TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — State regulators will hear from gas customers this week about a proposed 10 percent rate hike.
State officials say Kansas Gas Service’s rate proposal would add an estimated $5.60 a month to the average gas bill. The Kansas Corporation Commission will hear from the public Thursday in Topeka before deciding whether to grant the request.
KGS, a division of Oklahoma natural gas giant ONEOK, says that four main factors are driving its request. They included increased employee wages and more efficient appliances that are reducing consumption.
Kansas House Minority Leader Jim Ward says he’s suspicious of the need for an increase because it’s been less than two years since rates last went up. Ordinarily, rate cases are requested by companies every four to five years.