Natural gas prices jumping for many Missourians

EDITOR'S NOTE: The percentage increase in Ameren Missouri gas rates in November has been corrected.

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ.)

Ameren Missouri natural gas customers are about to see another increase in rates after already enduring sharp jumps in their gas bills this winter.

The utility company plans to increase natural gas rates by $5 million overall to pay for operation and maintenance. The Missouri Public Service Commission approved the increase in December. That rate hike is on top of one implemented in the fall to pay for the increase in gas costs incurred last February during a brutal cold snap. That hike increased gas rates by about 67%.

James Owen executive director of Renew Mo, says your bill could increase about 4 to 5 percent but your overall bill depends on how much energy you use in your household.

"So that is a big deal for people that are living on a fixed income, that's a  big deal for people who have not seen their wages increase for some time," said Owen.

Owen says the decision to raise natural gas prices is a requirement by the law but it also has to do with colder temperatures.

"We had these issues last year that we had to account for, shortages in natural gas being able to deliver because the wells were freezing or because we had higher demand because extreme weather has become more normal they have said we need to adjust for our prices," Owen said.  

The sharp jump in price has led to complaints from customers. Some customers argue that prices have doubled and others say they've experienced less usage but higher bills.

Owen says although the rise in rates can be concerning you can look into what energy-efficient options are being offered by your utility company to help save money on your bill.

The increases come as experts caution that a Russian invasion of Ukraine could push energy prices even higher. Russia is a major supplier of natural gas on the world market.

According to NBC, if Russia invades and western countries make good on their threat of strict sanctions, the price of food and energy could increase even more.

Currently, Ameren serves approximately 1.28 million electric customers and over 132,00 natural gas customers in Missouri.

Utility companies like Ameren offer payment plans to help pay overdue bills and agencies such as Central Missouri Community Action administer programs that help low-income households pay for utilities.