KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Independence residents are getting some relief when it comes to their electric bill.
The city announced Wednesday electric utility users will receive a $193.82 credit to their account beginning Feb. 11.
The credits were made possible by a surplus the city discovered for its power and light department.
Independence officials will use a portion of the $22.5 million surplus to pay off department bonds, but the remaining $11 million will be used to fund the credits.
The city said no one should expect a check or refund for the amount. Rather, the one-time credit will be applied to current or past due charges on electric accounts.
It will not be available to water- or sewer-only customers.
Independence fell victim to a ransomware attack in late 2020 that delayed the department in sending out bills.
As a result, customers are seeing bills with 60 to 75 days of usage as they finally receive December and January statements.
The city said it is not charging late fees and will not resume utility shutoffs until April 1.
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