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-08-55 -- MEDIA ADVISORY: PSC To Hold Local Public Hearing In Columbia In Complaint Filed Against Universal Utilities, Inc.
Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- OCTOBER 23, 2007
JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission will hold a local public hearing in Columbia, Missouri on October 29, 2007, to receive customer comment in a PSC staff complaint against Universal Utilities, Inc. (Universal). Staff is alleging Universal and its president Nancy Carol Croasdell are providing water and sewer service for public gain without a certificate or other authority from the PSC. Staff alleges in its complaint that Universal is illegally providing water and sewer services to the Blue Acres Mobile Home Park in Columbia. Blue Acres has approximately 114 pads.
The Columbia local public hearing schedule appears below:
October 29, 2007
LeMone Building, Room 130
3215B LeMone Industrial Blvd.
5:30 p.m.*
*Informal question and answer session begins. The local public hearing starts approximately 30 minutes later and will conclude when the last witness has testified.
Consumers unable to attend the local public hearing and wish to make written comments may contact the Office of the Public Counsel, P.O. Box 2230, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone (573) 751-4857, e-mail opcservice@ded.mo.gov or the Missouri Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 360, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102, telephone 800-392-4211, e-mail pscinfo@psc.mo.gov
This local public hearing will be held in a building that meets accessibility standards required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. If a customer needs additional accommodations to participate in this hearing, please call the Public Service Commission’s Hotline at 1-800-392-4211 (voice) or Relay Missouri at 711 at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.
In its filing, the staff is seeking a commission order which would bring Universal under PSC regulation. The company would then be required to operate under PSC rules and regulations and the commission would set the rates that Universal could charge customers for water and sewer service. In addition, staff is seeking commission authority to have its general counsel go to circuit court to seek penalties against Universal for allegedly providing water and sewer service for gain without any authority to do so from the Public Service Commission.
According to the complaint, staff alleges Universal accepts applications for service, issues itemized monthly bills, collects remittances, issues disconnection notices and turns services on and off. Staff alleges Universal has been providing water and sewer services to the Blue Acres Mobile Home Park since January 31, 2003.
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Case No. WC-2008-0079