Empire District takes step in Aquila acquisition

Joplin-based Empire announced Tuesday that the commission has issued a unanimous stipulation and agreement and granted a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the company.

The proposed $84 million acquisition was announced Sept. 21 and is expected to close June 1.

Empire is seeking to acquire Aquila to diversify its weather risk. Empire’s summer air conditioning peak would be offset by Aquila’s natural gas winter heating peak.

The acquisition includes approximately 48,500 Aquila customers; 42,650 are residential, 5,600 are commercial and industrial, and 250 are transportation. Aquila customers are in 44 Missouri communities.

All 53 employees in Aquila’s field operations are expected to transfer. Empire said it expects to add 25 to 30 employees at system locations and in Joplin.