TOPEKA, Kan. — Evergy has filed a request with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) seeking a rate increase of $196.4 million for its Evergy Kansas Central (EKC) customers. If approved, the new rates would take effect in September 2025, resulting in an average monthly increase of $13.05 for residential customers — an overall hike of 8.62%.
The utility company says the proposed increase reflects nearly $1 billion in infrastructure investments, along with adjustments for capital costs and rising operational expenses. However, the request does not include costs tied to the upcoming Panasonic electric vehicle battery plant or the two natural gas facilities Evergy plans to build in Kansas.
As part of the filing, Evergy also proposed a new pilot initiative — the Evergy Stay Connected program — which would provide monthly bill credits to help low-income customers remain current on their accounts.
The rate adjustment affects about 735,000 customers in EKC’s service area, which includes cities like Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Salina, Hutchinson, and Manhattan. Customers in the Evergy Kansas Metro area — including Overland Park and Lenexa — are not affected by this request.
The KCC, which regulates public utility rates and services, has scheduled two public hearings to gather input and provide information:
- Wednesday, June 11 at 6 p.m. Wichita State University, Hughes Metropolitan Complex 5014 E. 29th St. North, Wichita, KS
- Monday, June 16 at 6 p.m. Washburn Institute of Technology 5724 SW Huntoon St., Topeka, KS
Customers may attend in person or virtually via Zoom. To participate online, registration is required by noon the day before the hearing at kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters. The hearings will also be livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel.
Public comments on the rate proposal will be accepted through July 14, 2025, via the following methods:
- Online at kcc.ks.gov under “Your Opinion Matters.”
- By mail: Kansas Corporation Commission Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection 1500 SW Arrowhead Road Topeka, KS 66604-4027 (Reference Docket No. 25-EKCE-294-RTS)
- By phone: 800-662-0027
An evidentiary hearing on the rate case is scheduled for July 21, 2025, at the KCC’s offices in Topeka.
Customers seeking more information or assistance submitting comments can contact the KCC at 800-662-0027 or email [email protected].