KCP&L has filed a request with the Missouri Public Service Commission to raise rates.

The Company is requesting to combine the two jurisdictions in the KCP&L Greater Missouri Operations Company area (Missouri Public Service and St. Joseph Light & Power) and is requesting an 8.2 percent rate increase. If approved, the increase would result in an average residential customer* paying approximately $9 more each month. The rate request process takes approximately 11 months in Missouri.

New rates would be expected to take effect in January 2017.

KCP&L said it has been four years since it’s asked for a rate increase in this part of its service territory.

KCP&L said the proposed increase is needed to recover costs associated with additional regional transmission lines and for the numerous infrastructure and system improvements in the last several years to maintain the reliability of the electrical system, modernize the grid and enhance customer service.

“Our employees work hard to manage costs and ensure we provide electricity at competitive rates,” said Terry Bassham, President and CEO of Great Plains Energy and KCP&L. “However, in order to continue to provide reliable power and excellent customer service we’ve recently upgraded infrastructure and other critical systems. This request is a reflection of those significant investments that allow us to better serve our customers.”

Part of the 8.2 percent increase request is an increase to the Customer Charge to $14.50 a month. The Customer Charge is a fixed monthly charge that includes the cost to provide service for each customer. The Company has also asked the Commission to continue reflecting fuel and purchased power increases and decreases in the Fuel Adjustment Clause on customer bills.

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