TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) will hold a public hearing on May 12 to give Liberty Utility electric customers the opportunity to learn more about the company’s rate increase request, ask questions and make comments before the Commission.

Liberty Utilities filed an application with the Commission requesting to increase customer electric rates by $15.8 million to recover costs for investments made to update aging infrastructure, modernize its customer service technology, and strengthen the system against extreme weather and other challenges.

If approved in full, the increase will be phased in over a three-year period. Kansas customers with average usage (1000 kWh per month) would see their monthly bill increase $11.88 in the first year, $21.28 in the second year, and $21.28 in the third year. Currently, the monthly bill for customers with average usage is about $135.38 per month. The proposed total bill after three years would be approximately $189.83, a 40% increase in the total bill.

The public hearing will be held at the Columbus High School Auditorium located at 124 S. High School Avenue in Columbus beginning at 6 p.m. To make the hearing accessible for all Kansas Liberty customers, a virtual option through Zoom is available, giving remote participants a chance to comment and ask questions as well. Zoom participants must register on the KCC’s website by noon on May 11. The hearings will also be broadcast live on the KCC’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing. Registration is not required to view on YouTube.

The Commission is accepting written comments through 5 p.m., June 5, 2026. 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.

The Commission will issue an order on the application on or before August 28, 2026.