Missouri American Water Submits Rate Review Request to Missouri Public Service Commission

Request driven by $950 million investment in water and sewer systems from 2018 through mid-2022

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Missouri American Water today filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission (MoPSC) to review its water and sewer rates following an extensive examination of investments to provide safe and reliable water and sewer service.

The rate review includes $920 million in water system improvements and $30 million in sewer system improvements from January 2018 to May 2022.

“We carefully plan and invest in our water and sewer systems to provide safe, clean, and reliable service to nearly 1.5 million Missourians in more than 200 communities across the state,” said Debbie Dewey, president of Missouri American Water. “These investments are key to our commitment to provide outstanding service and reliability, both now and for future generations.”

Investments in the rate review include the replacement of approximately 275 miles of aging water and sewer pipelines and the upgrading of treatment plants, storage tanks, wells and pumping stations across the state.

“By making prudent, ongoing investments to maintain and upgrade our water and sewer systems, Missouri American Water is committed to protecting public health and safety in the communities we serve,” Dewey stated. “At the same time, we remain steadfastly committed to addressing the needs of our most vulnerable customers.”

Dewey stated that Missouri American Water is continuing to respond to financial hardships the COVID-19 pandemic has caused for many residents and businesses. Since March the company has issued a temporary moratorium on shut-offs for non-payment and suspended all late fees, and continues to offer payment arrangements to customers who need assistance. Additionally, the company provides financial assistance to low-income customers through its H2O Help to Others Program™.

“In addition to the company’s efforts to provide financial assistance and flexibility to our customers, we are continuing to work hard to control costs and operate efficiently,” continued Dewey. “These efforts enable us to invest in our systems while keeping customer rates as low as possible, with high-quality drinking water still less than a penny a gallon.”

The MoPSC’s review and audit of the company’s request is expected to take 11 months. Any new rates set by the MoPSC would not become effective until mid-2021.

For more information on the company’s rate review and to find out what actions customers may take, call customer service at 1-866-430-0820 or visit www.missouriamwater.com and select “Your Water and Wastewater Rates” under the Customer Service menu.

Missouri American Water

With a history dating to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.