Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA The Kansas Corporation Commission on Tuesday extended a mandate requiring utilities to offer 12-month payment plans and waive late fees for those struggling to pay their bills.
The commission, which oversees public utilities in the state, issued the original order in May, and it was set to expire at the end of the year. The action ensures that any electric, natural gas and water utility companies under KCC jurisdiction must abide by the order until the pandemic has ended.
“As a commission, this is our responsibility during these unprecedented times to continually review the lay of the land in the state of Kansas and understand what is going on in our communities as it relates to the pandemic and how the population is impacted,” said Susan Duffy, KCC chairwoman. “We’re on the wrong end of this pandemic right now in the state.”
Noah Taborda, Kansas Reflector
photo by: Noah Taborda/Kansas Reflector
Melissa Taylor Standridge, left who was nominated by Gov. Laura Kelly, right, in November, was sworn in to the Kansas Supreme Court on Monday.
As she was sworn in to the Kansas Supreme Court Monday, Melissa Taylor Standridge dedicated her future work to promoting public trust and confidence in the state’s justice system.
Standridge, a Leawood resident appointed by Gov. Laura Kelly last month, took the oath in a virtual ceremony. She fills the opening left by the retirement of Justice Carol Beier, who had served on the court since 2003.