Evergy requests a rate increase for central Kansas. How much it could cost you
Major energy provider Evergy has filed a rate increase that could lead to higher bills for customers in the Wichita area, and stakeholders will soon have the chance to comment on the request.
Evergy is requesting a $196.4 million rate increase for Evergy Kansas Central, which includes customers in Wichita, Manhattan and Topeka. The new rates would begin in September and come out to a 8.62% rate hike for residential customers, about $13 more per month.
The Kansas Corporation Commission reviews rate increases for utility providers in the state and would have to approve any adjustment. Public hearings are usually the third step in the process for an energy company to change their rates.
“Our rate request will position Evergy to continue to maintain our system, reliably serve existing and new customers and to support economic development in Kansas,” David Campbell, Evergy’s chairman and executive officer, stated in a January press release announcing the request.
The request does not include Panasonic Electric Vehicle battery plant costs or the costs of the two natural gas plants the company announced plans to build last year.
“Since the last review of rates, Evergy has invested nearly $1 billion in infrastructure to serve customers,” Gina Penzig, director of corporate communications, wrote in an email to The Eagle. “This includes steps we’ve taken to develop a more resilient grid to withstand severe weather events, rebuild power lines and add automation and sensor technology that reduces or shortens power outages, and invest in our power plants to ensure they remain available to serve customers.”
Penzig said Evergy’s prices have increased about 7% since 2017.
When can I comment on the energy rate increase?
There are two public hearings scheduled to discuss the rate increase, according to the KCC’s website — one in Wichita and one in Topeka. The meetings are available in person and virtually via Zoom.
Wichita’s meeting will be held at Wichita State University’s Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5015 E. 29th St. North, Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m. People wanting to attend virtually have until Tuesday, June 10 to register.
Topeka’s meeting will be held at Washburn Institute of Technology, 5724 SW. Huntoon St., Monday, June 16 at the same time. The deadline for virtual attenders to register is Sunday, June 15.
Anyone who wants to send written comments has until June 15 to do so. They can send online comment through the Kansas Corporation Commission’s website.
How do rate increases work in Kansas?
Utility companies can’t change their rates whenever they want to. Instead, they must submit a request to the KCC, which follows a step-by-step process to decide if the requested increase is necessary.
The KCC oversees public utilities like electricity, natural gas, telecommunications and liquid pipelines. It does not oversee wireless telephones, long distance service, internet, cable companies or municipalities.
The steps in the rate increase process 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
Utility companies have to show the proposed increase is warranted in order for it to be approved. The KCC can also approve an increase that is less than the initial request.
This story was originally published June 4, 2025 at 8:02 AM.
