Regulators approve higher rates for Mid-Kansas Electric; households to see 7.5 percent hike

Western Kansas utility granted electric rate hike

TOPEKA, Kan. — About 41,000 households in western Kansas will see their electric rates increase an average of 7.5 percent, starting in February.

The Kansas Corporation Commission approved rate increases Thursday for Hays-based Mid-Kansas Electric Co. The increases will generate about $15 million in additional revenues for the utility.

The utility had hoped for $22 million in increases but settled its rate case in December with customer advocates, the Kansas Corporation Commission’s staff and other parties.

Six electric cooperatives formed Mid-Kansas in 2005 to buy assets from Aquila Inc., and customers’ rate increases will vary based on which cooperative supplies their power.