The largest electric utility company in Kansas, Evergy, says investments in renewable energy and upgrades to its distribution system are behind a major increase in the company’s five-year spending plan. When Evergy filed its Annual Capital Investment Plan this year, it raised concerns among State Regulators. That was because the plan was $1 billion more than its 2021 plan. In response, the Kansas Corporation Commission ordered Vvergy to hold a Public Workshop explaining the increase in spending.
Bruce Akins,who oversees transmission and distribution at Evergy, says investments in the electricity grid will make it more efficient and reliable. As the system ages, it’s time to increase their investment so to reliably serve customers for decades to come. Stakeholders, such as the AARP, have expressed concern that Evergy’s spending could increase electricity rates at unmanageable levels. Evergy officials say the investment plan would keep rate increases below inflationary levels.
