The Kansas City, Kan., Board of Public Utilities approved a budget increase of $75 million for 2015, largely attributed to environmental costs at the Nearman plant, on Wednesday night.
According to BPU spokesman, David Mehlhaff, the BPU does not currently have plans to adjust electric rates in 2015.
A BPU news release stated that the $450 million BPU budget was $75 million more than the 2014 budget.
The increase was the result of costs surrounding environmental upgrades at the Nearman coal-fired power plant, the news release stated.
Government mandates have resulted in increased costs for electric utilities as they comply with environmental rules to provide cleaner power to customers, according to the BPU news release.
The 2015 budget priorities include: remaining focused on needs of customers through increased communication and new customer friendly initiatives; delivering reliable electric and utility service through use of innovative, advanced technology, enforcing reliability standards for all transmission and distribution system components; energizing the new Fiberglass Substation to increase electric distribution capacity, reduce system losses and improve service to Fairfax commercial and industrial customers; begin construction of the Nearman Air Quality Control Project; promoting energy efficiency through customer education and develop new programs that improve overall energy efficiency in the community.
The news release stated that BPU will continue to improve internal efficiencies and reduce costs, assist and support community partners and governmental units, and meet and prepare for future customer growth.