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Posted on Tue., October 02, 2007
The Capital-Journal

Westar Invests in Wind Farms

Westar Energy Inc. has reached agreements with developers who plan to build three wind farms in Kansas that would generate 300 megawatts, Westar Energy announced Monday.

The agreements represent more than a $500 million commitment to wind power in the state and will make Westar's wind energy program the largest in Kansas, Westar Energy said Monday. The three wind farms are expected to be producing energy by the end of next year. The output of the three wind farms is about the equivalent of the electricity used by 88,000 homes.

In a filing with the Kansas Corporation Commission, the company said the wind resources, coupled with Westar's existing generating portfolio, would allow Westar to defer the need to build another coal plant. Westar Energy said the addition of wind resources may lower long-term costs of energy, but that in the short run, an average residential customer would see an increase of about $2 to $2.50 per month.

Under the agreements, Westar Energy would own about half of the wind generators, at a cost of about $282 million, and purchase energy under supply contracts for the other half.

- Central Plains Wind Farm is a 99 MW project in Wichita County between Leoti and Scott City. The developer for the project is RES America Developments Inc. Westar will own the generation at this location.

- Westar Energy will purchase under contract 96 MW from the Meridian Way Wind Farm in Cloud County. Horizon Wind Energy, a company owned by Energias de Portugal, developed, owns and will operate the 201 MW wind farm.

- The Flat Ridge Wind Farm is a proposed 100 MW wind-powered electric generating project to be located in Barber County. BP Alternative Energy North America Inc. is developing the project through its subsidiary, Flat Ridge Wind Energy LLC. At completion, Westar will own 50 MW of power generation and will purchase the remaining 50 MW under an agreement.

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