A Lawrence couple is voicing concerns about what could’ve happened when Evergy unexpectedly cut their electricity for hours on a 90-degree day this week. Long outages without notice could be dangerous for people, pets and food.
Sarah Hill-Nelson, CEO of Bowersock Mills & Power Co., said tax benefits designed to encourage growth of alternative energy production projects — now threatened by Congress — were essential to upgrading the hydroelectric plant.
Staff at the state’s utility regulatory agency disagree with Evergy’s proposed rate increase that includes a 15% hike to residential electric rates.
Opponents to two new natural gas plants proposed by Evergy testified Wednesday about uncertain costs of natural gas and pushed the Kansas Corporation Commission to consider other options for expanding power generation in the state.
Stark disagreements on the future of Evergy’s proposal to build two new natural gas plants in Kansas surfaced Monday during opening statements at the beginning of three days of Kansas Corporation Commission hearings.
Most of Lawrence had power restored by 5 p.m. Wednesday following high winds from a storm overnight that at one point left 2,400 Evergy customers without power.
Deerfield Elementary School and the Lawrence school district offices are closed Wednesday because of a neighborhood power outage. Phone lines are now working at all district buildings except for those two.
More than 2,400 Evergy customers in Lawrence were without power as of 12:45 a.m. Wednesday as strong winds blew through the area.
Evergy, Kansas’ largest electric utility, will add two natural gas plants by the end of 2030, the company announced Monday.
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
Power has been restored for all but about 2,300 Lawrence-area Evergy customers, but it may be Friday evening before everyone has electricity again. Local rec centers are available to cool off.
