Your Atmos Energy bill may be going up around Kansas City. What to know, how to weigh in

A public hearing on a potential increase to Atmos Energy’s revenue — which also means a potential increase to energy bills — is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The company provides natural gas to many homes in Johnson County, as well as Douglas and Leavenworth counties.

The Kansas Corporation Commission, which regulates some utility companies in the state, is deciding whether Atmos can raise customers’ rates in order to collect more revenue— and they’re seeking public comment.

Atmos estimates that the requested rate increase will cause residential customers’ natural gas bills to rise by around $5.60 per month on average. That’s a bump of 6.4%.

If approved, the increase would net the company an additional $8.3 million a year.

How can I give my feedback on the rate increase?

Natural gas customers who want to participate in the hearing must register by noon Tuesday on the commission’s website. It will be held virtually over Zoom.

“Since there may be limited capacity, registration will be first come, first serve,” the corporation wrote on its registration page for the meeting. “A live video stream will also be available on the Commission’s YouTube channel for persons wishing to watch, but not comment during the public hearing.”

Here’s the link to the live stream of the hearing, which is scheduled to last from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Wednesday. You don’t have to register if you only want to watch the hearing without commenting.

How can I comment if I miss the hearing?

If you’re not able to make Wednesday’s public hearing, you can still contribute to the rate case by submitting your feedback online. The commission is accepting comments through 5 p.m. on Friday, March 10.

You can submit your feedback online through the commission’s website or call the commission at 785-271-3140 any time between now and March 10. If you call, be sure to reference the Atmos rate case’s docket number: 23 ATMG 359 RTS.

Do you have more questions about utility regulation in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.