News Summary
As summer approaches, Kansas City residents should prepare for a 7% increase in electricity bills compared to last year. This rise translates to an estimated additional $44 for households. The surge is attributed to rising energy prices and predictions of extreme heat. Evergy, the local utility provider, has already implemented increased summer rates during peak hours. Low-income families may face challenges as federal assistance funding declines. It’s essential for residents to stay informed and explore options for energy savings and assistance to cope with the coming heat and bills.
Kansas City Residents Brace for Higher Electricity Bills this Summer!
Hey there, Kansas City! As we step into the sweltering days of summer, there’s some news you might want to pay attention to. This season, electricity bills are expected to jump by about 7% compared to last year. Let’s break it down so you know what to anticipate for your household budget.
What’s the Forecast for Your Bill?
As many of you know, summer can be tough on our wallets, especially when heating and cooling costs skyrocket. It turns out, residents of Kansas and Missouri are looking at an additional $44 tacked onto their electricity bills this summer! Nationally, electricity expenses are projected to soar to their highest levels in a decade, with an average increase of 7.9%.
Why the Spike?
The increased costs stem from a mix of rising energy prices and extreme weather predictions. According to a recent report, the price of electricity has surged by about 32% over the past decade, moving from 13.1 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2014 to a staggering 17.3 cents in 2024. Such increases can hit hard, especially if you consider the crazy temperatures we’re likely to see this year.
Expecting Heat Waves!
Yes, you heard it right! This summer is predicted to be hotter than usual for Kansas City residents. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has hinted at a 61% chance that 2024 could end up being hotter than last year, which was already record-setting. In fact, with a 33%-40% chance of above-average temperatures in the upcoming three months, the heat is not just a forecast, it’s practically a guarantee. And the hotter it gets, the more we’ll rely on our air conditioners, driving those electric costs even higher.
What’s Happening with Evergy?
For those of you who rely on Evergy for your electricity needs, there’s more to consider. Evergy has implemented increased summer rates since June 1; these rates come into effect during peak hours, which are the prime hours of need from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. Be mindful of your energy consumption during those times to avoid hefty bills!
How Will This Affect Households?
Sadly, low- and moderate-income families are likely to feel the pinch even more. With rising bills, many households might struggle to keep things cool and safe. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps, but funding has dipped significantly this year—from $6.1 billion last year to just $4.1 billion in 2024. While Missouri residents can apply for assistance all year, Kansas helps only during the winter months. Thankfully, Evergy has rolled out a fund called Evergy Cares that can provide up to $200 in overdue bill assistance for eligible low-income residents in Kansas.
What Are Your Options?
For those looking to save a bit of money this season, consider switching to different Evergy time-based rate plans which may offer you a better deal. They also offer programs like the Average Payment Plan and collaborate with organizations such as the Salvation Army to help those in need. Missouri even has a “Hot Weather Law” that prevents utility shut-offs during extreme heat, while Kansas doesn’t have this law yet. However, Evergy voluntarily follows similar guidelines.
Be Prepared!
As we gear up for this hot summer, it’s worth keeping an eye on your electricity consumption to manage those rising bills. With forecasts suggesting increasing temperatures, it’s essential to stay informed and consider all available options for assistance and savings. If you have questions about your electric bills or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out! Let’s tackle this summer heat together, Kansas City!
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City Weather News
- Wikipedia: Electricity
- Kansas City Power and Light News
- Google Search: Kansas City Electricity Costs
- Climate-Friendly Electricity Projects
- Google Scholar: Electricity Cost Increase
- Kansas City Power Outages News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Electricity Rates
- Evergy Natural Gas Power Plants
- Google News: Evergy Kansas City
