Westar answers Sebelius’ call for more wind power
Lt. Gov. Parkinson praises utility’s plans for 500 megawatts of renewable power

In her 2007 State of the State Address, Governor Kathleen Sebelius called on leaders in the public and private sectors to work together to make Kansas a leader in wind energy.

Yesterday, Westar Energy announced plans to acquire up to 500 megawatts of renewable energy by 2010, with wind power being the most likely source.  This would more than double the state’s current wind energy production and be a significant step toward Sebelius’ stated goal of having 10 percent of the state’s electricity come from wind power.

“Some states mandate their utilities into building wind farms. Instead, we have taken a collaborative approach, working with our utilities, as a team, to bring renewable energy to Kansas,” said Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson. “The announcement of the 100 megawatt wind farm at Smoky Hills and the potential of an additional 500 megawatts from Westar, demonstrates that our approach is working.”

Parkinson is leading the administration’s efforts to increase renewable energy production and energy efficiency in Kansas. Parkinson, KEC Co-Chair Ken Frahm, and Kansas Energy Office Director Joe Harkins have been working with stakeholders and regulators to encourage wind projects.  The Governor’s proposed budget also includes money to plan for construction of new transmission lines.

“We’ve been working with energy executives, environmental groups, businesses, farmers and ranchers, bringing them all together to discuss how we can spur renewable energy production in our state.” said Parkinson.

Kansas is among the top three states in terms of potential wind production, yet only about 3.5 percent of its electricity comes from wind power.

“There have been two main impediments to more wind power.  The first was a regulatory philosophy that encouraged utilities to build coal plants, since they have the lowest short-term costs, even if they have other long-term costs.  The second was the fact we don’t have the transmission lines needed to carry power from wind farms to consumers,” said Parkinson.

“Both of those are now changing.  Once our transmission lines are built, we will see a further increase in wind farm development.  We will hit our goal of 10 percent renewable energy by 2010, and 20 percent renewable energy by 2020, and we will do it through a collaborative approach that brings everyone to the table,” said Parkinson.

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