utilities

In October, Evergy will force customers to choose between new electricity plans that implement time-of-use pricing, which places a premium on electricity prices at times of high demand. 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.

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.

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.

Historic redlining and lack of green spaces in the Kansas City metro means that, even in the current heat wave, some people will experience temperatures at least 11 degrees warmer. These heat islands are driving up energy costs and causing public health concerns.

The Kansas City Board of Public Utilities voted to increase electricity and water rates for Wyandotte County, but residents say they are already overburdened by high utility bills.

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 Kansas City Board of Public Utilities is proposing to increase electricity and water rates for Wyandotte County, but many say the hikes would hurt low-income residents.

Spire's rate increase would come to about 12.7% for western Missouri customers, or about $11 a month. But state regulators and consumer advocates are skeptical the energy company needs to increase rates by so much.

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

The plan is a roadmap for future environmental policy and aims for the city to be carbon neutral by 2040. Despite opposition from utility companies Spire and Evergy, the plan passed with few changes.

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.