Missouri Public Service Commission

JEFFERSON CITY---The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved, with conditions, an application filed by Confluence Rivers Utility Operating Company, Inc. (Confluence Rivers) seeking authority to acquire and operate the currently non-Commission regulated Country Life Acres sewer system. The Commission has also granted a certificate of convenience and necessity (CCN) to Confluence Rivers to operate the sewer system in Jefferson County.

The Commission approved the application with a number of conditions. Those conditions include: 1) Require Confluence Rivers to distribute to Country Life Acres customers an informational brochure detailing the rights and responsibilities of the utility and its customers consistent with the requirements of Commission rules, within 30 days of closing on the assets; 2) Require Confluence Rivers to provide the PSC’s Customer Experience Department an example of its actual communication with Country Life Acres customers regarding its acquisition and operations of the sewer system, and how customers may reach Confluence Rivers, within 10 days after closing on the assets; 3) Require Confluence Rivers to repair the connection between the first and second lagoon cells and remove sludge from the septic tank within the first three months of ownership; and 4) Require Confluence Rivers to upgrade the treatment system as necessary to achieve compliance with wastewater treatment facility permit discharge limits within 30 months of ownership.

The Commission approved the application determining: 1) There is a need for the service; 2) Confluence Rivers is qualified to provide the proposed service; 3) Confluence Rivers has the financial ability to provide the service; 4) The proposal is economically feasible; and 5) The service promotes the public interest.

“Based on the application as amended, Staff’s Recommendation and Memorandum and proposed conditions, and Confluence Rivers’ response, the Commission concludes that the factors for granting a CCN to Confluence Rivers have been satisfied and that it is in the public interest for Confluence Rivers to provide sewer service to the customers currently served by the Country Life Acres sewer system,” said the Commission.

Confluence Rivers proposes to adopt the existing rates for Country Life Acres until such time as the rates are modified according to law. According to the application, Country Life Acres currently charges $144 per year (or $12 per month) for sewer service.

According to the application, Confluence Rivers provides water and sewer services to approximately 5,200 customers in Missouri. Country Life Acres provides sewer service to approximately 15 residential connections (single family homes) in Jefferson County.

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Case No. SA-2024-0129