Johnson County to file position statement in Evergy rate-making docket seeking carbon-free tariff, community solar and transmission commitments

Johnson County staff recommended the board adopt a position statement and authorize counsel to submit testimony in the county's notice of intervention in Evergy's rate-making principles docket before the Kansas Corporation Commission.

Adam Norris explained state law allows local governments to intervene in proceedings at the Kansas Corporation Commission that affect rate-making principles for generation and transmission projects. Norris said the county's position statement does not oppose Evergy's investments but seeks commitments to align utility projects with county priorities, including carbon-free electricity options, tariff development, community solar, energy storage and energy-efficiency investments, plus transmission improvements to support continued economic growth. He said the county coordinated its position with nearby intervenors including Overland Park and Lawrence and noted WaterOne has expressed interest as a major local customer.

Commissioners expressed support for the outreach and the position statement's role in protecting economic-development capacity and reliability. The chair characterized a voluntary carbon-free tariff as an economic development tool to help attract companies with sustainability requirements. New board sustainability liaison Commissioner Hanslick and other commissioners said they had discussed the statement with the Sustainability Coalition and that coalition experts supported the approach. Several commissioners requested briefings to familiarize themselves with terminology in the statement before formal action.

Ending: Staff recommended adopting the position statement and authorizing counsel to file testimony; commissioners directed staff to keep the item on action so board members can receive additional briefings before a formal vote.