By Trish Svoboda

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is set to commence public hearings this week. This will provide an avenue for Kansas Gas Service (KGS) customers to gain more insights about the company’s proposed rate hike, ask questions, and express their views before the Commission.

KGS submitted a proposal to the Commission on March 1, 2024, seeking a net increase in base rates amounting to $58.1 million. This proposed increase would impact the components of a customer’s bill associated with KGS’s natural gas delivery, encompassing the fixed monthly service charge and the delivery charge. If sanctioned, customers consuming less natural gas (73 Mcf or less annually) would see an average monthly bill rise of roughly $6.71 (10.41%), while those consuming more natural gas (over 73 Mcf annually) would experience an increase of about $9.48 (8.25%).

The first of two public hearings will take place this Thursday in Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology Main Conference Center, and the second hearing will be held in Wichita on Monday, June 17 at Lowe Auditorium, both hearings begin at 6:00 p.m.

A virtual Zoom option is also available for both hearings. Those interested in participating in the virtual hearings must register in advance on the KCC’s website by noon the day before the hearing. The hearings can also be seen live on the KCC’s YouTube channel, with no registration required.

The Commission is also accepting written comments through 5 p.m., August 5, 2024. Comments may be submitted on the KCC’s website, by mail to the Commission’s Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC’s Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027