News Releases

TOPEKA, Ks. – Aug. 24, 2022– Evergy and FreeState Electric Cooperative celebrated the start of construction this afternoon on three FreeState Solar projects. The groundbreaking was held at the largest of the three arrays, FreeState Crooked Post solar site located near S.W. 41^st and Auburn Road. That site along with two others will serve FreeState members by providing a combined 3.4 megawatts of renewable energy. The other two solar sites will be located near Silver Lake and potentially in Osage County.

FreeState selected Evergy to build and operate three solar arrays through a power purchase agreement (PPA). The PPA allows FreeState to access renewable energy from solar for all of their customers at a competitive rate. Evergy was selected through a competitive bid process. 

“All our members can benefit from FreeState’s solar production, not just the members who choose to invest in their own solar. By being a member of FreeState, you are powered by a percentage of solar energy that is not only clean but also economical. As a distribution cooperative, FreeState purchases all the power used by our members, and now we can add solar into our energy purchases — and that means everyone benefits,” said Chris Parr, CEO of FreeState Electric Cooperative.

FreeState’s solar arrays help the cooperative manage peak demand that is set on the hottest summer days — when solar production is high. FreeState can purchase low-cost clean energy and reduce dependency on other energy resources while focusing on reliability. When these arrays are built, FreeState will also invest in upgraded and new infrastructure to ensure power is reliably delivered to customers.

“We are excited about the opportunity to partner with our neighbors and bring cost-effective renewable energy through solar to FreeState. Our team is honored to help expand FreeState’s energy sources that will continue to serve their members,” said John Bridson, Evergy Vice President of Generation.

Evergy has a strong commitment to renewable energy for a sustainable future. About half the energy Evergy produces comes from carbon-free sources, including about a third from renewable energy sources.

Evergy Energy Partners, a division of Evergy, is an industry leader with a team experienced in developing creative and flexible power supply strategies. By combining an in-depth understanding of utility planning, operations, and regulation with negotiated structures, Evergy Energy Partners has been able to secure favorable power supply arrangements with substantial long-term power cost benefits to utility, municipality, cooperative, and industrial clients.