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Understanding Your Bills

Learn about the multitude of charges that appear on your utility bills. Find tips on how to reduce utility cost.

Who We Are

For millions of Missouri homes and businesses, investor-owned utility companies operating as state-sanctioned monopolies are the sole provider of essential electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, and/or steam heat services. The Missouri Office of the Public Counsel (OPC) was established in 1975 to represent and protect the interests of the public receiving such services.

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Eminent Domain

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Kelo v. New London that allowed property to be seized to make way for developments that would generate more tax revenue, the Missouri Task Force on Eminent Domain was formed to analyze Missouri's laws regarding the use of eminent domain and issue recommendations that better protect the rights of property owners when the use of eminent domain is being considered.

Learn More About The Eminent Domain Process

Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

How does OPC represent consumers when utilities seek rate increases?

A utility cannot increase its rates or alter the conditions of service until the Public Service Commission approves the change. The utility must file its application with the PSC and demonstrate that a change is just and reasonable. The OPC investigates the company's filing based on detailed information from the utility and its own research. The OPC's positions and arguments seek to protect ratepayers' interests by advocating for reasonable rates and high service quality. At trial type evidentiary hearings before the Public Service Commission (PSC), OPC's attorneys cross-examine the utility's and other adverse witnesses and offer the testimony of OPC's technical experts and other evidence to support the consumers' point of view. When necessary, the office pursues its position by appeal to the Missouri appellate courts.

Do negotiations and settlements help consumers?

Once OPC has investigated a case, developed its position and prepared for litigation, the attorneys and experts discuss the case in negotiations with the utlities and other parties to see if the issues presented by the case can be resolved without the expense, time, and uncertainty of an extended hearing. OPC analyzes settlement proposals in light of its investigation and will settle a case if the settlement is favorable or better for consumers than the likely outcome of the litigation. The PSC must approve settlements.

What is the Cold Weather Rule?

The Missouri Public Service Commission’s Cold Weather Rule was designed to help customers with heat-related utility bills. The Cold Weather Rule has been a part of the Commission's rules and regulations since 1977. Since its inception, the rule has helped over one million needy customers maintain heat-related service during the winter. The Cold Weather Rule relates to any residential gas or electric service that is necessary for the proper function and operation of heating equipment. Electric or gas service provided by municipalities, electric cooperatives and propane delivered by truck are not covered by this rule.

Find Out More About the Cold Weather

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We Want To Hear From You

The Office of Public Counsel possesses the authority and duty to appear before the Public Service Commission and “represent and protect the interests of the public in any proceeding before or appeal from” the Public Service Commission. (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 386.710).

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WELCOME TO THE Missouri Office of the Public Counsel

Understanding Your Bills

Who We Are

Eminent Domain

Consumer Frequently Asked Questions

We Want To Hear From You