Case Study: City of Chanute Solar Array

Evergy is committed to providing our customers with cost-effective and reliable renewable energy solutions to help build a more sustainable future. In fact, more than a third of the electricity needs of our customers are met with renewable energy resources and approximately half are served with carbon-free energy.

The Evergy Energy Partners (EEP) division has decades of experience developing diverse energy solutions with substantial long-term power cost benefits for utility, municipal, cooperative, and industrial customers. The benefits are accomplished by combining an in-depth understanding of long and short-term utility planning, operations management, experience with regulators along with unparalleled experience negotiating multiple types of energy procurement and sale agreements.

“The City of Chanute was proud to continue its partnership with Evergy in developing its 6MW solar project . The project strengthens the City's energy portfolio by providing a favorable energy rate, helping to hedge against market volatility and lowering Chanute’s overall blended power cost. The project will help offset peak demand, making it easier to meet Southwest Power Pool (SPP) reserve requirements." - Todd Newman, City Manager of Chanute, KS

About Chanute, Kansas

The City of Chanute has operated an electric utility for over a century. In 1903, the electric utility was established which is now one of the oldest municipalities in Kansas. Chanute currently serves over 5,500 customers, which include residential, commercial, and industrial all within an approximate three-mile radius. In addition to the distribution system, the city has its own power generation capabilities.

City of Chanute Solar Array

EEP and the City of Chanute entered into a 30-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for a solar array that was completed in the spring of 2026. The solar array is located on a designated brownfield site—an area typically challenging to develop for uses other than industrial purposes—making clean energy an ideal and productive fit. EEP will own and operate the solar facility, while the City of Chanute will purchase the power directly from the site. This enables its customers to realize the full economic and environmental benefits of the project.

Project Details and Statistics

• Completed in the spring of 2026
• Pollinator friendly grass blends used as groundcover
• Panels cover approximately 37-acres of brownfield land
• 47-acre fenced in with 1.3-mile perimeter
• Will generate 6.0 MW of energy serving over 1,800 households

Solar Benefits

Adding the solar array directly to the city’s distribution system allows for resource diversification with no additional congestion or transmission costs. The array will provide predictable energy costs for 30 years or more as a long-term zero carbon energy source while also providing educational benefits for the community.

Our Goal: Continuing the Tradition of Innovation for the City of Chanute

Chanute’s primary goal was to hedge against rising energy costs and utilize unused, city owned, brownfield land next to its current generating facilities. Because of the city’s strong and long-standing tradition of innovation, it was important for EEP to provide a solution that would meet the city’s goals while continuing its tradition of innovation.

Now is the time to invest in renewable energy sources for your municipality or cooperative. Learn more about EEP and get in touch today!