The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is holding a public hearing to allow Empire District Electric (Liberty) customers the opportunity to ask questions and make comments about the company’s recent rate increase request. On May 28, Empire filed an application with the KCC requesting to increase its rates to recover the costs of three wind projects, the retirement of its Asbury coal plant, and investments to strengthen and modernize its electric infrastructure and systems. If approved, residential customers with average usage will pay an additional $4.97 per month, an increase of 4.47%. The public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 16 beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually over Zoom to make it convenient for Empire customers in all Kansas service areas to participate.