PR-09-61 -- PSC Approves Agreement Reached In Trigen-Kansas City Steam Rate Case

Contact: Kevin Kelly (573) 751-9300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- SEPTEMBER 22, 2008

JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Public Service Commission has approved an agreement which authorizes Trigen-Kansas City Energy Corporation (Trigen) to increase annual steam operating revenues by approximately $1.2 million. 

This rate case marks the first time that Trigen sought to increase its steam rates for operational costs since it acquired the system in 1990.  Trigen sought a rate increase of approximately $1.2 million in a March 11, 2008 filing with the Missouri Public Service Commission.  Trigen cited increased investment in plant and system, fuel prices and other input costs as primary factors in seeking the rate increase.

As a result of the agreement, steam customers of Trigen will see rates increase by approximately 20.5 percent.

“The Commission concludes that increasing Trigen’s base rates by $1,228,000 results in a just and reasonable revenue requirement for Trigen that is fair to both the utility and its customers,” the commission said.  “This revenue requirement is concluded to be no more than is sufficient to keep Trigen’s utility plants in proper repair for effective public service, and insure to Trigen’s investors a reasonable return upon funds invested.”

The agreement approved by the commission was filed by Trigen, the Office of the Public Counsel, Kansas City Power & Light Company, the PSC staff, the City of Kansas City and Jackson County.

Trigen-Kansas City Energy Corporation serves 56 steam customers in the Kansas City area.

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Case No. HR-2008-0300