Missourians are feeling the squeeze from rising utility bills as new legislation allows more rate increases. Many families, even retirees, are struggling to keep up.
Read more: thebeaconnews.org/.../utility-...
Learn more: www.moconsumers.org

Consumer Thursdays Episode 2 is live.
Produced by Antonio Weston and hosted by George Robnett, this episode features John Coffman sharing insights on the rising cost of utilities in Missouri and what it means for households. Watch here 👉 youtu.be/k1jm8p-A7RE
#ConsumerThursday #UtilityAdvocacy

Consumer Thursdays w/ Sandra Padgett Episode One YouTube video by Consumers Council of Missouri

Watch here 👉 youtu.be/GLBkyB_nJT0
#ConsumerThursdays #ConsumersCouncilofMissouri #UtilityAdvocacy

Electricity prices keep rising nationwide, putting real pressure on families. Power shutoffs are surging as bills climb faster than incomes. Americans are paying 11% more for electricity since January, and costs are up 37% in Missouri alone.
Read more: www.washingtonpost.com/business/202...

There is still assistance left for your overdue water bills in the City of St. Louis.

Consumers Council of Missouri encourages you to apply if you're at least 90 days behind on your water bill.

🔗 www.stlwater.com/permits-appl...

#ConsumersCouncilofMissouri #WaterBillAssistance

Want to learn more about utility rates and consumer rights in your neighborhood? Invite Consumers Council of Missouri to speak at your community meeting.
www.moconsumers.org
#ConsumersCouncilofMissouri #UtilityAdvocacy #MedicalDebt #EquitableBanking

DID YOU KNOW?

Over 80,000 households in St. Louis City pay a flat rate for water, while just over 13,000 homes are metered. Flat-rate customers often pay more than they use and never have the opportunity to conserve, while metered customers pay based on actual consumption.

IS THIS FAIR?

Need help with past due water bills? Were you financially affected by Covid-19?

Visit moconsumers.org/consumer-res... for the latest updates on our Water Affordability Program. #ConsumersCouncilofMissouri #CCM #WaterAffordability #StLouis

@marymshannon.bsky.social spoke at Southside Wellness Center about SLU and Wash U physician groups suing patients over bills averaging $2,000, some as low as $104, often targeting lower-income, majority-Black ZIP codes. If you think you’ve been affected, email info@moconsumers.org.

Trouble with insurance after the May 16 tornado?
Call the Missouri Insurance Consumer Hotline at 800-726-7390 for help with claims and coverage issues.
The state can investigate complaints and help you understand your rights.
#May16Storm #InsuranceHelp #MOConsumers

City of St. Louis Offers Residents Financial Assistance for Past Due Water Bills The program will help the City’s most vulnerable residents with past-due accounts.

Behind on your STL water bill?
Help’s coming. Apply Aug 20 for up to $500 off.

Shutoffs return Sept 1.
bit.ly/45krbfN
bit.ly/4l84uBn
moconsumers.org

#STL #WaterHelp #ConsumersCouncilofMissouri

As Missouri bakes, federal help for utility bills could evaporate The combination of rising energy costs, rising utility usage and the president’s attempt to eliminate a federal assistance program, LIHEAP, could spell trouble for more than 130,000 Missouri household...

Missourians face rising utility bills—just as federal aid may vanish.

Trump wants to eliminate funding for LIHEAP, which helped 130K+ households.
Ameren raised rates 12%.
New law could add $1,115/year.

“There’s no relief from energy inflation in sight.” — Sandy Padgett

🔗: shorturl.at/QKW2H

SLU & WashU sued nearly 1,000 patients for medical debt.

87% default judgments
48% of garnishments hit Black zip codes (22% of population)
Over $1M in judgments pursued
Smallest debt: $104
Study by CCM & CSD: tinyurl.com/3zbtkrh2
#EndMedicalDebt #HealthJustice

💧Water is a Right—not a Luxury.
In St. Louis, flat-rate bills, old pipes & no public input are failing our communities.
We’re fighting for metered billing, financial help & transparency.
Let’s fix STL’s water system.
👉 Follow @moconsumer.bsky.social for updates.
#STLWater #WaterJustice

🍝 The Consumers Council team took a well-deserved dinner trip to Zia’s on The Hill! Great food, even better company, and a chance to connect outside of the office. Grateful for moments like these that keep our team strong.

We’re proud to recognize Commerce Bank as a Consumer Champion sponsor of our upcoming Parker’s Table Wine Tasting event! 🍷

Thank you for supporting our mission to make utilities, banking, and healthcare more fair and affordable for all Missourians. 💙

#ConsumersCouncilMO

The Big, ‘Beautiful’ Bill Attacks Medicare Recipients and People With Disabilities by Driving Up Costs and Cutting Benefits Join the Center for American Progress for a conversation on the consequences of congressional Republicans’ reconciliation bill on Medicare enrollees.

Congressional Republicans are pushing the largest Medicaid cut in history—putting care at risk for millions, including 1.3M Medicare enrollees.

Join @amprog for a virtual convo on what’s at stake + how we fight back.
www.americanprogress.org/events/the-b...

#ProtectOurCare #MedicaidMatters

Join us June 25, 5–7 PM at CIC Showroom (20 S. Sarah St) for a convo on how STL water rates are set & what’s being done to keep service safe & affordable. Hosted by @MOconsumer Refreshments served! Register: eventbrite.com/e/rising-rat... #STL #WaterRates #STLCommunity

📢 Spire wants to raise your gas rates—speak up!

Join a Public Hearing Training led by Jackie Hutchinson, Director of Advocacy @ MoConsumers.

🗓️ Virtual Sessions:
May 28 • 7PM
May 29 • 11AM & 6PM
May 30 • 2:30PM

📲 More info: moconsumers.org
#SpireRateHike #PublicHearing #MoConsumers

💧 MAWC Rate Update 💧
PSC cut Missouri American Water’s proposed 40% hike to ~25%, thanks to strong advocacy from @MoConsumers.

✅ Lower customer charge
✅ No unfair cost shifts
✅ St. Louis County protected

❌ Low-income program rejected—we’re fighting back.

📅 New rates start May 28.

📢 TELL THE PSC: How Spire Rate Hikes Impact Our Communities!

Spire wants to raise our gas bills again — and it's time to speak up. These rate hikes hit families, seniors, and those on fixed incomes the hardest.

💬 How does this affect YOU?

📢 Testifying at the upcoming Spire Public Hearing?

Make Your Voice Count with These 4 Tips from Jackie Hutchinson, Director of Advocacy at Consumers Council of Missouri:

🔥 Spire wants to raise your gas rates. Public hearings are your chance to speak up.

📢 HHS just released $401.5M in LIHEAP funds to help families cover energy costs like heating, cooling & repairs. Check if you qualify 👉 energyhelp.us
More info: acf.gov/media/press/...

Thank you for a great Annual Meeting at CIC Showroom!
Welcome new board members: Laura Gowans, Cole Harred, James Jones II & Shelby Schroeder.
Thank you to Cara Spencer, Odester Saunders, Peter Meredith & Ed Weisbart for your service!
#ConsumersCouncil #StLouis

💧 St. Louis Water Affordability Update

Consumers Council of Missouri met with Mayor Cara Spencer and City staff to address rising water rates, shutoffs, and affordability issues.
#WaterAffordability #StLouis #UtilityJustice #ConsumersCouncilMO

🌞 Low-Income Solar Meeting! 🌍
Consumers Council of Missouri brought together:
✅ City of STL
✅ OPC
✅ PSC Staff
✅ Ameren
✅ Community Voices
✅ Environmental Advocates

Together for a more equitable, sustainable energy future!
#SolarForAll #EnergyJustice #StLouis

📣 Consumers Council MO’s Sandra Padgett warns: Cutting all LIHEAP staff puts thousands of Missouri families at risk.

📬 Tell Congress: Rehire LIHEAP staff now.
🔗www.stltoday.com/opinion/letters/article_...

⚠️ Gov. Kehoe will sign SB4—raising utility bills by $1,115 for MO families.

📍Capitol, North Side (by the River)
📅 Wed, April 9
⏰ 12:15–1PM
🎤 Rally + Press Conference

Stand up for affordable energy! #StopSB4 #MOleg #EnergyJustice