. How come they weren't told this? It's the end of the year and they're struggling just to get groceries and gas. It's hard. Something's got to give. People can't keep paying this.
P202302035	3/2/2023 5:43 PM	I don't live in KC but near Springfield Mo - but everytime Spire rates go up my bill increases a lot. I'm on a fixed income & keep my house at 66 with all doors closed & even though I use a lot less gas than I did a year ago, my bill is $30 to $50 more per month. My house isn't old, its kept up as is my furnace. I wash with cold water. Do all I'm suppose to do & pay huge bills & freeze. They can't raise it any more please.
P202302041	3/6/2023 9:06 AM	Rate increases in the last 3 months are unacceptable. With approx. the same usage the last 3 months 2023-Jan, Feb, March compared to the year before has shown an approx. 36% increase. I would like the commission to look into the charges made and hope there is a consumer advocate.
P202302048	3/10/2023 7:43 AM	I just recently received my Spire Natural Gas bill. I just about had a heart attack upon seeing the charges for this month and the preceding months. Spire is charging me $174.00 for the cost of gas and according to a representative this is what Spire is paying to the "Pipeline". My delivery charges for the month was $82.79. The prior months are basically the same. I am on Spire's "Budget Billing" and am paying $130.00 per month. (See attached for full comment)
P202302102	3/30/2023 2:57 PM	(co) Customer called asking how you can get a delivery charge that's already in the line to begin with. He stated if we took that away, that would be a big part of the bill. We're supposed to protect them from that kind of stuff. He doesn't feel like we're doing our job.
P202302132	5/11/2023 3:59 PM	(co) Customer called stating that Spire is ripping people off on the delivery. There's no way you should have $40.45 on $68 worth of natural gas. He didn't know it was approved. He thought Spire smothered it in there. Someone with power needs to look at it again.
P202302134	5/12/2023 2:32 PM	(JP) We are subsidizing the company to do things they are supposed to do and we are paying for it after the fact. These increases should not have happened at all given the increases of everything else. This is way too much money. Please do not allow anymore raises in the near future.
P202400049	7/20/2023 8:49 AM	(JP) "Spire needs to contact or attempt to contact a homeowner before doing work on their home."
P202400074	7/31/2023 9:36 AM	(JP) "I made a payment at 8:30 A.M. to restore my services and was told that they have 24 hours to restore services. We are in the middle of a thunderstorm and I am concerned that the storm will knock out the lights before my gas is restored and then it'll be even longer that I'm without utilities. It seems like this is an emergency situation."
P202400257	10/5/2023 3:59 PM	(co) Customer called stating that last winter gas prices went way up. He noticed that on the market gas prices jumped late January, but yet he's being charged $1.07 per ccf.
P202400264	10/17/2023 12:03 PM	"They've been pushing the smart meters down people's throats and I have a problem with paying people unlimited overtime to install these new smart meters when the meters don't need to be installed unless there is something actually wrong with the existing meters. The customer is getting that cost pushed onto them in the bill increases. I just don't think it's right when the customer charges keep going up."
P202400299	1/3/2024 1:37 PM	"Spire-Natural gas cost charges. 129 Ccf. Does not state the cost per Ccf. Therefore, customers cannot determine if the amount charged (mine for example is $133.48) is correct. Called 12/14 and customer service rep said 'There's not a rate. It's based on how much you used in your house.' Cost per Ccf should be transparent/shown on bill. (Regardless of info being on website)"
P202400301	1/4/2024 9:43 AM	We own and develop residential rental property in Slater in Saline County. Currently we have a downtown mixed-use project under development that will add 9 apartments to help address a serious housing shortage in the community. This project and a companion project represent an investment of $1 million in the community - solely with private funds. I was shocked to hear back from Spire that it would take 2 months or longer for service to be provided. This is due to their Eng. & Const. division having a considerable backlog with 300 projects. If they are 300 projects behind, requiring 2-3 months to evaluate a simple commercial service and install 11 feet of gas line, this is the result of understaffing and mismanagement. (See attached)
P202400340	2/7/2024 11:24 AM	I would like to know why the Spire natural gas negotiation in fall of 2022 did not have a seperate clause if the price of natural gas would be at record lows? The natural gas price is 200% lower in 18 months. My bill is at record highs and we are using less gas to help reduce our monthly bill. Who is looking out for the people of Missouri? Thanks to Missouri bureaucrats Spire is making record profits off of the contract that was negotiated. Who do you represent? Who are you supposed to represent? This issue needs to be addressed? When is the next contract negotiation? Can the current contract be amended? Concerned Ozark Missouri citizen. Please help lower the cost before the people go bankrupt. Thank You Steve Krause
P202400351	2/16/2024 1:48 PM	I wrote an email to the PSC on Feb. 7, 2024 on the price of natural gas. In one week, Feb. 14, the price of natural gas is 20 percent lower. Natural gas price from the negotiation to the present day of this email is down 225 percent. The people of Missouri deserve better representation! Spire and their gas suppliers are making enormous profits! Reasonable profits are acceptable. Price gouging consumers is not acceptable! I attached natural gas price charts to see it for yourself. Missouri bureaucrats are not representing the people of this State and we deserve better!
P202400372	3/1/2024 3:50 PM	I am seeking to understand the following: Over the past 4 years, my "unit" usage has declined by 12% however my Natural Gas billing has increased by 38% even though current natural gas rates have declined significantly. When do we consumers get relief?
P202400685	4/9/2024 11:32 AM	"I've recently learned that unknown methane leaks from natural gas lines and power plants across our state could be spewing huge amounts of methane into our air. These leaks could have dire consequences for our environment and economy. That leaked gas will contribute to global warming and it also contributes to rate increases by wasting the resource. I urge you to work towards detecting and stopping methane leaks in our state. "
P202400695	4/12/2024 10:37 AM	The customer called and stated that the customer charge was inappropriate. She receives a fixed income.
P202400708	4/26/2024 2:37 PM	Mr. Rowley opposes the deployment of AMI metering technology. He has concerns about security and the ease at which such meters can be hacked, which makes the power grid much more vulnerable and susceptible to cyber attack.

Linked Consumer Comments GR-2022-0179

Linked Consumer Comments
GR-2022-0179