Utility regulators have rejected a request by the power company in Joplin for an interim electric rate increase.

Empire District Electric Company is seeking an overall increase of $30.7 million.

But the utility asked the Missouri Public Service Commission to approve an increase of $6.2 million to take effect immediately.

Empire said it needed immediate revenue to recover some of the $27.6 million it lost after a tornado devastated Joplin in May 2011.

Commissioners determined that Empire did not face an immediate financial emergency, and was able to adequately provide service to its customers.

This decision addresses only the interim rate increase. The request for the $30.7 million overall increase will go before the commission in February.