RESOLUTION NO. 220861

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Sponsor(s):  Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilmember Katheryn Shields

RESOLUTION - Declaring the City’s concern with natural gas rate Case No. GR-2022-0179 filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. and directing the City Manager to engage in relevant public comment processes as appropriate to raise this concern.

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WHEREAS, inflation pressures, as reflected in changes in the Consumer Price Index, have rapidly increased over the past year; and

WHEREAS, Kansas City has historically had one of the highest rates of energy cost burden, ranking fourth highest in the country in 2018, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy; and

WHEREAS, as prices rise, risk of energy cost burden also grows; and

                     WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Protection and Resiliency Plan states that the City will prioritize affordability, especially for residents who experience a high energy burden; and

WHEREAS, on April 1, 2022, Spire Missouri Inc. filed for a $151.9 million rate increase, which is estimated would increase Kansas City area households’ bills by 12.7% or more, equivalent to more than $10.95 per month for many households; NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:

Section 1. That natural gas rate Case No. GR-2022-0179 filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. poses risk to Kansas City residents and consumers, at a time when they already face increased rates of inflation and energy burden. The City urges the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) to carefully consider this rate case, in light of these circumstances and the potential harm to Kansas Citians.

Section 2. That the City Manager is directed to engage in relevant public comment processes as appropriate to raise this concern with the PSC.

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