Media Advisory
For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269
July 2, 2009
MEDIA ADVISORY: KCC seeks public input on Westar rate consolidation
Westar Energy has asked the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) to consider consolidating the rates charged to Westar North and Westar South customers. If the KCC approves the rate consolidation, Westar's rate structure will be changed to continue to decrease the differences in rates between customers in the two territories until customers pay the same rate for the same type of service.
"The public's input is an important part of this process," said KCC Chairman, Thomas Wright. "I strongly encourage individuals to learn more about Westar's proposal by attending a meeting or checking out our website and to submit their comments."
Three public informational meetings have been scheduled. During the informational meetings, Westar will explain their proposal for consolidation and KCC and Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board (CURB) staff will be on hand to provide additional background information and answer questions.
| July 9 | Pittsburg | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | City Memorial Auditorium & Convention Center, Auditorium B7, 503 N. Pine |
| July 14 | Wichita | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Century II Performing Arts & Convention Center, Room 101AB, 225 W. Douglas |
| July 15 | Topeka | 7:00-8:45 p.m. | Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, Marvin Auditorium, 101 ABC, 1515 SW 10th Ave. |
The KCC has also scheduled two public hearings where members of the public will have the opportunity to make statements regarding the consolidation proposal to the commissioners.
| July 16 | Topeka | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Kansas Corporation Commission, First Floor Hearing Room, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road | Wichita | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Via videoconference at Kansas Corporation Commission, Finney State Office Building, 230 East William St., 2nd Floor, Room 2078. |
| July 23 | Wichita | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Kansas Corporation Commission, Finney State Office Building, 230 East William St., 2nd Floor, Room 2078. | Topeka | 7:00-9:00 p.m. | Via videoconference at Kansas Corporation Commission, First Floor Hearing Room, 1500 SW Arrowhead Road. Wichita Parking: On Market, William and Douglas Streets; at the State Visitors Parking lot, S.W. corner of Topeka and William Streets; and the parking garage, N.E. corner of Topeka and William Streets. |
If an individual is unable to attend a public hearing, the KCC will accept public comments from Westar's customers through August 13, 2009. Written comments regarding rate consolidation should reference Docket No. 09-WSEE-641-GIE and be sent to:
Kansas Corporation Commission
Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, Kansas, 66604-4027
Comments may also be submitted by e-mail at or by calling 1-800-662-0027. The KCC will hold an evidentiary hearing on the consolidation proposal beginning August 17, 2009, at 10:00 a.m.
Kansas Corporation Commission
First Floor Hearing Room
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS
Please refer to the attached background document for more information about the rate consolidation proposal. More details about Westar's proposal and pre-filed testimony can be found at: http://kcc.ks.gov/docket/cal.cgi?docket=09-WSEE-641-GIE.