Johnson County to file testimony in Evergy rate-making proceeding, seeks seat at the table

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on March 6 to direct county chief counsel to submit testimony consistent with the county’s position statement in Evergy’s petition before the Kansas Corporation Commission (docket number 23-EKCE-775-RTS).

The action gives Johnson County “a seat at the table” as Evergy seeks determinations about rate-making principles and treatment under K.S.A. 66‑12,139(d)(2), county representatives said. Commissioners and county staff framed the county’s priorities to include transmission-infrastructure improvements, grid resilience and a voluntary carbon‑free electricity tariff to support recruitment of businesses with sustainability goals.

Adam Norris (county staff) explained the county’s view of a carbon-free tariff as voluntary and geared to economic development: “that is a voluntary tariff,” he said, and it “provides us an economic development tool to welcome [companies] here to Johnson County” by offering an option for businesses that want 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

Commissioners praised the outreach to Evergy and to stakeholder groups including the Sustainability Coalition. Commissioner Brewer noted the county was taking a new step by formally requesting to intervene and participate in the docket; Commissioner Hanslick asked staff to continue collaborating with cities and regional partners to align transmission and resilience priorities.

Commissioner Hanslick moved that the board direct chief counsel to submit testimony consistent with the position statement; Commissioner Brewer seconded. The motion passed on a 7-0 roll call.