Frequently Asked Questions - Comprehensive Energy Plan
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What does KCP&L's plan mean for customers? The key benefit for customers is a long-term plan for stable, reliable, low-cost energy. In addition, our plan will improve the air quality for the Kansas City region. These all have strong benefits to the local economy and the quality of life we enjoy. Will rates go up the same amount each year? Specific increases won't be known until the actual rate cases are filed. Requested increases most likely will not be a flat amount each year because they are tied to specific investments as they come into service. Typically, electric rates rise during periods of plant construction or infrastructure improvements and tend to level off or increase more slowly after the plants are brought into service and customers reap the benefits. How does this compare to what customers pay in other parts of the country? According to the Edison Electric Institute's July 2006 survey, KCP&L's 2006 residential rates were 32% lower than the national average. Even with the 2007 rate increase, KCP&L is about 23% below the current July 2006 national average and will remain at least 17% below the current July 2006 national average if the proposed 2008 rates are approved. Even after the rate increases, we expect to retain our reputation for having one of the most affordable, reliable supplies of electricity in the country. When was the last KCP&L rate increase? Prior to the 2007 rate increase, KCP&L has not had a rate increase since 1988, and has actually had several rate decreases in recent years. In fact, projected increases over the lifetime of the plan will actually bring overall rates back to 1980s levels. Will there be public hearings on the agreements, or on individual rate cases? Historically, the MPSC and KCC have held public hearings to review the merits of proposed rate changes.
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