The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold public hearings this week on a rate increase proposal from the electricity utility Westar. The hearings are a chance for Kansans to learn more about the increase and share their opinions on the plan.
Westar is asking to raise $152 million through higher utility bills in Kansas. They’re requesting a rate increase that would cost the average customer around $13 per month.
Westar says that would help pay for environmental upgrades and costs related to the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant.
The company is also proposing higher fixed monthly charges on customer bills that Westar says would be offset by a lowering other variable costs. But advocates for renewable energy say the higher fixed costs will hurt people who install solar panels on their homes.
Tuesday’s hearing will be held in Topeka, with satellite locations in Emporia and Salina. A hearing Thursday will be held in Wichita.