PR-09-184 -- PSC Approves Agreement In KCP&L Decommissioning Case

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- APRIL 30, 2009

Customer Rates To Remain The Same

JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved an agreement reached by Kansas City Power & Light Company (KCP&L), the Office of the Public Counsel and the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission which addresses KCP&L’s decommissioning cost estimate and funding level of its nuclear decommissioning trust fund.

KCP&L stated in its application that the current annual funding level of approximately $1.28 million is adequate to meet the cost of decommissioning the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant.  KCP&L stated that the current annual contribution amount should not be changed at this time.  KCP&L’s 2008 cost estimate to decommission the Wolf Creek nuclear power plant is approximately $593.5 million.

The agreement approved by the Commission finds that KCP&L shall continue its Missouri current annual funding level of approximately $1.28 million and therefore current electric rates for KCP&L customers should not be changed. 

On August 29, 2008, KCP&L filed an application with the Public Service Commission in compliance with Commission rules and regulations which require review of the trust fund accruals and the projected costs of decommissioning every three years.  These reviews are designed to ensure adequate funding for decommissioning of the power plant.

KCP&L serves approximately 271,000 electric customers in western Missouri.

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Case No. EO-2009-0072