The Missouri Public Service Commission regulates investor-owned electric, steam, natural gas, water and sewer and telephone companies. Its mission is to ensure Missouri consumers have access to safe, reliable and reasonably priced utility service while allowing those utility companies under our jurisdiction an opportunity to earn a reasonable return on their investment. The PSC also regulates manufacturers and retail dealers who sell new and used manufactured homes and modular units. The commission was established in 1913. The PSC is comprised of five commissioners, who are appointed by the governor.
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PR-08-28 -- PSC Grants Conditional Certificate To Southern Missouri Gas To Serve Lebanon, Houston and Licking
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- AUGUST 17, 2007
JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has conditionally approved an application filed by Southern Missouri Gas Company, L.P., d/b/a Southern Missouri Natural Gas to provide natural gas service in Lebanon, Houston and Licking. The vote was 4-1.
“The evidence adduced shows that the proposed expansion of the natural gas service territory of Southern Missouri Gas into Lebanon, Houston and Licking is economically feasible, will meet a definite need in those communities, and will confer tangible economic benefits upon them,” the Commission said.
“There is a need for the service. This need is evidenced by the fact that the cities have consistently each granted Southern Missouri Gas a franchise, and with regard to Lebanon, a vast majority of the voters have approved that franchise. The communities are in the best position to assess whether there is a need or desire for natural gas service, and from the actions of those communities it is obvious that such a need exists.”
The Commission further determined that if acceptable financing can be obtained without excessive risk to the current ratepayers, the granting of the certificates to provide natural gas service is in the public interest.
Approval of the request is conditioned on Public Service Commission approval of Southern Missouri Gas’ financing application to finance the proposed expansion of its system. That matter is currently before the Commission.
According to testimony, Southern Missouri Gas is currently still engaged in negotiations with potential investors and, once its negotiations are complete, the natural gas company will file an amendment to its financing application with supporting documentation. Southern Missouri Gas stated it will not be able to complete the proposed expansion to Lebanon, Houston and Licking without obtaining financing.
Southern Missouri Gas Company serves approximately 7,500 natural gas customers in the Missouri counties of Wright, Texas, Webster, Howell and Douglas.
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Case No. GA-2007-0212, et al