Have your electric bills been getting more expensive? You’re not alone. As of January 1, 2025, Evergy has increased its rates for customers in Missouri, leaving many homeowners facing higher energy costs.
This latest electric bill increase for KC residents is significantly higher than past adjustments, putting additional financial strain on households already dealing with rising costs across the board. If you’re wondering why this is happening and what you can do to protect yourself from future rate hikes, keep reading.
The Numbers Behind Evergy’s Rate Increase
In early 2024, Evergy Missouri West — which serves the Kansas City area — filed a request to increase rates on customers by 13.99% in 2025. While there was a period of time in which residents could make their voices heard and even appeal the changes, all appeals were denied. Therefore, the increase went into effect at the beginning of January.
Unfortunately, Evergy customers in Kansas City are used to increasing electricity bills. In 2023, Evergy made a shift to time-based electric plans, most of which would lead to an increase in prices if customers continued with their same electricity usage.
With the new rate hike, the average household in Kansas City with a $200 monthly electric bill can expect to pay an additional $27 per month, or $324 more annually. Households that use more electricity will see an even greater impact.
Evergy claims this increase is necessary to cover infrastructure improvements and higher operational costs. Their official statement highlights investments in reliability and clean energy initiatives. However, for the average homeowner, this just means a higher monthly bill with little immediate benefit.
Historically, when utilities justify rate increases with promises of future savings or service improvements, customers rarely see a noticeable difference.
What This Means for Kansas City Homeowners
For many Kansas City residents, this electricity bill increase comes at a time when the cost of living is already rising. Inflation has driven up prices on essentials like groceries, fuel, and housing. Now, with significantly higher electricity rates, homeowners have one more expense to worry about.
Historically, energy rates tend to increase incrementally, but this jump is well beyond what most homeowners expect. And the problem isn’t just in Missouri — Kansas residents should take note because a similar increase is expected in 2026.
Evergy has already indicated that Kansas ratepayers will likely see price adjustments in the near future. That means homeowners across the entire KC metro area need to prepare for continued hikes in their utility bills.
The Bigger Picture: Uncertainty and Rising Costs
This rate hike isn’t happening in a vacuum. Under the current administration, energy costs have been climbing across the country due to inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifts in energy policy. The uncertainty surrounding energy prices makes it difficult for homeowners to plan their expenses.
Many families rely on steady, predictable utility bills to budget effectively. But when an electric company can raise rates by double-digit percentages, it creates financial instability. If rates continue to increase at this pace, homeowners could be paying significantly more for electricity in just a few short years.
Adding to this uncertainty is the broader trend of rising costs in nearly every sector. From mortgage rates to everyday expenses, homeowners are being hit from all directions. When energy prices rise alongside everything else, it puts additional strain on family budgets. This instability makes it even more critical for homeowners to find ways to reduce their dependence on the traditional power grid.
Unfortunately for homeowners, regardless of who’s in the White House, energy rate hikes rarely seem to stop. Once rates go up, they typically stay high or continue climbing. While customers may feel trapped, as they have no control over what their energy provider decides to charge. And as utility companies operate with near-monopoly power, customers have little choice but to accept whatever rates are imposed.
Unless… there was some other way energy customers could protect themselves….
A Safe Investment: How Solar Can Protect Against Rate Hikes
One of the best ways to protect yourself from unpredictable energy costs to invest in solar panels. Unlike utility rates, which fluctuate based on corporate decisions and policy changes, solar power provides a stable, long-term solution for energy needs.
By installing solar panels, homeowners can generate their own electricity, reducing their reliance on the grid and insulating themselves from future rate hikes. With utility costs on the rise, solar panels provide a way to lock in lower energy costs for decades to come.
Financial Benefits of Solar
A major advantage of solar energy is that it allows homeowners to take control of their electricity costs. Once solar panels are installed, they begin generating power immediately, reducing monthly electricity bills. Some homeowners can even eliminate their electric bills entirely, depending on their system size and energy consumption.
Additionally, there are financial incentives available to make solar more affordable. The federal solar tax credit, also known as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), allows homeowners to deduct a significant percentage of their solar installation costs from their federal taxes. While this may not last forever, we know it’s still available through the end of 2025 — so if you’re interested, now could be your last chance to score major savings.
Another benefit is net metering, which allows homeowners with solar panels to send excess electricity back to the grid in exchange for credits on their utility bills. This means that on sunny days when solar panels generate more energy than the household uses, homeowners can reduce their overall costs even further.
Long-Term Protection Against Rate Hikes
One of the biggest advantages of solar energy is that it allows homeowners to hedge against future rate increases. Instead of being at the mercy of Evergy’s pricing decisions, homeowners with solar panels can produce their own energy, giving them independence from unpredictable rate hikes.
Over time, the savings from solar add up. Most solar panel systems pay for themselves in six to ten years, depending on energy usage and incentives. After that, homeowners essentially enjoy free electricity for the remainder of their system’s lifespan, which is typically 25 to 30 years — or even longer.
Get Ahead of the Next Kansas City Electricity Bill Increase with KC Solar
Missouri homeowners are already seeing the effects of Evergy’s rate hike, and Kansas residents are next in line. If you want to get ahead of rising energy costs, now is the time to explore solar energy as a solution. By making the switch, you can lock in lower energy costs, reduce your dependence on the utility company, and gain long-term financial stability.
The Kansas City electricity bill increase is a wake-up call for homeowners. Instead of waiting for the next rate hike, take control of your energy future today. Investing in solar isn’t just about saving money — it’s about securing your financial future against an unpredictable energy market.
Ready to chat? KC Solar are your local Kansas City solar panel installation experts. Once you schedule a no-pressure site visit, our experts will help you understand what solar system specifications would be best for your home or business.
We are a local company made up of KC natives with KC pride — in our city, and in our work. Which means we’ll always give you the best of ourselves.
And be sure to download our Free Solar Panel Buying Guide for more information.
We look forward to serving you!
