Merger creates utility with 3GW-plus wind portfolio

UNITED STATES: Utilities Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy have merged to form a new company, Evergy, which they claim is now one of the largest wind power providers in the country.

by Craig Richard 30 May 2018

Westar Energy's 201MW Post Rock site in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties in central Kansas

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) have given final regulatory approval to the merger, following two years of efforts to combine the companies, Westar and Great Plains announced.

It creates a new company with an equity value of approximately $15 million and with a wind power portfolio of more than 3GW.

Westar Energy owns 1,841MW of wind farms in Kansas and Oklahoma, according to “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç Intelligence, the research and data division of “uåX˜äŠÊ˜·³Ç.

Great Plains Energy’s brand Kansas City Power & Light owns 1,541MW in Kansas and Missouri.

Evergy, which takes its name from the combination of ‘Ever’ and ‘Energy’, will meet nearly half of the energy needs of its customers with energy from zero-emission sources, it stated. Nearly one-third of the total energy demand will come from renewable sources, Evergy added.

Westar and Great Plains expect the merger to conclude in June.