TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The largest supplier of electricity in Kansas is asking state regulators to increase its rates by $152 million annually to cover upgrades at power plants and other costs. Topeka-based Westar Energy says the request it filed Monday with the Kansas Corporation Commission would increase its rates 8 percent. It said most residential customers would see monthly costs increase by between $9 and $13. Westar has about 700,000 customers in Kansas, including 595,000 residential ones. The company said the higher rates would cover upgrades required by federal air pollution standards, particularly at a plant in LaCygne in east-central Kansas. Westar also is part-owner of the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant near Burlington, and upgrades there will keep it operating until 2045. The commission must decide by late October.
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