TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Two Kansas utilities say they’re worried that the federal government’s new rule for curbing carbon emissions from power plants will raise costs for consumers.

Spokeswomen for Topeka-based Westar Energy and Hays-based Sunflower Electric Power Corp. said Monday the companies are still reviewing the 645-page rule outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Both said it’s too early to tell what the effects will be.

But Westar’s Gina Penzig said tougher environmental regulations have increased the company’s costs and have been a major factor in rate increases over the past decade.

Sunflower’s Cindy Hertel said it is always concerned that regulations will increase costs.

The new rule sets goals for states for lowering carbon emissions. Kansas would have to cut its emissions from 2012 levels by 23 percent.