The Kansas Corporation Commission is disagreeing with Evergy’s assertions of a rate increase.

The request would mean an average monthly rate increase of $14.24 for Evergy Central customers and $3.47 for Evergy Metro customers. Commission approval is required before a regulated utility can change its rates.

The KCC says a rate increase of 1.6 percent was all that could be justified to provide service for Evergy Central customers. Evergy had previously submitted a request for a 9.77 percent rate hike.

The KCC audit also showed that Evergy Kansas Metro customers should see a 7.3 percent rate decrease instead of a 1.95 percent rate increase.

The Evergy Central service area includes:

• Topeka
• Lawrence
• Olathe
• Leavenworth
• Atchison
• Manhattan
• Salina
• Hutchinson
• Emporia
• Parsons
• Wichita
• Arkansas City
• El Dorado
• Newton
• Fort Scott
• Pittsburg I
• Independence
• Other towns and rural areas.

The Evergy Metro service area includes:

• Lenexa
• Overland Park
• Other communities near the Kansas City metro area