Recently, Westar Energy announced plans to build a new 345 kilovolt high-capacity transmission line from northwest of Wichita, near the company's Gordon Evans Energy Center, to the Hutchinson area. Westar's plan to expand its transmission network with this high-capacity line is one of several major initiatives to invest in the electric infrastructure to serve Kansas well into the 21st century. In conjunction with the new transmission line, Westar plans to build a new substation east of Hutchinson to meet our customers' increasing electric energy needs.

Several routes are being considered for the Wichita to Hutchinson-area line, and the open houses will give us the opportunity to share information with the public and listen to comments and suggestions.

For additional Information contact:

Dennis Reed

Director Transmission Services

PO Box 889

818 S Kansas Ave

Topeka, KS  66601

785-575-1633

dennis.reed@westarenergy.com

Posted: October 17, 2006