Attorneys are telling Kansas regulators an agreement that would allow the state’s largest electric company to increase its rates about 4 percent is reasonable for customers.

The rate-setting Kansas Corporation Commission had a 90-minute hearing Monday on the proposed deal. It was struck by Topeka-based Westar Energy Inc., the commission’s staff, a state consumer advocacy agency and the utility’s largest customers.

The company’s annual rates would rise $78 million – about half of what Westar wanted. Most households would see their monthly bills increase from $5 to $7 a month.

Westar sought higher rates to pay for power plant upgrades.

Attorneys representing the parties urged the three-member commission not to change any of the agreement’s terms. State law gives the KCC until Oct. 28 to issue an order.