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KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Dec. 8, 2021 – On Monday, the Kansas Corporation Commission partially approved Evergy’s transportation electrification plan that is designed to help customers with electric vehicle (EV) adoption and charging availability in Kansas. Programs will begin rolling out to customers in early 2022.

Evergy’s plan features customer rebate programs, special EV rates and customer education. For residential customers who own or lease an EV, Evergy will offer rebates up to $500 to help homeowners install an EV charging station or a 240-volt outlet for faster, more efficient EV charging at home. Business customers can receive rebates to offset part of the cost of charging station installation and have access to new rates that encourage EV charging during times when Evergy has more renewable energy.

“The Commission’s order positions Kansas to make electric transportation more convenient,” said Kim Winslow, senior director of energy solutions at Evergy. “Encouraging the growth of electric vehicles in Kansas benefits all customers because EVs are frequently charged during times of lower electricity demand and when we have more wind energy on the grid.”

The Transportation Electrification plan will also provide Evergy the opportunity to study the grid impact of residential and business EV charging, which will be used to help manage grid impacts and inform future EV rates and program offers.

The Commission did not pre-approve Evergy’s proposal to expand its Clean Charge Network in Kansas. The Clean Charge Network is a public charging network in Missouri and Kansas of more than 1,000 level 2 and fast chargers. The Commission noted that with private buildout of charging networks and the potential federal funds for investing in chargers, it would be premature to issue a pre-approval of Evergy’s proposed expansion.    

“Going forward, Evergy will continue to evaluate the role of the Clean Charge Network alongside federal and other programs to ensure equitable access to EV charging for Evergy customers,” Winslow said.

Evergy has proposed a similar plan for its Missouri customers and expects an order from the Missouri Public Service Commission in December 2021 or early 2022.

Utilities across the country are working together to create corridors of EV charging to make driving EVs convenient. Today the Edison Electric Institute announced formation of the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), merging the existing Electric Highway Coalition and the Midwest Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Collaboration. Evergy was among 50 investor-owned electric companies, one electric cooperative, and the Tennessee Valley Authority involved with the NEHC, which has the stated commitment of providing EV fast charging stations that will allow the public to drive EVs with confidence along major U.S. travel corridors by the end of 2023.

About Evergy, Inc.
Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. We generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Media Contact:                                                            
Gina Penzig                                                                                               
Manager, External Communications                                                         
Phone: 785.508.2410                                                                                
gina.penzig@evergy.com                                             
Media Line: 888-613-0003