Kansas Commission Warns of Possible Energy Merger Halt

Kansas regulators have warned, although they have taken no action, they could halt the $12.2 billion sale of Topeka-based Westar Energy to Great Plains Energy if merger standards aren’t met—this according to The Topeka Capital-Journal.

The concerns surround a September filing, in which KCC staff questioned the lack of detail in the merger application. Great Plains Energy and Westar say they paraphrased merger standards and fully understand expectations.

Among KCC concerns is what departments or functions would remain in the Topeka headquarters and how long the merged company would remain committed to Topeka. Great Plains Energy said those matters have yet to be determined.

A spokesman for Great Plains Energy and Westar said that they remain committed to closing the merger transaction in the spring of 2017.