Topeka ? The Kansas Corporation Commission has agreed to endorse Westar Energy’s $78 million increase in annual electric rates.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the three members of the rate-setting KCC agreed to the plan Tuesday.

Once the deal is finalized, households in Westar’s territory can expect to see monthly bills rise $5 to $7. Adjustments contained in the plan are expected to take effect in October.

Topeka-based Westar, the state’s largest utility, has about 690,000 residential, industrial and commercial customers, mostly in eastern Kansas.

The Citizens’ Utility Ratepayers Board, which advocates for small businesses and residential customers, had wanted the KCC to adopt a $56 million increase.