(MSC News)--The Kansas Corporation Commission will begin public hearings next week to give Evergy customers an opportunity to learn more about the company- rate increase request and to make comments before the Commission.

According to a release, the application, filed with the KCC on April 25, requests an average monthly rate increase of $14.24 for Evergy Central customers and $3.47 for Evergy Metro customers. Commission approval is required before a regulated utility can change its rates.

The first of three public hearings will be held on Tuesday n Topeka at the Washburn Institute of Technology- Conference Center at 5724 SW Huntoon beginning at 6 p.m.

The second hearing will be held on Thursday, July 13 in Overland Park at the KU Edwards BEST Conference Center at 12600 S. Quivira Road beginning at 6 p.m.

A third public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 27 in Wichita at Wichita State University- Lowe Auditorium at the Hughes Metropolitan Complex, 5014 E 29th St. North beginning at 6 p.m.

For those unable to attend a hearing in person, a virtual option via Zoom is available to allow remote participants to comment. Advance registration on the KCC- website is required for those participating by Zoom. The hearings will be broadcast on the KCC- YouTube channel for viewing only.

The Commission is also accepting written comments regarding the rate increase request through 5 p.m., September 29, 2023, on its website, by mail to the Commission- Office at 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604-4027 or by calling the KCC- Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 785-271-3140 or 800-662-0027.