Topeka Metro has announced the approval of a petition to the Kansas Corporation Commission for a special rate for electricity produced by Westar Energy and used to power electric vehicles providing transit services. Topeka Metro initiated the application request to Westar for inclusion in the recent rate case. This rate will apply to electricity transmitted during overnight off-peak hours when it is less costly to produce electricity.
Recently, Topeka Metro has hosted demonstrations from several electric bus providers and continues to evaluate vehicles most suitable to meet local needs and best able to operate in Topeka’s sometimes extreme weather conditions.
This new rate will enhance any future grant application efforts towards the purchase of battery-electric transit buses as well as transition to vehicles with lower operating costs (through reduced fuel and maintenance costs) and less negative environmental impact. This rate effort was supported by other transit operations in Kansas who may benefit, including Lawrence, Wichita, Manhattan, and Emporia, as well as the Kansas Public Transit Association, of which Topeka Metro is a member.
