PR-09-144 -- PSC Approves Empire District Electric Request

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- FEBRUARY 17, 2009

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by The Empire District Electric Company (Empire) which authorizes the electric company to sell and transfer a portion of its system to the City of Monett.  The decision also grants Empire the authority for a change in electric supplier for the nearly 100 customers affected by the sale. 

The two areas affected are the Valley View Estates subdivision and the Heim Trailer Court.  These areas were annexed by the City of Monett in 2003 and 2005, respectively.

Empire currently provides electric service to 42 residential customers, five private outdoor lighting accounts and one commercial structure in the Valley View Estates area, and 46 residential customers and one vacant commercial structure located within the Heim Trailer Court area.  As a result of this case, these customers will now receive electric service from the City of Monett.

The PSC staff recommended Empire’s request be approved noting that a change of supplier would: 1) improve reliability of service because Monett’s substation is closer to the customer loads and Empire will no longer be serving customers in what amounts to two “islands” surrounded by Monett’s customers; 2) reduce customer confusion; and 3) provide for quicker emergency response because power supply and customer support personnel are in closer proximity to customer loads in the two annexed areas.

The commission approved the application finding that the proposed transfer of assets and change of electric supplier is in the public interest.

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Case No. EO-2009-0159