News Release

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

June 11, 2018

KCC schedules Wichita public hearing on Westar’s rate change application


Topeka - The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, June 28 in Wichita to receive input from Westar Energy customers on the company’s rate change request. The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Wichita State University’s Lowe Auditorium located at 5015 E. 29th St. N. in Wichita. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate change, ask questions of the company and KCC staff and make comments to KCC Commissioners.

A public hearing was held in Topeka on May 22, and broadcast live on the KCC website. This public hearing in Wichita was scheduled to provide Wichita area residents with the opportunity to speak directly to Commissioners and share their thoughts regarding the proposed rate change.

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 submit 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.