The Letter Everyone’s Talking About

If you’re a Liberty Utilities customer in Missouri, chances are you’ve seen the recent headlines or even received a letter about rising electric rates. On February 26, 2025, Liberty (formerly Empire Electric) filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission to increase electric base rates by $152 million annually.

While that number may sound abstract, here’s what it really means:

• A typical residential customer using 1,000 kWh per month could see bills rise by $48.68 (32.9%) in summer and $46.78 (33.8%) in winter.
• For many Missouri families, that’s hundreds of dollars per year in extra costs — on top of normal seasonal bill swings and Liberty’s ongoing “Fuel Adjustment Clause” surcharges.

And unlike one-time charges, these increases don’t go away. Utility rates have only ever gone in one direction: up.

Why Are Rates Increasing Again?

According to Liberty, the proposed rate hike will help fund:

• Upgrades to substations, power plants, and transmission lines
• New infrastructure to meet growing energy demand
• Investments in cybersecurity and storm resiliency
• Service centers and technology upgrades for reliability

These are important projects, but they come at a cost and that cost is being passed directly to homeowners.

The Bigger Picture: Rising Energy Costs Aren’t Stopping

Missouri residents have already endured multiple rate adjustments in recent years. Even if this filing takes up to 11 months to approve, history shows more increases are inevitable.

Here’s the pattern:

• Utility companies spend money to upgrade infrastructure.
• Regulators approve higher rates to recover costs.
• Homeowners pay the difference year after year.

By 2030, the average Missouri electric bill could be 40–50% higher than it is today if this trend continues.

Solar: Your Hedge Against Rising Rates

While Liberty’s rates climb, there is one way to take back control: solar energy.

Here’s why solar makes sense now more than ever:

1. Lock in Predictable Energy Costs
   Instead of being subject to every utility rate hike, solar lets you generate your own power at a stable, predictable cost per kilowatt-hour.
2. Federal Tax Credit Savings
   Through 2032, the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) covers 30% of solar installation costs. That’s like getting nearly one-third of your system for free.
3. Protect Your Home Value
   Studies show homes with solar sell faster and at a premium compared to homes without it.
4. Energy Independence
   With solar (and optional battery backup), you’re less reliant on grid fluctuations and better protected during outages.
5. Beat Inflation
   While Liberty’s rates rise 30%+ in one stroke, your solar system produces energy for decades at a locked-in cost. The longer you wait, the more you end up paying for the same electricity.

What Liberty’s Rate Hike Means for You in Real Numbers

Let’s say your household averages 1,000 kWh/month (close to the Missouri average).

• Current bill: ~$150/month
• After proposed increase: ~$200/month
• That’s an extra $600 per year, or $6,000 over the next 10 years, and that’s before future hikes.

Now compare that to going solar:

• With today’s incentives, most homeowners can finance solar at a cost that’s equal to or less than their current utility bill, but without worrying about ongoing rate hikes.

Taking Action Before 2026

The rate hike Liberty filed in February 2025 may not take effect until early 2026, but waiting until then could cost you thousands.

By acting now:

• You lock in lower installation costs before demand spikes.
• You capture the full 30% federal tax credit.
• You avoid another full year of rising rates while Liberty’s filing works its way through regulators.

Final Thoughts

Liberty Utilities’ proposed 33% increase in residential electric bills is a wake-up call for Missouri homeowners. Energy costs aren’t slowing down, but solar offers a way to take control.

You don’t have to be at the mercy of every new filing or adjustment. With solar, you can invest in your home, lower your bills, and protect your family from unpredictable energy costs.

Want to see if solar can lower your bills before Liberty’s next rate hike hits?