City of Fayette utility customers will see an extra surcharge over the next 12 months in order to help pay for electricity used during a period of low temperatures across the nation that sharply drove up the demand for power. The city was handed a bill by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) for $435,134.75, for the month of February, which saw temperatures here dip to well below zero. The amount was is $278,256.25 higher than that of February 2020.

The Fayette City Council voted 4-2 to pass on half of the difference from a year ago on to the 1,087 utility customers. Added to bills will be a surcharge of $10.67 extra per month for the next year to cover the $139,128 spike. East Ward Alderwomen Stephanie Ford and Kylie Tillman each voted against the extra charges.

The charge came from an increase in rates the city paid the MPUA, which was caused by the freezing temperatures. These widespread low temperatures caused a spike in the demand for power which in turn drove up the price. Some cities in the MPUA such as Kansas City underwent rolling blackouts during this time. Customers in some rural communities are receiving bills in excess of $1,000. Fayette customers were fortunate not to lose power, but the city asked them to lower power usage during peak times.