KCC orders utilities to continue payment plans, waive late fees during pandemic

The Kansas Corporation Commission has extended an order that requires utilities to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees to help residential and small business customers avoid disconnection. Read the full press release below:

The original order, issued in May, is set to expire on December 31. Today’s action ensures it remains in effect until the COVID-19 pandemic has officially ended. The order applies to all electric, natural gas, and water utilities under the KCC’s jurisdiction.

A report, filed by Commission staff last week, shows that payment plans and waiver of late fees appear to be working as intended. With the exception of one utility (Liberty-Empire), customer arrearage balances are falling with roughly 90% of customers keeping up with payment plans. That report can be found on the Commission’s website at https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/S202012090922136770.pdf?Id=4e5a01a7-71e7-4ba7-b4b0-875ef644b842.

The Commission acknowledged that some members of the public are advocating for an order reinstituting the suspension of utility disconnects. As a result, Commission staff was directed to file a report and recommendation on whether an additional suspension on disconnects is warranted. That report is due January 8, 2021.

Today’s order can be viewed on the KCC’s website at https://estar.kcc.ks.gov/estar/ViewFile.aspx/20201215103827.pdf?Id=13d68adb-a6c3-41fa-8bae-b25ee2105a0f.