Community leaders urge Evergy to adopt incentive programs in Kansas energy policy discussions

The Lawrence City Environmental Sustainability Advisory Board convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues related to energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in the community. A significant focus of the meeting was the potential for partnerships with Evergy, the local utility provider, to enhance energy-saving programs.

Board members expressed frustration over Evergy's lack of participation in the Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program, which allows property owners to finance energy efficiency upgrades. Despite efforts to encourage Evergy to adopt similar incentive programs available in other states, such as Missouri, the board noted that these initiatives have not been implemented in Lawrence. Members highlighted the need for stronger advocacy from higher regulatory bodies, such as the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), to push for these programs.

The discussion also touched on the complexities of utility regulations and the challenges residents face in understanding technical energy policies. Board members emphasized the importance of clear communication from utility companies to the public, particularly regarding financial justifications for not offering certain programs.

Another key topic was the concept of green leasing, which aligns the interests of landlords and tenants in energy efficiency. While the board recognized the potential benefits of promoting green leasing, they acknowledged that they could only recommend such practices rather than mandate them due to legal limitations. The board discussed the possibility of requiring landlords to disclose utility costs to tenants, which could incentivize property owners to make energy-efficient improvements.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the ongoing challenges Lawrence faces in advancing its sustainability goals, particularly in collaboration with utility providers. The board plans to continue advocating for energy efficiency programs and exploring innovative solutions to enhance community engagement in sustainability efforts.