Evergy Expands Energy Portfolio with Missouri and Kansas Projects

Evergy Secures MPSC Approval for New Generation Projects Amidst Sierra Club Opposition

Kansas City, MO – Evergy has received approval from teh Missouri Public Service Commission (MPSC) for new generation projects, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from the sierra Club. While the Inflation Reduction act’s carbon-free generation subsidies have been scaled back, the MPSC’s decision reportedly leaves a pathway for these projects to still qualify for tax credits.

According to reports, Evergy anticipates completing the projects by the end of 2027, a timeline that should enable them to benefit from available tax credits. These projects are part of settlement discussions, and evergy will be subject to reporting requirements, including updates on any changes to tax credit availability.

The Sierra Club, however, voiced strong opposition to Evergy’s proposal, having intervened in the MPSC proceedings. The environmental group contends that no party, other then Evergy, presented evidence supporting the economic feasibility of proposed gas plants, a key consideration for Missouri approvals.”If Evergy’s submission is approved as submitted, Missouri ratepayers will be on the hook for gas plants that are likely to be unprofitable, operate less than expected and incur high maintenance costs or even premature failure due to excessive generator starts and cycling,” stated Michael Goggin, a Sierra Club expert witness, in testimony before the MPSC.

Billy Davies, the Sierra Club’s Missouri chapter organizer, emphasized that the costs of generation expansion should be borne by Evergy shareholders, not utility customers. Davies expressed concern that the MPSC’s decision could lead to increased utility bills for Missouri families, suggesting that large technology companies driving demand for data centers should contribute more through a robust large user fee.

Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig expressed satisfaction with the MPSC’s approval, noting that current construction schedules are designed to allow the solar plants to benefit from federal tax credits, with those savings to be passed on to customers. Penzig acknowledged the dynamic nature of tariff levels, which can impact the cost of capital projects. She also stated that Evergy remains focused on minimizing costs during supplier negotiations, as these directly affect customer rates, and that some aspects of the new generation projects are already under contract.

What specific benefits do Evergy’s Missouri and Kansas projects offer to local communities beyond just providing renewable energy?

New Renewable Energy Investments Drive Sustainable Growth

Evergy, a leading utility provider in Kansas and Missouri, is considerably expanding its energy portfolio with a series of new projects focused on renewable energy sources. These investments demonstrate evergy’s commitment to a sustainable energy future and aim to deliver cleaner, more reliable power to its customers.The expansion includes both wind and solar energy initiatives, alongside grid modernization efforts. This strategic move positions Evergy as a key player in the evolving energy landscape of the Midwest.

Missouri Project Highlights: A Focus on Wind Power

Evergy’s Missouri expansion is heavily centered around wind energy. Several key projects are underway:

North Central Wind Project: Located in northern Missouri, this project adds 74 turbines with a capacity of approximately 300 MW. This represents a considerable increase in wind-generated power for the state.

Sibley wind Farm Expansion: Building upon an existing wind farm, this expansion adds further capacity, contributing to Evergy’s overall renewable energy goals.

Grid Modernization in Missouri: Alongside renewable energy generation,Evergy is investing in upgrading the Missouri grid to improve reliability and facilitate the integration of renewable sources. This includes smart grid technologies and enhanced transmission infrastructure.

Economic Benefits: These projects are creating jobs in rural Missouri and contributing to local economies through land lease payments and increased tax revenue.

Kansas Project Developments: Diversifying with Solar and Wind

Kansas is seeing a diverse range of Evergy projects, encompassing both solar and wind power:

Western Kansas Solar Project: A large-scale solar farm is being developed in western Kansas, adding important solar capacity to Evergy’s portfolio. This project will utilize advanced solar panel technology to maximize energy production.

Kingman Wind Energy Facility: This facility, already operational, is undergoing upgrades to enhance its efficiency and output.

Transmission Line Improvements: Evergy is investing in new transmission lines to connect renewable energy sources in western Kansas to population centers across the state. This is crucial for delivering clean energy where it’s needed most.

Community Solar Programs: Evergy is expanding its community solar offerings, allowing customers to participate in solar energy generation even if they cannot install panels on their own properties.

The Benefits of Evergy’s Renewable Energy Expansion

These projects offer a multitude of benefits for Evergy’s customers and the region as a whole:

Reduced Carbon Emissions: Increased reliance on renewable energy sources significantly reduces carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner habitat.

Lower Energy Costs (Long-Term): While initial investment costs are substantial, renewable energy sources offer long-term price stability and can help mitigate the impact of fluctuating fossil fuel prices.

Enhanced Grid Reliability: A diversified energy portfolio,including renewable sources,enhances grid reliability and resilience.

Economic Growth: Renewable energy projects create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the communities where they are located.

Meeting Sustainability Goals: These investments help Evergy meet its sustainability goals and respond to growing customer demand for clean energy.

understanding Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

A key component of Evergy’s strategy involves Power purchase Agreements (PPAs). These long-term contracts allow Evergy to purchase electricity from self-reliant renewable energy developers.

How PPAs Work: Evergy agrees to buy a specified amount of electricity from a renewable energy facility at a predetermined price for a set period.

Benefits of PPAs: PPAs provide price certainty, support the development of new renewable energy projects, and help evergy meet its renewable energy targets.

PPA Examples: Several of Evergy’s wind and solar projects are supported by PPAs with various developers.

Grid Modernization: The Backbone of Renewable Integration

Integrating large amounts of renewable energy requires a modern and resilient grid.Evergy is investing heavily in grid modernization initiatives:

Smart Grid Technologies: Implementing smart meters, advanced sensors, and data analytics to optimize grid performance and improve reliability.

Transmission Line Upgrades: Expanding and upgrading transmission lines to increase capacity and facilitate the flow of renewable energy.

energy Storage Solutions: Exploring and deploying energy storage technologies, such as battery storage, to address the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): AMI provides real-time data on energy consumption, enabling more efficient grid management and demand response programs.

Evergy’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

Evergy’s expansion of its energy portfolio with these Missouri and Kansas projects underscores its dedication to a sustainable energy future.By investing in renewable energy sources and grid modernization, Evergy is positioning itself as a leader in the clean energy transition, delivering benefits to its customers, communities, and the environment. The company’s continued focus on innovation and strategic partnerships will be crucial in achieving its long-term sustainability goals.