Westar Energy (NYSE:WR), the leader in Kansas wind energy, requests proposals for renewable energy projects that would provide affordable, clean energy to Westar customers by the end of 2016.
“Proudly, Westar has made the largest commitment to renewable energy in Kansas, pushing our state to among the top five in the nation,” said Mark Ruelle, Westar Energy president and chief executive officer. “We want to make affordable renewable energy available to all our customers, while creating jobs in Kansas communities.”
The company will accept proposals in the form of Westar ownership, a power purchase agreement or other appropriate transactions. Westar will offer a portion of its Ironwood development rights in Ford and Hodgeman counties as potential project sites. Developers are free to use their own sites as well. Proposals are due July 20, 2015.
Although most renewable energy produced in Kansas has been wind, any renewable energy project will be considered if it meets Westar’s objective to provide affordable, clean energy to its customers. Through the project evaluation process, Westar will consider overall costs, the status of state and federal policy on renewable resources, regulatory treatment and adequate transmission capacity to deliver the renewable energy to customers.
Additionally, Westar will evaluate how developers address the interests of local communities and minimize environmental impact on wildlife and natural resources. Accordingly, all proposals must adhere to guidelines set forth by the Kansas Energy Council. Westar will give preference to projects in close proximity to Westar’s existing service area. However, competitive bids from outside Kansas will be evaluated as well.
Westar Energy is committed to being a good steward of the environment and is the Kansas leader in renewable energy with almost 1,300 megawatts of renewable resources. A complete copy of the request for proposals is available at www.WestarEnergy.com/rfp.