The utility plans to start a program next year to encourage energy conservation. The program is expected to cost KCP&L $40 million in electricity sales over three years, but also result in electricity savings of about $150 million during the same period.

The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/ZcQice ) the program will cover 300,000 customers formerly served by Aquila Inc., mostly in Missouri suburbs of Kansas City.

The Missouri Public Service Commission will allow the utility to slightly increase those customers’ rates to cover initial costs. If it meets 70 percent of its conservation goals after three years, KCP&L would be able to raise rates further.

___

Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com