13-1228a.   Board of public utilities; rate increases; notice; procedure.Prior to the effective date of an increase in any rate fixedpursuant to the authority of K.S.A. 13-1227 or 13-1228, the board of publicutilities shall hold a publichearing for the purpose of presenting to the public the findings of theboard supporting the reasonableness of the proposed rate increase. Thefindings shall include all pertinent financial data, supportingdocuments and analysis relating to the rate increase. Any affectedutility customer may appear at the public hearing and present testimonyof witnesses under oath, conduct cross-examination of employees andrepresentatives of the board, present oral argument and file writtenbriefs in support of such customer's position. Notice of the time andplace of the public hearing and the amount of the proposed rate increaseshall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation inthe city which owns the public utility at least 90 days prior to thepublic hearing. Not less than 90 days prior to the public hearing,the board shall make available for review by any affected customerduring regular business hours the financial data, supporting documentsand analysis in possession of the board which substantiates the findingssupporting the proposed rate increase. The public hearing shall beconducted pursuant to procedures adopted by the board not inconsistentwith the provisions of this section. A transcript shall be made of thepublic hearing and copies of the transcript shall be made available tothe public upon payment of the cost thereof. The public hearing may becontinued by the board from time to time and within five days after itscompletion, the board shall fix such rates as it deems justifiedpursuant to its findings and the evidence presented at the publichearing.

      History:   L. 1980, ch. 72, § 9; L. 1981, ch. 81, § 1; L. 1982,ch. 85, § 1; July 1.