This bill amends existing Kansas law regarding natural gas public utilities, specifically focusing on the gas system reliability surcharge (GSRS). It authorizes these utilities to recover certain growth-related investments in their infrastructure, which includes plant, facilities, or equipment. The bill raises the cap on the amount that the monthly fixed charge can be increased each year and mandates that the state corporation commission must issue an order within 90 days after a utility files a petition to change the GSRS. Additionally, it clarifies definitions related to eligible infrastructure investments and outlines the process for utilities to submit petitions and supporting documentation for GSRS changes.

Key changes include the removal of language that previously required infrastructure investments to be directly linked to new customers, allowing for a broader range of eligible projects. The bill also specifies that the GSRS charge will be a fixed monthly charge rather than based on consumption, with a new maximum increase of $1.35 per residential customer. Furthermore, it establishes that the commission's approval of a GSRS petition does not bind future ratemaking decisions regarding the costs of infrastructure investments. The bill repeals the existing sections of K.S.A. 66-2202 and 66-2204, effectively updating the legal framework governing the GSRS for natural gas public utilities in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
Sub: 66-2202, 66-2204
Enrolled: 66-2202, 66-2204