Spire get extention on Covid-19 Residental Assistance Program

The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved a request filed by Spire Missouri, Inc. (Spire) which extends Spire’s COVID-19 Residential Assistance Program. The Commission originally approved the COVID-19 Residential Assistance Program effective November 7, 2020. The program was scheduled to end on March 31, 2021. On March 17, 2021, Spire sought to extend the program until May 31, 2021. The Commission approved Spire’s request on March 24, 2021. On May 24, 2021, Spire filed for a second extension of the program until June 30, 2021 because of the ongoing financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the COVID-19 Residential Assistance Program, eligible customers will receive $100 upon enrollment and Spire will contribute a dollar for dollar match up to $300 towards a customer’s past due bills. Spire stated in its original filing that the program was designed to provide some economic relief to those Spire customers who have either lost their jobs, been furloughed, or lost income since March 1, 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a separate Spire case (Case No. GO-2021-0126), the Commission approved an agreement between parties which establishes a Spire Pay As You Save ® (PAYS®) on-bill financing program. Spire states the purpose of the program is to expand opportunities for customer adoption of costeffective energy efficiency measures through on-bill financing. The program is expected to begin following the date that new rates become effective in Spire’s pending general rate case (GR-2021- 0108).. Spire Missouri West provides natural gas service to approximately 522,000 customers in Barton, Bates, Cass, Cedar, Dade, Greene, Henry, Johnson, and Vernon counties.