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Westar Energy Requests Bids for Renewable Energy

Posted on: Monday, 26 February 2007, 17:32 CST

TOPEKA, Kan., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Westar Energy, Inc. today announced that it is 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 wherein Westar Energy would own the facility after development and construction. Additionally bidders may provide other options to Westar 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.

Westar requires that wind power proposals adhere to the guidelines set forth by the Kansas Energy Council. The state guidelines discuss consideration that should be given to residents and natural resources in and near potential wind power sites and other concerns.

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

A complete copy of the request for proposals is available at the utility's Web site, http://www.westarenergy.com/ .

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. Based on the proposals submitted and the technology available at the time, the company determined that customers were better served by the company continuing to use its existing generation facilities.

"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. 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.

For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.westarenergy.com/ .

Forward-looking statements: Certain matters discussed in this news release are "forward-looking statements." The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like "believe,""anticipate,""target,""expect,""pro forma,""estimate,""intend,""guidance" or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although Westar Energy believes that its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. Therefore, actual results could vary materially from what we expect. Please review our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended Sept. 30, 2005 for important risk factors that could cause results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made except as required by applicable laws or regulations.

Media contact: Gina Penzig, senior communications media representative Phone: 785.575.8089 gina.penzig@WestarEnergy.com Investor contact: Bruce Burns, director, investor relations Phone: 785.575.8227 bruce.burns@WestarEnergy.com

Westar Energy

CONTACT: Media, Gina Penzig, senior communications media representative,+1-785-575-8089, gina.penzig@WestarEnergy.com , or Investors, Bruce Burns,director, investor relations, +1-785-575-8227, bruce.burns@WestarEnergy.com ,both of Westar Energy

Web site: http://www.westarenergy.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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