Saying it plans to recover investment costs for improved reliability and a stronger power grid, Evergy has requested a rate increase for its Kansas Central customers.
Evergy has asked the Kansas Corporation Commission to increase rates by nearly $200 million. If approved as presented, this would be a better than 10-percent increase for average residential customers. Monthly bills could increase by more than $13 if the KCC gives its blessing.
Evergy says it has invested nearly $1 billion in its infrastructure since the KCC conducted a rate review in 2023, including technology updates and grid improvements. Also included were power plant upgrades at Jeffery, LaCygne and Lawrence.
Part of Evergy’s request includes the Evergy Stay Connected Pilot program, a three-year venture to offer monthly credits and help income-eligible residents keep their accounts current. Customers would have to be current or enrolled in a payment plan to be eligible.
Not included: work at the Panasonic plant under construction near DeSoto, as well as new natural gas plants — the utility’s first baseload 24/7 plants since Wolf Creek came online in 1985.
Evergy Kansas Central covers Lyon County and most of the remaining KVOE listening area. Central and southeast Osage County are part of Evergy Kansas Metro, which also includes the Kansas City metro area.
More information is available at evergy.com.
