Energy Resource Fair set for Nov. 13

Kansas City Power and Light is hosting an Energy Resource Fair in Nevada Friday, Nov. 13 at On My Own, 428 East Highland from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The resource fair is part of a new Connections program, designed to help its customers reduce energy usage, access community resources and address payment issues.

Jim Alberts, vice president of customer services at KCP&L, said that although the economy in the region may be improving, not everyone has benefited.

"Though there are signs of economic recovery in our region, many families have not yet experienced a recovery in their personal finances," Alberts said. "We are experienced working with customers who have always struggled to pay their bills, but now there is a new group of customers who are experiencing challenges for the first time. The Connections program is designed to educate all our customers about the many programs and services we offer to help them manage their energy costs."

During the resource fair attendees can meet face-to-face with KCP&L employees equipped to answer questions, set up payment arrangements and provide referrals to local resources, such as the Salvation Army, United Way, and West Central Missouri Community Action Agency.

"We have found that many customers are simply unaware of the programs we offer to help them manage their energy bills," Alberts added. "The Energy Resource Fairs are a great way to connect our customers with KCP&L's programs as well as financial assistance from community agencies. Partnering with our customers to keep them from falling behind on their bills helps the customer, KCP&L and all customers we serve."

The fair also will showcase several energy-efficiency programs that help customers save money by exercising greater control over their energy usage: KCP&L's free online Energy Analyzer tool highlights home energy use and outlines conservation tips; with Energy Optimizer, customers can potentially save 20 percent on energy costs by signing up for a free Honeywell programmable thermostat, valued at $300; finally, Missouri customers can learn details about conducting a home energy audit, implementing recommended measures and receiving up to $600 in rebates from KCP&L.

As an additional on-the-spot convenience fair attendees can sign up for KCP&L's AccountLink, a secure online account management tool. AccountLink gives customers one-click access to billing information and transaction history, as well as customization options including paperless billing, budget billing, no-fee credit card payments and the ability to schedule automatic monthly payments. AccountLink can be accessed anytime at www.kcpl.com through the "My Account" tab.

Fairs are scheduled in many communities KCP&L serves, below is a list of dates and locations for other fairs.

Nov. 5: Sedalia, Mo., Sedalia Community Center, 312 S. Washington Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nov. 9: Kansas City, Mo., Southeast Community Center, 3601 East 63rd Street, 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 12: St. Joseph, Mo., YWCA, 304 N. 8th St., 4-7 p.m.; Nov. 16: Overland Park, Kan., Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty St., 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 17: Paola, Kan., Fort Scott Community Center, 501 South Hospital Dr., 3 - 6 p.m.; Nov. 18: Clinton, Mo., Senior Center, 970 E. Sedalia Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Nov. 20: Shawnee Mission, Kan., Sylvester Powell, Jr. Community Center, 6200 Martway St., 3-6 p.m.; Nov. 21: Liberty, Mo., Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 N 291 Hwy, 9 a.m.-noon; Dec. 2: Parkville, Mo / North Kansas City, Mo., Location and time to be announced.; Dec. 3: Warrensburg, Mo., Community Center, 445 E. Gay St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dec. 4: Richmond, Mo., City Hall, 205 Summit Rd., 8-10 a.m.; Dec. 9: Raytown, Mo., Richard Green Family YMCA, 10301 E. 350 Highway, 3-6 p.m.