Sedgwick County commissioners oppose Westar rate increase

The following resolution was voted on during the July 22, 2015 meeting. All five Sedgwick County commissioners voted in favor. More about the proposed rate increase may be found from Westar, from the Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board, and also the Kansas Corporation Commission.

A RESOLUTION OPPOSING $152 MILLION ELECTRIC RATE HIKE

WHEREAS, electricity is a key utility needed for life and a strong, functioning economy in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as measured by the federal government’s measurement is well under two percent a year; and

WHEREAS, the $152 million dollar rate hike proposed by Westar would average an increase of almost 8 percent for rate payers; and

WHEREAS, between 2009 and 2014 Westar has received 22 electric rate hikes that have totaled $536.9 million (this is the net that also includes two rate reductions that totaled $6 million during that same period of time) at a time when the Sedgwick County economy was struggling and with almost no growth in the assessed value of the taxable property base; and

WHEREAS, residential rates would see another dramatic increase of 12.1 percent if this request is approved as requested according to the Citizens Utility Rate Board (CURB); and

WHEREAS, further electric rate hikes of $24 million are either pending or projected within the next year according to CURB; and

WHEREAS, the competitiveness of this region is dependent upon having competitive rates for basic utility functions, with electricity production a vital key; and

WHEREAS, we are aware that the federal government is opposing carbon based energy production and intent on raising costs, while limiting low cost energy production.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS, that:

1. Sedgwick County opposes this proposed $152 million rate hike by Westar. This opposition also extends to any other rate hikes sought by Westar this year.

2. Sedgwick County opposes unfunded federal mandates onto energy production that would raise costs, inhibit production, and make Kansas and the rest of the U.S. less energy competitive with foreign competition and does so without significant environmental benefits.