Tag: Kansas Corporation Commission

The Kansas Corporation Commission approved a $12 million rate increase for Atmos Energy to ensure safe and reliable natural gas service for customers. Effective March 1, residential bills will rise by about $5.69 monthly. The decision followed negotiations among stakeholders, confirming the rates are reasonable while supporting Atmos's financial obligations.

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a public hearing on December 2 regarding Atmos Energy's request to increase rates by $19.1 million. If approved, residential bills could rise by 11.2%. The hearing will be at Regnier Hall with a virtual option via Zoom. Written comments are accepted until January 20, 2026.

The Cold Weather Rule in Kansas protects residents from utility disconnections during winter when temperatures drop below 35 degrees. Effective November 1 to March 31, it mandates utilities offer a 12-month payment plan for those with past due balances. Residents should contact their utility for arrangements.

Thirteen Kansas teams competed at the World KidWind Challenge in Phoenix, achieving notable success by winning five awards. Events tested student-designed wind turbines in various conditions alongside knowledge quizzes and presentations. The Kansas KidWind program, which emphasizes STEM education, included participation from 80 teams across 41 schools statewide.

The Kansas Corporation Commission approved two settlements allowing Evergy Kansas Central to recover costs for new electric generation facilities, including a solar project and two gas plants. The agreements aim to meet rising demand, improve reliability, and ensure just rates, while emphasizing affordability and efficient investment strategies.

The Grain Belt Express, an 800-mile electric transmission line, has announced $1.7 billion in contractor awards to Quanta Services and Kiewit Energy. This Invenergy project aims to deliver 5,000 megawatts of energy capacity and provide $52 billion in cost savings over 15 years, benefiting local economies in Kansas and surrounding states.

The Kansas Corporation Commission fined AT&T $60,000 for failing to timely mark its underground facilities, violating the Kansas Underground Prevention Act. Investigations found 60 instances between April and May 2024 where excavators were not informed of buried lines, delaying projects and raising safety concerns. KCC Commissioners suggested stricter enforcement.

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a public hearing on April 29 to discuss Black Hills Gas's request for a $17.2 million rate increase, affecting 120,000 customers. If approved, residential bills could rise by 17.6%, approximately $11 monthly. Virtual participation via Zoom is available, with written comments accepted until June 20, 2025.

Governor Laura Kelly has declared April as Kansas Safe Digging Month, aligning with National Safe Digging Month. Kansans are urged to call 811 before any digging to prevent utility line damage and injuries. Statistics show a significant percentage of damages occur from not calling. Requests should be made two days in advance.

The Kansas Corporation Commission reminds utility customers that the Cold Weather Rule ends on March 31, protecting them from disconnection during low temperatures. Additionally, this date is the final opportunity to apply for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program. Customers are urged to seek assistance to avoid disconnection and maintain service.

The Kansas Corporation Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on March 5, 2024, at 6 p.m. to discuss Evergy Kansas's proposed generation investments, including two gas plants and a solar facility. Public comments are welcomed during and after the hearing, with a decision expected by July 7, 2025.

The Grain Belt Express transmission line project, developed by Invenergy, aims to transport renewable energy from Kansas through Missouri to Indiana. It promises to improve reliability and save money for residents. The project faces scrutiny over landowner rights and eminent domain concerns, with calls for transparency and fair compensation in the development process.