Topeka ? Kansas regulators will conclude a series of hearings next week on moving toward equalizing rates for customers of Westar Energy Inc.

Westar is the state’s biggest electric utility. The company wants to end its practice of charging different rates in its northern and southern divisions.

The Kansas Corporation Commission plans to hear testimony from executives and consultants Monday and Tuesday. The panel has until late October to rule.

Westar was formed in the 1990s from a the merger of a Wichita-based company and a Topeka utility. The Wichita utility had higher rates than the Topeka company.

The KCC has narrowed the gap over time. Westar believes rates are close enough to allow consolidation.