News Releases

Kansas City, MO – February 15, 2021 – Southwest Power Pool (SPP) called a regional system emergency earlier today. Member utilities, including Evergy, continue to ask customers to conserve energy and to prepare in case the demand for electricity in the 17-state region managed by the SPP is greater than available supply.  

Evergy encourages customers to conserve energy and be prepared in case of required brief emergency power outages. At the request of the SPP, Evergy interrupted about 60,000 customers over its service area for about 30 minutes early Monday afternoon. Evergy remains on standby in the event that the SPP calls for additional emergency power outages. Due to extended extreme temperatures affecting the regional power supply, Evergy may have to implement additional controlled, temporary emergency electricity reductions for approximately 30-60 minutes in order to help avoid larger uncontrolled and extended power outages throughout the region.  

Customers can help reduce demand for electricity by: 

• Turn thermostats a little cooler (65-68 degrees). Avoid the use of electric space heaters. 
• Close blinds and shades to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows. 
• Change or clean filters on furnaces.  
• Turn off unnecessary lights and appliances in your home. 
• When possible, use large appliances (clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers) between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.  
• Reduce air leaks that let cold air in by sealing around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulk and inserting foam gaskets on electrical switches and outlets.  
• Businesses should reduce the use of electric lighting and electricity-consuming equipment as much as possible.  

Evergy began preparing for the extreme weather early last week by planning for additional fuel needs and increasing 24/7 staffing levels. The proactive preparations have the company’s system handling the current demand and well positioned to maintain reliable operations for its contribution to the region’s power needs. Evergy has reduced electricity use at its facilities, implemented cold-weather procedures, and adapted operations at its power plants to keep equipment working and fuel available to generate electricity for customers.  

Evergy is a member of the Southwest Power Pool, which coordinates the regional transmission grid and wholesale energy markets for the central United States, including Kansas and Missouri. The SPP monitors power flow through its footprint and coordinates regional response in emergency situations. 

About Evergy, Inc.

Evergy, Inc. (NYSE: EVRG) serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. We were formed in 2018 when long-term local energy providers KCP&L and Westar Energy merged. We are a leader in renewable energy, supplying nearly half of the power we provide to homes and businesses from emission-free generation. We support our local communities where we live and work and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.

Contacts

Media Contact:
Gina Penzig
Manager, External Communications
Phone: 785-575-8089
Gina.Penzig@evergy.com
Media line: 888-613-0003

Investor Contact:
Cody VandeVelde
Director, Investor Relations
Phone: 785-575-8227
Cody.VandeVelde@evergy.com