Evergy

Under an order from the Missouri Public Service Commission, Evergy is expected next month to implement time-of-use pricing, which places a premium on electricity prices at times of high demand. A Missouri state office said it "strongly opposed" the utility's request to make the program voluntary.

Evergy saw blowback from customers over time-of-use pricing, which places a premium on electricity at times of high demand. Under one of the plans, power used on summer days between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. would be almost four times as expensive as the rest of the day. Now Evergy is requesting permission for customers to opt out.

The Kansas Corporation Commission approved a set of energy efficiency programs for Evergy customers last week. The state currently ranks 49th nationwide for its energy efficiency policies and programs, according to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

Evergy says Missouri customers need to choose from four new time-based payment plans by this October or will automatically be defaulted into one. Under the default plan, power used from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in summer months will cost four times more than other hours.

Evergy executives hope to grow profits by 6% to 8% a year through a combination of cutting costs, increasing prices and selling more electricity.

Evergy estimates more than 11,000 customers remain without power after Friday’s thunderstorms, but with more storms hitting the Kansas City area, it may be several more days before all service is restored.

Evergy reports more than 180,000 customers lost power Friday. As of Saturday night, two-thirds of those customers had powered restored. Cities in the area have reported downed trees and tree limbs.

Variable rate time-of-use pricing will soon be inescapable for Evergy customers in Missouri. In one billing plan, the top rate will be roughly four times as expensive as the base rate, forcing consumers to pay close attention to the way they buy and use electricity.

The utility, which serves 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri, is drawing criticism from environmental groups for keeping open its oldest coal plant. Evergy also said that Kansas City's clean energy goals are “incredibly aggressive” and too expensive.

Evergy scored low ratings for its reliance on coal and gas as sources of energy, and its failures to invest in more sources of renewable energy.

The number of disconnection notices sent to customers by utility company Evergy has nearly doubled over the last year.

The plan gives guidance to help the city reach carbon neutrality while taking into account environmental justice. Advocates want it passed without changes, but utility companies Spire and Evergy want their voices heard.