Kan. utility reaches settlement on electric rates

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A proposed regulatory settlement would allow Kansas' largest electric company to raise its rates $17.1 million a year.

Households served by Topeka-based Westar Energy Inc. would see their monthly bills rise an average of $1.

But it would be the fourth rate increase for Westar since the beginning of this year.

The settlement announced Friday involves Westar, advocates for its customers and the staff of the Kansas Corporation Commission.

The commission regulates utilities and still would have to sign off on the settlement. It plans to have a hearing Tuesday.

The additional revenues would help cover Westar's investments in wind farms in western Kansas and a natural gas-fired power plant outside Emporia.

Westar had sought a $19.7 million rate increase.