News Release

For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269

May 27, 2009

KCC Consumer Protection Recovers $10,000 for Customers in Shawnee
$500,000 collected for 1,200 consumers since 2005

Topeka, KS- The Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection recently recovered more than $10,000 for 17 customers in the Cross Pointe Subdivision in Shawnee, Kansas after a contractor error resulted in customers being over charged for electric service.

In February, KCP&L customer Ron Teague discovered that he was not receiving credit on his electric bill for installing a heat pump in the home he built in 2006. The customer contacted the KCC and program consultant Greta Stephens worked with KCP&L to investigate the complaint.

It was discovered that the contractor never requested the electric heat rate at the time of requesting the meter, and Stephens was able to negotiate with KCP&L to recover a full three-year credit of $653.24 for Mr. Teague.

"Greta worked with KCPL on our behalf to secure a credit for overcharges, resulting in welcome and needed cost savings in these trying economic days," Teague said.

Concerned that there might be other customers in the same subdivision not receiving credit for operating heat pumps, KCP&L reviewed the neighborhood’s accounts. KCP&L discovered 17 homes in the Cross Pointe Subdivision had not received the heat pump credit and promptly credited the customers’ accounts $10,018.26 going back as far as 2005.

"It is so gratifying that a state regulatory agency works so well for the people," Teague said. "We as a neighborhood are extremely pleased with the effective and efficient handling of the issue by the Kansas Corporation Commission and Greta Stephens in particular."

On doing her job, Stephens said: "I was pleased I was able to work with KCP&L to resolve this issue for Mr. Teague and the others in the subdivision and to recover such a large amount of money."

The mission of the Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection is to protect the public by enforcing utility regulation, providing current information, and assuring balanced mediation regarding the concerns of the consumer and the company.

Since 2005, the Office of Consumer Protection has recovered nearly $500,000 for more than 1,200 Kansas residents.

"We know that the work we do here is critical to Kansas consumers," said Director Marge Petty. "Whether we are able to recover $10 for a customer or $1,000, we are proud to serve as an advocate for the consumer."