Kansas Gas Service wants to increase natural gas prices. Here’s how you can weigh in

Kansas Gas Service customers could see an increase on their gas bills, but they have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the changing costs beforehand.

The natural gas company filed an application in March that would lead to a net increase in base rates of $58.1 million. The increases would impact the section of the gas bill that relates to delivery of natural gas by the Kansas Gas Service. This includes increases in delivery charges as well as the fixed monthly service charge, according to the Kansas Corporation Commission’s press release.

The request would raise residential bills by 10.41% (or $6.71 per bill) for customers who use 73 Mcf natural gas or less per year and 8.25% (or a monthly increase of $9.48) for those who use more than 73 Mcf of natural gas every year.

The request is to cover the increased costs of employee wages, materials, supplies and more, according to the application. It’s been five years since Kansas Gas Service’s last base rate increase.

The Kansas Corporation Commission, who oversees utility rates in Kansas, has two public hearings on the schedule — one in Topeka and one in Wichita. Topeka’s hearing will be Thursday beginning at 6 p.m. at the Washburn Institute of Technology Main Conference Center. Wichita’s hearing will be Monday at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex at 6 p.m.

How to submit comments on the rate case

There are several ways you can submit your comments if you cannot make it to the in-person hearings.

You can register to attend the hearings via Zoom on the corporation’s website. All attendees must register by noon on the day of their hearing of choice.

You can also provide written comments on the Kansas Corporation Commission’s website, by calling or by mail. You can call 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027 and mail your comments to 1500 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS, 66604.

All comments must be received by Aug. 5.

How are utility rates changed in Kansas?

In order for a utility company to get an increase, they have to follow a certain number of steps set by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Those are:

1. The utility company files a rate case with the Kansas Corporation Commission.
2. The application is reviewed by commission staff.
3. Public hearings are held (this is not required, but common).
4. An evidentiary hearing is held.
   
   

5. The record is reviewed by the commission.

6. The commission then comes to a decision and announces it through a written order in an open business meeting.

The utility also has to show proof that the proposed increases are warranted. The KCC oversees utilities like electricity, natural gas, liquid pipelines, and telecommunications. It does not oversee the internet, cable companies, most electric cooperatives, water cooperatives, municipalities, wireless telephones or long distance service.

The Kansas Corporation Commission is expected to make a decision on the Kansas Gas Service’s rate case by Oct. 25. As of now, there is no set date for when the increase would go into effect if approved.

Lindsay Smith

The Wichita Eagle

Lindsay Smith is a suburban news reporter for the Wichita Eagle, covering the communities of Andover, Bel Aire, Derby, Haysville and Kechi. She has been on The Eagle staff since 2022 and was the service journalism reporter for three years. She has a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism from Wichita State, where she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, The Sunflower, for two years. You can reach her via email at lsmith@wichitaeagle.com.