TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Attorneys are telling Kansas regulators an agreement that would allow the state’s largest electric company to increase its rates about 4 percent is reasonable for customers.

The rate-setting Kansas Corporation Commission had a 90-minute hearing Monday on the proposed deal. It was struck by Topeka-based Westar Energy Inc., the commission’s staff, a state consumer advocacy agency and the utility’s largest customers.

The company’s annual rates would rise $78 million — about half of what Westar wanted. Most households would see their monthly bills increase from $5 to $7 a month.

Westar sought higher rates to pay for power plant upgrades.

Attorneys representing the parties urged the three-member commission not to change any of the agreement’s terms. State law gives the KCC until Oct. 28 to issue an order.

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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas regulators are reviewing an agreement that would allow the state’s largest electric company to increase its rates by $78 million a year.

The Kansas Corporation Commission was opening hearings Monday on the deal between Topeka-based Westar Energy Inc., a state consumer advocacy board and other parties.

State law gives the three-member KCC until Oct. 28 to issue an order revising Westar’s rates.

The utility has said that under the agreement, most households would see their electric bills rise between $5 and $7 a month. Westar has nearly 700,000 customers in Kansas.

The company initially sought an annual rate increase of $152 million, largely to cover costs already incurred for power plant upgrades. But consumer advocates and the KCC’s own staff objected.