Customers will see slight increase in electric rates
Staff reporter
In keeping step with an increase from Westar Energy, electrical rates for city customers are increasing.
Marion City Commission approved the rate increase at its May 31 meeting and approved an ordinance Monday to implement the increase.
"We don't have a whole lot of options," said commissioner Jim Crofoot.
The increase will be three-quarters of one cent per kilowatt hour.
Currently residential customers pay a monthly $5 base rate and 8.5 cents per KWH. Commercial customers pay a $6 base rate and 9 cents per KWH.
The increase will be 9.3 cents per KWH for both residential and commercial customers. The base rate will stay the same at $5 and $6 respectively.
The commission had instructed city administrator David Mayfield to contact other cities in the area and similar in size for rate information.
Mayfield reported the following: Hillsboro had a base rate of $5 and charges 9 cents per KWH for all customers.
Herington, residential $6.95 base, 9 cents KWH, commercial $9.95 base, 8.8 cents KWH.
Flint Hills Rural Electric Association, $10 base, 10.75 cents KWH during summer months and 9.952 cents during winter months up to 2,500 KWH; and 8.75 cents in the summer and 7.952 cents in the winter after 2,500 KWH per month.
Alma, $5.25 base, 11 cents KWH.
Lakin, $10 base, 11.75 cents KWH.
Ellinwood, $4.50 base, 10 cents KWH.
Westar Energy distributes electricity for residents of Peabody, Florence, and Canton.
Mayfield reminded the commission that Westar Energy had increased the city's annual contract amount by $84,000 by including a transmission charge.
