News Release

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

March 25, 2019

KCC to host public hearing on Empire Electric rate increase request


Topeka - The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, March 28 to receive input from Empire Electric customers on the company’s rate increase request. Empire filed an application with the KCC on December 10 requesting an annual increase in gross revenues of $2.5 million or 15%. For the average residential customer using 1,000 kWh of electricity a month, the proposed increase would be approximately $19.99 per month.

The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. at Columbus Unified High School, located at 124 South High School Avenue in Columbus. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the proposed rate increase and make comments to KCC Commissioners. For those unable to attend, a recording of the hearing will be available on the Commission's website (www.kcc.ks.gov) beginning March 30.

The Commission will accept public comments through 5 p.m. CST on June 14, 2019. In addition to attending the public hearing, 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. 19-EPDE-223-RTS.

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

A decision on the rate increase request will be issued on or before August 29.