ST. LOUIS — Spire Missouri customers could see as much as a 12.65% increase on their bills next year as the natural gas company has proposed raising its rates.

A letter sent to customers states that the natural gas company has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to increase revenues by approximately $151.88 million, a 10.29% uptick overall.

If approved, Spire Missouri East customers would pay an extra $8.19 per month, a 10.44% increase, and Spire Missouri West customers would pay an extra $10.95 per month, a 12.65% hike, according to the letter.

“The proposed rate increase is primarily driven by infrastructure investment, rate of return, overhead costs, and certain transportation tariff provisions,” the letter states.

“Spire has streamlined this rate filing, seeking to update certain elements of its rate base and revenue requirement in response to PSC findings in a prior 2021 rate case order.”

A spokesperson with Spire told Specturm News that the increase also is related to the Russian invaison of Ukraine.

The base rate increase would go into effect no later than Feb. 28, 2023.

However, under the Infrastructure System Replacement Surcharge program (ISRS), $8.5 million of the proposed increase is already being collected.

“As the amount related to the ISRS is already being collected in rates the remaining overall annual incremental increase to customers, as proposed, would be $143.38 million,” the letter states.

In mid-October, the PSC will hold two in-person and one virtual public hearings where customers can ask questions and testify about the rate increase.

The public hearings are set for Oct. 12 at the St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley at 6 p.m., virtually on Oct. 13 at noon, and Oct. 18 at the Gregg/Klice Community Center at 6 p.m

For those unable to attend the meetings, customers can submit comments online and reference the Case No. GR-2022-0179.

For more information about the public hearings and the rate review, click here.