Empire electric company requests ‘substantial’ rate increase, raising customers’ bills about 40%

The Kansas Corporation Commission's three-member board will hold a public hearing to allow input from Empire District Electric Co. customers about a proposed 40% rate increase. ( Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA — An electric utility company serving Cherokee County requested a $15.8 million rate increase from Kansas utility regulators, which would increase an average residential bill by 40%.

The Empire District Electric Co., which operates as Liberty, serves more than 8,400 Kansas residential customers, as well as nearly 1,350 commercial and industrial customers. In December, Empire filed a rate case with the Kansas Corporation Commission, which includes investments in three wind projects, one in southeastern Kansas and two in Missouri. Those projects are expected to reduce annual fuel costs by nearly $3.3 million, Empire said in KCC filings.

If the case is approved, Kansas residential customers would see monthly bills increase about $11.88 in the first year, $21.28 in the second year, and $21.28 in the third year, a KCC news release said. Average customer usage is based on 1000 kilowatts per hour monthly.

“Currently, the monthly bill for customers with average usage is about $135.38 per month,” the KCC release said. “The proposed total bill after three years would be approximately $189.83, a 40% increase.”

Empire attributed its rate request to investments made in wind projects, which were originally included in its 2021 rate case but were withdrawn, as well as replacing aging infrastructure and modernizing customer service technology, according to KCC filings.

The company’s last base rate increase was in 2012, and in 2021, the company’s rate case resulted in a $637,000 reduction in base rates.

“Like others, Empire has also experienced a large increase in its operating expenses due to COVID, inflation, supply-chain disruptions and other factors,” the company filings said. “As a result, the request for an increase in its Kansas retail electric base rates is substantial. Empire is fully aware of the burden such a rate increase will place on its Kansas customers.”

Empire proposed phasing in its rate increase over three years, noting that even if KCC approves such a plan, the rate impact is “substantial.” The company said it would continue to discuss options to lessen the rate impact with KCC staff and others intervening in the case.

As a result of investments and other factors, the company said present rates don’t produce sufficient revenue for the company. Based on its year-end report from March 31, 2025, the rates earned Empire a 1.03% return on Kansas electric operations.

“This current return to Empire is not just and reasonable,” Empire filings said.

The public hearing will be held at the Columbus High School Auditorium, 124 S. High School Ave., in Columbus It will be livestreamed on KCC’s YouTube channel. If customers want to comment on Zoom, they must register on KCC’s website by noon May 11.

Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. on June 5 and may be submitted on the website, by mail to KCC at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027, or by calling KCC at (785) 271-3140 or (800) 662-0027.