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KCC Says Westar Is Charging Too Much

Recent Kansas Corporation Commission decisions on utility investments could save customers millions of dollars.

The KCC recently filed a complaint with federal authorities arguing Westar Energy is charging too much return on equity for its transmission projects.

Westar currently charges 11.3 percent. The KCC is arguing it should be 9.37 percent. The reduction could drop rates $15.8 million dollars annually.

The commission also recently approved up to a 9.1 percent return on equity for a rate case involving Atmos Energy. Previous cases typically had a rate of 10 percent. The KCC says a 9.1 percent rate increase would raise rates about $4.2 million, while 10.5 percent would increase rates by $6.3 million.

KCC spokesman Jesse Borjon says the decisions don't mean the commission is making a policy change.

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