KCC approves settlement agreement in Empire rate case
A settlement agreement unanimously approved by the Kansas Corporation Commission means Empire electric customers won’t see a large increase in their monthly bills as originally proposed by the utility. The settlement was the result of negotiations between KCC Staff, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and the utility. Read the full press release below:
Last December, Empire asked for an annual increase in operating revenues of $2.5 million, which would have resulted in a $19.99 per month increase in the monthly bills of its residential customers. Under the approved settlement agreement, residential customers with average monthly usage will pay approximately three dollars more per month. The new rates, shown below, will take effect on August 1.
| Empire Residential General | |||||
| Electric Usage in kWh | 600 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Current Rates | $79.49 | $120.17 | $221.86 | $323.55 | $425.24 |
| New Rates | $81.29 | $123.22 | $228.05 | $332.88 | $437.71 |
| Percentage Increase | 2.26% | 2.54% | 2.79% | 2.88% | 2.93% |
| Empire Residential Space Heating | |||||
| Electric Usage in kWh | 600 | 1000 | 2000 | 3000 | 4000 |
| Current Rates | $72.68 | $111.80 | $209.60 | $307.40 | $405.20 |
| New Rates | $74.64 | $114.90 | $215.55 | $316.20 | $416.85 |
| Percentage Increase | 2.70% | 2.77% | 2.84% | 2.86% | 2.88% |
| Residential General Average Monthly Usage = 924.4 kWh | |||||
| Residential Space Heating Average Monthly Usage = 1,514.9 kWh | |||||
In addition, Empire will issue a one-time bill credit to customers totaling nearly $2 million based on federal tax law changes within 60 days of today’s order.
Based on evidence presented in the case, the Commission found that the agreed‑upon revenue requirement will provide Empire sufficient revenues and cash flows to meet its financial obligations, yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers. Empire serves 9,671 Kansas electric customers in Cherokee and Labette counties.