Notice of Public Hearing and Comment Period
Concerning Kansas Gas Service Rate Request
DOCKET NO. 24-KGSG-610-RTS

Kansas Gas Service has filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission ("Commission") requesting a net increase in base rates of $58.1 million. The requested increase would affect the portions of a customer's bill that relate to the delivery of natural gas by Kansas Gas Service, including the fixed monthly Service Charge and the Delivery Charge.

The filing proposes new residential rate options that align with the energy used by the customer. If approved, the average monthly residential bill will increase by approximately $6.71 (10.41%) for customers who use less natural gas and $9.48 (8.25%) for those who use more natural gas.

Small Residential: These rates are designed for customers with 73 Mcf or less of natural gas usage per year. Customers in this rate option will have a lower monthly service charge and higher delivery charge. The application requests that the monthly Service Charge increase from $18.18 to $20.00 and the Delivery Charge increase from $2.3485 to $4.3818 per Mcf. The existing GSRS ($3.57 per month), which we review annually, will be added to base rates, and the GSRS line item on your bill will reset to zero until the next review. 

Large Residential: These rates are designed for customers with more than 73 Mcf of natural gas usage per year. Customers in this rate option have a higher monthly service charge and lower delivery charge. The application requests that the monthly Service Charge increase from $18.18 to $35.00 per month and the Delivery Charge decrease from $2.3485 to $1.9160 per Mcf. The existing GSRS ($3.57 per month), which we review annually, will be added to base rates, and the GSRS line item on your bill will reset to zero until the next review.

REGULATORY RESPONSIBILITY
The Commission regulates public utilities, including home telephone, natural gas, electric and water companies, as well as motor carriers, oil and gas pipelines, and oil and gas producers. The Commission's regulatory oversight of public utilities primarily pertains to rates and terms of service. In order to ensure that customers of regulated utilities are provided sufficient and efficient service at just and reasonable rates; utilities may not change their rates without Commission approval.

PUBLIC HEARING
The Commission has scheduled two public hearings for Kansas Gas Service customers to learn more about the request and share their comments about the proposal.

Thursday, June 13, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
Washburn Institute of Technology
Main Conference Center, Building A
5724 SW Huntoon St.
Topeka, Kansas 66604

Monday, June 17, 2024, 6-8 p.m.
Wichita State University, Low Auditorium
Hughes Metropolitan Complex
5014 E 29th St. North
Wichita, Kansas 67205

Attendees may participate in person or virtually through Zoom. Those choosing to join through Zoom must register at https://kcc.ks.gov/your-opinion-matters by noon the day before the hearing. The hearing will be broadcast live on the Commission’s YouTube channel, which can be found on the Commission’s website: www.kcc.ks.gov. Registration is not required to view only. A recording of the hearing will be available on the Commission’s website.

Any person requiring special accommodations at the hearing site under the Americans with Disabilities Act needs to give notice to the Commission at least 10 days before the scheduled hearing date by calling 785-271-3140.

PUBLIC COMMENTS
The Commission will accept comments from Kansas Gas Service customers through 5 p.m., August 5, 2024. There are three convenient ways to submit a comment: 

1. Visit the KCC website at www.kcc.ks.gov and click on the “Your Opinion Matters” link to enter your comment.
2. Send a written letter to the Kansas Corporation Commission, Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, KS 66604 4027. Be sure to reference Docket No. 24 KGSG 610 RTS.
3. Call the Commission's Public Affairs office at 800 662 0027 or 785-271 3140. 

Public Comments received during the comment period will be entered into the official case record and posted on the website at the end of the comment period.

EVIDENTIARY HEARING
A three-day evidentiary hearing on Kansas Gas Service’s request will begin on August 12, 2024, at 9 a.m., at the Commission’s offices, 1500 SW Arrowhead Rd, Topeka, Kansas 66604-4027. The Commission must issue a decision by October 25, 2024.

MORE ABOUT KANSAS GAS SERVICE’S PROPOSAL
In its application, Kansas Gas Service said the increase was necessary because the company has continued to invest in its system to provide its customers with safe, reliable and efficient natural gas service. The company further stated it has experienced increased payroll expenses and supplier costs.

Kansas Gas Service is also seeking approval to establish two rate options for residential customers based on usage. Additionally, Kansas Gas Service proposes a Performance-based Ratemaking Mechanism (“PBR”) that would provide for annual rate changes through a streamlined process. Kansas Gas Service’s last base rate increase of $21.5 million ($18.6 million net of GSRS) was approved on February 5, 2019.

Kansas Gas Service is a division of ONE Gas, Inc., a 100-percent regulated natural gas utility that serves more than 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Kansas Gas Service provides natural gas service to approximately 648,000 homes and businesses in 360 communities in Kansas. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A complete copy of Kansas Gas Service's application and supporting testimony is available on the Commission's website at www.kcc.ks.gov by searching Docket Filings for Docket No. 24-KGSG-610-RTS. If you need more information about the requested rate increase or the public hearing, contact the Commission's Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at 800-662-0027 or public.affairs@kcc.ks.gov.