Westar Energy requests renewable energy bids

The largest utility in Kansas today announced it's seeking bids to develop up to 500 megawatts of electricity from renewable resources.

"Westar Energy, like many utilities, is entering a time when new generation is needed," said Jim Haines, Westar Energy chief executive officer. "When looking at the options we have to invest in providing electricity for Kansas' growing needs, it is important that we evaluate renewable resources in addition to traditional-fueled generation."

In the request for renewable projects, Westar said it would like a portion of the generation to be online by the end of 2008 and the remainder to be online by the end of 2010.

The proposal invites firms to submit proposals allowing for Westar to own the facility after development and construction. Bidders may provide other options, including entering into an agreement to purchase electricity produced at the facility or other options bidders believe would be attractive to Westar and its customers.

Proposals will be due April 2, at which time Westar Energy will begin reviewing the submissions.

In 2004, Westar Energy solicited bids for renewable energy projects. The company received 17 proposals from 13 companies. Most of the proposed projects were wind farms. At that time, the company chose not to proceed with any of them.

"The technology behind renewable energy is developing rapidly," said Doug Sterbenz, executive vice president generation and marketing. "We are hopeful that investment in generation fueled by renewable resources will prove beneficial to Westar Energy and our customers."

Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) is the largest electric utility in Kansas, providing electric service to about 669,000 customers in the state. Westar Energy has about 6,000 megawatts of electric generation capacity and operates and coordinates approximately 33,000 miles of electric distribution and transmission lines.

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