KCP&L Rate Hike Hearing--May 18 at KU Edwards Campus

AARP Kansas is encouraging customers of Kansas City Power and Light (KCP&L) who live in Kansas to make their voices heard about the proposed rate hike the company has requested be approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC).

In January 2015, KCP&L filed for a rate increase to up electricity rates by 12.5%. For an average residential customer, this increase, if approved, would result in an additional monthly charge of approximately $11.67 per household.

The KCC is holding a public hearing on the rate increase on May 18, and AARP Kansas encourages KCP&L customers to weigh in on how the increase would affect them.

“AARP shines a spotlight on proposed changes in utility rates and services to foster consumer awareness, act as a check on utility companies and prevent unreasonable rate hikes,” said Maren Turner, AARP Kansas director.

In addition, KCP&L is requesting a 10.2% return on equity. AARP Kansas lead volunteer David Wilson will tell the commission that the rate of return on investment for utilities should be fair and reasonable.

"Utility providers must remember their responsibility to the public they serve and not just to their investors, especially at a time when many older Kansans on low to moderate incomes are struggling to make financial ends meet," said Wilson.  "The return on equity requested by KCP&L is higher than what could be justified by current economic conditions, and higher than the rates granted utilities in other states.

"There is simply no justification to award KCP&L stockholders excessive profits that will be coming out of the pockets of struggling Kansas families," he said.  "Many Kansas seniors face tough choices with very little flexibility in their budgets, and even a few dollars more per month on their utility bills could mean they must cut back on other essentials such as food and medication."

The hearing on Monday, May 18, will start at 6 p.m. at the KU Edwards Campus, BEST Conference Center, 12604 Quivira Road, Overland Park, 66213. A notice about the meeting was included in customers’ electric bills.

The KCC will accept written comments from KCP&L customers through June 16, 2015.  Comments should reference Docket No. 15-KCPE-116-RTS and be e-mailed to public.affairs@kcc.ks.gov.  Comments can also be mailed to the KCC Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604 or customers can call 1-800-662-0027

In Kansas, the rate request process involves many steps and takes about eight months to complete. If approved, the increase could take effect in October 2015.