Phase-1 of the energy center is already generating energy to meet customer needs and is expected to be complete later in June 2008. Phase-2 is scheduled to be in operation before summer 2009.
The peaking power plant is intended to operate during Westar Energy’s highest customer demand conditions, primarily on hot summer days. It is also intended to help the company meet system growth demands.
The Emporia Energy Center is reportedly one of the first in a series of substantial investments Westar Energy is making, including environmental upgrades at its existing power plants, new transmission lines, energy efficiency initiatives and launching the largest wind energy program in Kansas.
