Some KS Evergy customers will notice a more expensive bill next month. How much?
The average Evergy residential customer in the Wichita area will notice an increase of about $8 on their monthly energy bill starting next month.
That’s because the Kansas Corporation Commission approved a settlement agreement that allows the major energy provider to increase its rates by $128 million to “recover investments made to replace aging equipment and increase the resiliency and reliability of the power grid,” the corporation announced in a press release Thursday morning.
Residents in Wichita, as well as other cities like Olathe, Topeka and Lawrence, will be affected by the increase beginning in October.
The settlement comes eight months after Evergy asked for a $196.4 million increase, an 8.62% rate increase for residential customers, or about a $13 per month. The KCC held two public hearings on the proposed rate increase to gather public comment in June before coming to an agreement Thursday.
“Based on an independent review of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates will provide Evergy with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers,” KCC’s Sept. 25 press release reads.
An Evergy spokesperson told The Eagle that from 2017 to June of this year, the company’s rates have increased 8.19%.
How do energy providers change rates in Kansas?
Rate increases aren’t up to utility companies alone. Instead, the KCC reviews all proposed increases to decide whether they are necessary.
The corporation oversees public utilities, including electric, telecommunications, liquid pipeline and natural gas providers. It is not in charge of utilities like wireless telephones, long distance service, internet or cable companies.
The utility company requesting an increase must prove requested rate increases are warranted.
The steps for a company to increase its rates are:
- Company applies to change its rates.
- Commission staff reviews the request.
- KCC holds a public hearing. (Not a required step, but common.)
- KCC holds an evidentiary hearing to review the facts
- KCC reviews the record.
- KCC makes a decision.
If you are having trouble paying your power bill, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program opens applications annually for those who need assistance and meet the program’s qualifications. According to program website, the application period for this year has ended and the 2026 application period is contingent on federal funding.
This story was originally published September 26, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
