On October 3, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a settlement in the Kansas Gas Service (KGS) rate case, reducing the company’s requested $58.1 million net revenue increase to $35 million. Starting November 1, residential customers with average usage will see their bills rise by about $3.83 per month or $46.02 annually.
KGS withdrew its proposal for tiered rate structures, which was opposed by KCC staff and the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB). The proposal would have increased residential rates by $6.71 to $9.48 monthly, depending on usage.
KGS also withdrew a plan for performance-based ratemaking, which would have allowed annual rate adjustments, after facing similar opposition.
KGS had applied for the rate increase in March, citing $600 million in capital investments over the past five years to maintain safe, reliable service. KCC staff supported the settlement, stating it balanced KGS’s financial needs while keeping rates as low as possible for customers.
The settlement was filed in August, with a hearing held on August 13.