TOPEKA, Kan. — When Westar and KCP&L merged last June, new company officials announced a range of benefits to their customers, including customer credits.

Active Westar residential utility customers as of Feb. 16 will receive a merger credit of approximately $6.19 on their next bill. Officials say the amount will vary based on applicable taxes and fees.

Westar already distributed $73.1 million in merger and federal tax bill credits in December. Another $8.6 million in annual bill credits will be distributed from 2020-2022.

Westar officials say they have reduced electric rates. Both Westar and KCP&L completed rate reviews last year and, because of ongoing merger and federal income tax savings, base prices for electricity decreased by about $66 million.

These base rates are locked in for five years and will not change until December of 2023.