News Release

For more information contact: Linda Berry, (785) 271-3269

May 18, 2018

The KCC to host a public hearing on Westar’s rate change application

Topeka - The Kanas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, May 22 to receive input from Westar Energy customers on the company’s rate change request.  The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at the Washburn Institute of Technology, Main Conference Center, Building A, located at 5724 SW Huntoon in Topeka.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate change, ask questions and make comments to KCC Commissioners. Members of the public can attend in person or watch a live broadcast of the hearing on the Commission’s website: www.kcc.ks.gov. For those unable to watch live, a recording of the hearing will be available on the Commission's website beginning May 30.

The application, filed by Westar in February, requests a $1.56 million dollar rate decrease effective September 2018 and a $54.2 million dollar rate increase in February 2019 for the company's retail rate customers.  Combined, the adjustments would increase prices by $52.6 million. If approved, residential customers with average monthly consumption of 900 kilowatt hours of electricity will see a monthly increase of $5.91 per month. The request also includes updated tariffs for customers who installed their own source of electric power after October 28, 2015. A complete copy of Westar Energy’s Application and supporting testimony is available on the Commission’s website.

The Commission will accept public comments through 5 p.m. CDT, July 18, 2018. There are three convenient ways to submit a comment:

  1. Go to the KCC website (www.kcc.ks.gov) and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” link to enter a comment.

  2. Send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604‑4027. Be sure to reference Docket No. 18‑WSEE‑328-RTS. 

  3. Call the Commission's Public Affairs office at 1‑800‑662‑0027 or 785-271‑3140. 


The Commission’s decision on the request is due on or before September 27, 2018.