Cavanaugh said the new agreement gives the commission greater oversight through additional filing requirements and provides additional information needed to more effectively monitor Alagasco’s financial performance. It will also guarantee that customers can view their rates online or request a copy in the mail.

The agreement also contains a new provision that will safeguard consumers by ensuring open and transparent hearings that will be held when drastic changes occur in the economy.

“One of the things we ensure during this thorough public hearing process is the rate payers’ right to have the rate of return examined when the economy is experiencing extreme volatility,” Cavanaugh said in a release.