Lower bills will greet western Kansas electricity customers after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission was caught not enforcing its own rules regarding transmission costs from wind farms in the state.
FERC recently decided, under pressure from Kansas U.S. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, to make sure customers of the utilities transmitting power from wind farms to 15 other states weren’t paying for the majority of the cost.
“FERC’s ruling is a major win for Kansan consumers. Our state is proud to be a leader in energy production, but that doesn’t mean Kansas consumers should be forced to foot most of the bill so consumers in other states can enjoy our services at a discount,” said Sen. Marshall.
He said the cost proved to be an “unnecessary financial burden”‘ for Kansans and the savings could be millions of dollars a year.
“I’m glad FERC corrected this misaligned policy and Kansas ratepayers will now save $9.9 million a year.”
The Senator also pointed out that FERC had been acting in violation of its own requirement that transmission costs must be based in relation to the benefits received by consumers.
FERC’s ruling to revise transmission costs will benefit families and businesses across the state,” said Senator Moran. “This new adjustment removes unnecessary burdens from Kansans to make life more affordable, and I am grateful FERC has corrected its policies to make sure costs are allocated in a manner that is more commensurate with the benefits received.”
The two Senators first called on FERC last fall to issue an order that would stop Kansans from paying for 67% of wind energy transmission costs when they only need to use about 30% of wind-generated electricity. FERC dragged its feet, so Senators Marshall and Moran followed up with the agency in April 2024.