Staffers with the Kansas Corporation Commission say a rate increase is justified for Evergy Central customers, including those across the KVOE listening area. They just think Evergy’s proposed increase is too much for customers to absorb.
Following an audit of the utility’s income and expenses, KCC staffers say a rate increase of 1.66 percent — or almost $35 million — is justifiable. Evergy has requested a rate increase of almost 10 percent, totaling over $204 million. If Evergy’s request is approved, it would lead to bill increases of over $14 a month for residential customers.
Staffers also say Evergy’s proposed rate increase for Evergy Kansas Metro customers, or those in the Kansas City metropolitan area, is also too high. Evergy has requested an increase of just under 2 percent, or $14.2 million in revenues, but KCC staff say the rates should actually decrease 7.3 percent or $53.2 million.
This does not end the process as Evergy resets its rate structure. Cross answering testimony, rebuttals from Evergy and a settlement conference are all ahead before a final decision by early January.
