Empire, Liberty file papers with Missouri regulators

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - The proposed $2.4-billion merger of a Joplin-based utility with another utility may have moved a step forward.

Empire District Electric Co. and Liberty Utilities Co., a subsidiary of Canada-based Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp., recently filed a stipulation and agreement with the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission. The agreement notes that concerns the PSC staff had about the merger have been addressed.

The Joplin Globe reports (http://j.mp/2aZ4wO0 ) PSC staff and the Office of Public Counsel previously said they'd recommend the Public Service Commission not approve the merger without changes.

PSC staff said the conditions agreed to by Empire and Liberty have satisfied their concerns.

But the Office of Public Counsel says it won't approve of the merger unless there's a change in negotiations before late August evidentiary hearings.