Utility rates may well be going up for Evergy customers across most of Kansas.
Evergy has reached a tentative but unanimous settlement agreement with Kansas Corporation Commission staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board and several other groups “representing industrial, commercial, educational and environmental interests,” according to KCC spokesperson Linda Berry.
Evergy had sought a net revenue increase of $204 million — nearly 10 percent — for Evergy Kansas Central, formerly known as Westar. The requested increase for Evergy Kansas Metro, the Kansas City metro area also known as KCP&L, was $14 million or less than 2 percent. The settlement agreement means Evergy would gain a net revenue increase of $74 million, or 3.54 percent for Evergy Kansas Central, with a revenue decrease of $32.9 million or 4.53 percent for Evergy Kansas Metro.
The deal still needs to be evaluated by the full KCC board — which has the authority to approve, reject or adjust the deal. A hearing is coming Oct. 9. A KCC order is due by Dec. 21.
If the KCC approves the settlement as is, the average monthly increase for Evergy Kansas Central customers, including everybody in Lyon and surrounding counties, would be $4.64. The average monthly decrease for Evergy Metro customers would be $6.07.
