In early 2017, Westar Energy will add 280 MW of wind energy from the Western Plains Wind Farm, bringing Westar’s commitment to renewable energy to about 1,750 MW— which is enough to provide about a third of its retail customers’ electricity. Learn more here.
More wind from Kansas’ central plains is being harnessed for electricity as the Kingman and Ninnescah Wind Energy Centers officially begin production. Combined, the 400 MW of new wind-generated energy will produce enough power for 100,000 Kansas homes.
“Westar selected these projects because they provide clean, renewable energy at a competitive price,” said John Bridson, Westar Energy Senior VP of generation and marketing. “We continue our commitment to growing our renewable portfolio while maintaining a diverse, modern power supply for our customers.”
Westar Energy will purchase electricity from the wind farms, which NextEra Energy Resources developed and will operate. Westar is providing about half the energy produced at Kingman to its wholesale partners Midwest Energy and the cities of McPherson, Chanute, Iola, Fredonia and Sabetha.—
The remaining energy from Kingman and the energy from Ninnescah will serve Westar’s retail customers. Combined, the two wind farms will bring about $800 million in investment and local payments to the area along with 23 jobs to Kingman and Pratt counties.
Filed Under: News, Projects
