KCC schedules public hearing, comment period on solar rate design

Kansas Corporation Commission schedules public hearing and comment period to receive input on solar rate design. A public hearing on electric rate design options for Kansans that use solar panels is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The Kansas Corporation Commission will conduct the hearing virtually via Zoom. Kansans who wish to speak at the hearing will need to register in advance in order to receive login information. The hearing will be live streamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel and recorded for later viewing.

For those who do not wish to speak at the hearing, there is an opportunity to submit a comment online from the KCC’s website, via email or written letter. Letters are now being accepted. The comment period ends on Dec. 21 at 5 p.m.

In Sept. 2018, as part of a Westar (now Evergy) rate case, the Commission approved a three-part rate design for residential solar customers that includes a demand charge. The Sierra Club and Vote Solar, who were parties to the docket, filed an appeal. In April of this year, the Kansas Supreme Court reversed the judgement of the Court of Appeals and the Commission and sent the matter back to the KCC for further proceedings.

An order on a new rate design consistent with the Court’s opinion is due on or before Feb. 25, 2021.

The scheduling order is available on the KCC’s website. More information about registering to speak at the hearing or submitting a written comment is available at https://kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters.