Evergy’s proposed rate increase of 14 to 17 percent would only impact half of its Missouri customers if approved, as a result of historic divisions that Missouri’s Office of Public Counsel is recommending the utility address.

The proposal before the Public Service Commission would increase the base rate on Evergy’s Missouri West customers, primarily in Pettis, Johnson, Ray, western Carroll, and parts of Lafayette County. The case does not apply to Evergy’s Missouri Metro division, which serves Chariton, Howard, Saline, central Lafayette, and most of Carroll counties. The Public Counsel’s chief economist Doctor Geoff Marke explains why the agency wants Evergy to first pursue a consolidation of their divisions.

Marke says the two divisions stem from the components of former utilities, notably KCP&L and Aquila, that eventually became Evergy. He notes that the two divisions still have power generation agreements with each other.

Marke adds that he believes Evergy is receptive to the idea.

The Public Service Commission recently concluded local public hearings on Evergy Missouri West’s proposed rate increase, and is slated to host an evidentiary hearing in October.  Comments on the case can still be submitted through the PSC, under the case number ER-2024-0189, or through the Office of Public Counsel.