Rebecca Kling, rebecca.kling@sierraclub.org
TOPEKA, KS--Yesterday, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) ruled 3-0 that Evergy must refund the unlawful and discriminatory charges levied against customer-owned solar in its Central and South jurisdictions that the utility collected since April 3rd, 2020. This announcement follows a February 25 ruling, which denied Evergy’s attempt to impose these discriminatory charges moving forward, as well as the utility’s proposed alternative plan to impose a $35 minimum bill for all customers.
We were thrilled to hear KCC Chairman French call for a move toward a modern and holistic approach for home solar. KCC Commissioner Duffy’s remarks made it clear she expects stakeholders to work together to find a fair and equitable solution, and we are up for the task,” said Dorothy Barnett, Executive Director of the Climate + Energy Project.
“With this unanimous decision, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) righted wrongs by making Evergy refund those customers they made pay illegal extra charges for 11 months ” said Zack Pistora, Kansas Lobbyist for the Sierra Club. “This is a huge relief for many Kansans with home solar installations, but now Evergy needs to deliver similar justice to their Kansas City area Metro customers, who are still paying these illegal charges. Today’s ruling signals to those considering home solar that the KCC will have their backs. The KCC must now ensure that Evergy’s forthcoming resource plan includes solar and continues on the path to clean, renewable energy for all Kansans.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
About Climate and Energy Project
The Climate + Energy Project (CEP) is a state-wide nonprofit that builds resilience in Kansas through equitable clean energy solutions and climate action. CEP connects people, organizations, and ideas; presents science-based facts; facilitates critical thinking and community engagement; and co-creates equitable and productive solutions. For more information, visit www.climateandenergy.org