TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – The state’s consumer counsel’s office says Westar Energy’s latest rate request has been settled.

The proposed settlement will give the utility an additional $30.7 million a year and raise residential customer bills $3 a month. The Kansas Corporation Commission still must approve the settlement.

The Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board says the settlement drops a proposal by Westar to shift about $50 million of cost from its large industrial and commercial customers to residential and small-business ratepayers.

The Wichita Eagle reports (https://bit.ly/14CHWzb ) Westar applied for the rate increase mostly to pay for required environmental upgrades at its La Cygne power plant in eastern Kansas. Westar Energy does provide electric service in both Manhattan and Junction City.