Kansas regulators have given final approval to a rate increase for the state's largest electric company that will cost most households in its territory between $5 and $7 more a month.
The Kansas Corporation Commission approved an order Thursday raising Topeka-based Westar Energy's rates by $78 million annually. It ratifies an agreement among the company, the commission's staff, a state consumer advocacy agency and some of Westar's largest customers.
Westar's rates will rise about 4 percent and the increase will take effect for customers' November bills. The utility has nearly 700,000 customers.
Westar initially proposed a $152 million increase in its annual rates, largely to cover costs it already has incurred for improvements at power plants. Other parties argued for a rate increase of less than $56 million.
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