Missouri Office of the Public Counsel
What is the Missouri Office of the Public Counsel?
The Office of Public Counsel represents the interests of the public and utility customers in proceedings before the Missouri Public Service Commission (PSC) and in appeals in the courts. The PSC regulates the rates and services of investor-owned electric, natural gas, telephone, water, sewer and steam heat utilities. The Office of the Public Counsel is independent from the PSC and has a separate budget and staff.
While the Office of Public Counsel reviews all utility filings and issues considered by the PSC, the focus is utility rates and regulations proceedings that affect residential and small business customers. The office takes an active role in cases that propose to increase rates and often makes its own proposal for rate reductions. The office also protects the customers’ interests in other PSC cases that touch on such issues as rate design, new area codes, PSC investigations into general industry issues, and rules and regulations governing the rights and obligations of customers and utilities that affect service. Attorneys from the office attend local public hearings where customers comment on PSC cases.
What Can the OPC help you with?
- Understanding your electricity bills
- Understanding your gas bills
- How does OPC represent consumers when utilities seek rate increases?
- Do negotiations and settlements help consumers?
- How else does OPC work for consumers?
- Will consumers benefit from competition?
- Does participation in a public hearing matter?
- What is the Cold Weather Rule and how to obtain cold weather assistance?
OPC’s Consumer Guide to Local Public Hearings
