TOPEKA - This morning, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) approved a unanimous settlement agreement allowing Atmos Energy to increase its rates by $12 million to recover costs already incurred by the company to support safe and reliable natural gas service for Kansas customers.

The new rates will take effect on March 1. Residential customers with average monthly usage (67.3 Ccf) will see an increase of approximately $5.69 per month or 6.81%. A portion of the increase is the result of a change in the fixed customer charge from $19.75 per month to $23 per month.

In an application filed with the Commission in July, Atmos requested an increase of $19.1 million, which would have raised the monthly bill of customers with average usage by approximately $9.12. The settlement agreement approved today was reached after extensive negotiations between KCC staff, Atmos, the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board and WoodRiver Energy LLC, all of which were participants in the case.

Based on careful review and consideration of evidence in the record, the Commission found that the agreed upon rates are just and reasonable and will provide Atmos with sufficient revenues to meet its financial obligations yet will keep rates as low as possible while maintaining reliable service for its customers.

Atmos provides natural gas service to 140,000 customers in 110 Kansas communities.

View today's order.

View the Unanimous Settlement Agreement.

A recording of today's Business Meeting featuring comments by Commissioners, is available on the KCC YouTube channel.