Westar marks 25 million megawatt hours of wind energy

“Kansas wind energy benefits Westar customers and Kansas communities while keeping our air clean. Ten years ago Westar Energy committed to three wind farms to gain practical experience,” said John Bridson, vice president, generation services. “Today with 10 wind farms, we are a wind energy leader in Kansas and the nation meeting about a third of our customers’ needs with wind. Kansas’ wind energy is a competitively priced electricity source for Westar customers and brings jobs and investment to rural Kansas communities.”

During the past decade, Westar has increased its generation from renewables by more than 1,250 percent, helping to propel Kansas to third in the nation for wind generation. Westar also has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 40 percent from 2005 levels

Westar owns or purchases electricity from 10 wind farms, representing a capital investment of $2.5 billion, and has announced a partnership with NextEra Energy to purchase electricity from Soldier Creek Wind Energy Center, which is set to being production by the end of 2020.