Kansas Regulators Threaten to Halt $12.2B Westar Merger

Kansas regulators are threatening to halt the $12.2 billion sale of Topeka-based Westar Energy to Great Plains Energy if they don’t get details on cost savings and other information.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that Kansas Corporation Commission took no action at a Tuesday meeting. But an order warned that if merger standards aren’t met, possible action could include a request for dismissal of the merger application.

Regulatory staff said in multiple filings in September and October that the utilities failed to meet the agency’s merger standards. A spokesman for the utilities says the order is being evaluated.

Staff raised concerns about what departments or functions would remain in the Topeka headquarters and how long the commitment to Topeka would last.