City of Mountain View Struggles to Fund February Freeze

The City of Mountain View is determined not to pass the financial burden of unexpected energy costs to utility customers, said Mayor Donnie Pruett in an interview on April 1. Citing the large number of citizens who live on a fixed income, Mayor Pruett’s plan is to fund the City’s exorbitant energy charges from the polar vortex in February by some other means. The source of this funding remains unclear.

“At this time, we do not want to spread the cost to the citizens,” said Mayor Pruett. 

As a member of a 13-city cooperative, Mountain View buys wholesale electricity from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA). The City’s March invoice from MPUA reflects a true-usage balance of approximately $163,700 for energy purchased in January, but also projects estimated costs of more than $950,000 for February. Skyrocketing wholesale prices for energy used during the seven-day stretch of sustained sub-zero temperatures will force the City to take advantage of financing offered through MPUA in the amount of $702,259.04. 

At 1.3% interest, Mayor Pruett reports the City will pay approximately $33,000 per month over the next two years to cover the cost of that single week’s energy use in February. As of press time, the City is still seeking solutions to finance this sum. 

“The money is going to have to come from somewhere,” Mayor Pruett said. 

The City is looking into grant options and aid from the State of Missouri.