News Releases
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Jan. 5, 2022 – Evergy announced today that its Hawthorn power plant will be home to 10 megawatts (MW) of new solar energy, pending regulatory approval. Five MW will be for participants in Evergy’s Solar Subscription program, and the other 5 MW will serve all Evergy customers.
“Our Hawthorn power plant is a prime location to showcase Kansas City’s commitment to renewable energy and our city’s forward-thinking progress,” said Chuck Caisley, Evergy senior vice president and chief customer officer. “Bringing this renewable energy to Hawthorn will limit the expense by using infrastructure already in place.”
Evergy plans to build the solar array on 67 acres to the northwest of the Hawthorn plant in northeast Kansas City, Mo. The site is expected to include more than 22,000 solar panels and be operational in fall 2022.
Half of the renewable energy produced onsite will be available to customers who enroll in Evergy’s Solar Subscription program. Nearly 1,200 Evergy customers have subscribed to energy from the solar array.
“As we break ground on the solar array, we want to remind customers of this opportunity to contribute to and benefit from renewable energy without the upfront expense and process associated with owning a home solar array,” said Caisley.
The new solar array is part of Evergy’s plan to be carbon neutral by 2045. Those plans include adding 500 MW of renewable energy in the next two years and nearly 4,000 MW in the next 10 years.
Evergy’s continued investment in renewable energy, including wind and solar energy, battery storage and expanded energy efficiency programs helps bring us closer to achieving our net-zero carbon target by 2045. These sustainable investments reduce our carbon footprint and help preserve our natural resources.
The remaining 5 MW fulfill State of Missouri requirements that direct large electric utilities to invest in utility-scale solar facilities located in Missouri or adjacent states.
Using Hawthorn’s current infrastructure provided Evergy the opportunity to construct one of the most cost-effective and largest solar subscription facilities in Missouri. Customers will benefit from these savings through access to lower cost clean energy.
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 generate nearly half the power we provide to homes and businesses with emission-free sources. We support our local communities where we live and work, and strive to meet the needs of customers through energy savings and innovative solutions.
Media Contact:
Gina Penzig
Manager, External Communications
Phone: 785.508.2410
gina.penzig@evergy.com
Media Line: 888-613-0003
