Credited to: Argus Staff
A new consumer watchdog report is raising alarms over rising utility costs in Missouri, finding that recent rate increases by Ameren and Spire are outpacing both inflation and wage growth, placing additional strain on households already struggling to keep up.
The report, released this week by the Consumers Council of Missouri, concludes that the sharp increases are not primarily driven by fuel costs, but instead stem from a series of rate adjustments approved over the past several years alongside changes in state utility policy. As a result, utilities are consuming a growing share of household budgets at a time when missed payments and service shutoffs are reaching record levels.
According to the analysis, residential customers of Spire have experienced some of the steepest increases. Average winter heating bills for higher-usage homes have nearly doubled since 2020, rising from about $107 to roughly $215 today. For many families, that increase comes during the coldest months, when reducing usage is difficult and alternatives are limited.
Ameren customers are facing similar pressures. The report shows that the average summer residential electricity bill has climbed more than 34 percent since 2020 and now approaches $225 per month. Winter bills have also risen sharply, increasing by nearly 33 percent over the same period and now exceeding $125 per month on average.
These changes reflect a series of recent rate hikes enacted by both utilities in 2025. Spire implemented increases estimated between 10 and 12 percent, while Ameren raised rates by approximately 12 percent. The Consumers Council notes that these increases far exceed the pace of national inflation and wage growth in Missouri over the same timeframe.
The impact is already visible in service disconnections. In October alone, Ameren disconnected more than 17,000 Missouri households for non-payment, marking the highest number of monthly disconnections reported by any utility since new statewide reporting requirements took effect in March 2024. Consumer advocates warn that utility shutoffs often trigger broader hardships, including health risks, food insecurity, and disruptions to children’s education.
The analysis underpinning the report was conducted by Synapse Energy Economics, a nationally recognized firm that studies utility rates and energy policy. Its findings suggest that recent increases are placing disproportionate pressure on low- and middle-income households, particularly during periods of extreme weather.
Advocates are calling for renewed attention to utility affordability, expanded assistance programs, and policy reforms that better balance infrastructure investments with the financial realities facing Missouri families. As winter continues and energy use rises, the report underscores a growing concern across the state: for many households, basic utilities are becoming increasingly difficult to afford.
