The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved tariffs filed by Evergy Missouri Metro, Inc. and Evergy Missouri West, Inc., which authorizes Evergy Missouri Metro an electric increase of approximately $25 million and Evergy Missouri West an electric rate increase of approximately $30 million. The approved tariffs have an effective date of January 9, 2023.
The Commission concluded that the rates approved as a result of the order in the case support the provision of safe and adequate service.
According to the Public Service Commission Staff, a residential customer using approximately 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will see electric rates increase by approximately $3.75 per month for Evergy Missouri Metro residential customers and approximately $4.50 per month for an Evergy Missouri West residential customer.
Evergy Missouri Metro and and Evergy Missouri West filed electric rate cases with the Missouri Public Service Commission on January 7, 2022. Evergy Missouri Metro sought an electric rate increase of approximately $47 million, while Evergy Missouri West sought an increase of approximately $59.8 million. Evergy stated when it filed the requests that the most significant driver of the rate increase request was focused on infrastructure improvement aimed at enhancing reliability. Evergy also stated the rate increase also sought to address customer interest in cleaner energy sources and offering more choices in electric rate options.
Tariffs approved by the Commission in the rate cases will expand Time of Use rates for Evergy residential customers. Time of Use rates charge different prices for kilowatt-hours of energy based upon when a customer uses it, which typically means a lower per kilowatt-hour rate for usage during off-peak hours and a higher per kilowatt-hour rate for usage during on-peak hours.
Evergy Missouri Metro provides service to customers in Carroll, Chariton, Howard, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis and Saline counties, while Evergy Missouri West provides service to Carroll, Johnson, Lafayette and Pettis counties in the KMMO listening area.