Case Study: FreeState Solar Projects

Evergy is committed to providing our customers with cost-effective, reliable renewable energy solutions to help build a more sustainable future. Evergy is committed to being 100% carbon neutral by 2045.

The Evergy Energy Partners 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 agreement structures. In 2021, we completed an exciting project to bring solar energy to Paragould, Arkansas to support their commitment of bringing green energy to the community.

About FREESTATE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. FreeState is controlled by its members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. 

Evergy and FreeState Electric Cooperative have a long-standing partnership that has lasted decades and we are excited to support FreeState in bringing three more solar arrays online for its members.

"They are not only experts in the field but are a
perfect fit for this project because they understand the mission of providing reliable and affordable power to northeast Kansas. The purchase power agreement we have entered will last for the next 8 years and we look forward to a successful partnership for years to come."
- Chris Parr, CEO of FreeState Electric Cooperative

Our Goal: PASSING SAVINGS TO FREESTATE MEMBERS

Evergy Energy Partners was selected through a request for proposal (RFP) to offer innovative, solar energy solutions to FreeState Electric Cooperative. This clean energy will help FreeState manage peak demand on the hottest summer days, when solar production is high. At Evergy Energy Partners, our goal is to provide a low-cost clean energy product that will allow FreeState the opportunity to reduce dependencies on other energy resources while lowering costs and increasing reliability for its members.

About FREESTATE SOLAR PROJECTS

FreeState selected Evergy to build three solar arrays through a competitive proposal process. The solar arrays range from 1 megawatt to 1.6 megawatts, and together will produce up to 3.9 megawatts of renewable electricity. The projects are in Shawnee and Douglas counties at sites near FreeState substations, to directly generate energy on the same lines as the customers who will be served by it.

Quick Stats

• Completed in 2023
• 3 different site locations
• 39 combined total acres
• Generates just under 4 MW of energy
• Enough electricity to power approximately 767 homes
• Located in Shawnee and Douglas Counties

Project Details

fREESTATE'S CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE

FreeState has taken advantage of unique opportunities to benefit its entire membership. In 2021, FreeState joined the Kansas Sun Power Program with 11 fellow Kansas cooperatives to add solar power to its energy portfolio. FreeState now has five solar sites with three of those being commissioned by Evergy Energy Partners in 2023. FreeState leads the state in renewable energy in member generation and cooperative solar projects.

MEMBER BENEFITS

The PPA allows FreeState to supplement wholesale power purchased from our suppliers at a competitive rate. FreeState will then pass those savings directly to its members. All the 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 economical. As a distribution cooperative, FreeState purchases all the power used by its members, and can now add solar into its energy purchases — and that means everyone benefits.

Project Financing

Evergy Energy Partners and FreeState Electric Cooperative agreed to a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the option of two five year extensions. FreeState will be able to supplement its wholesale power purchases from its suppliers at a competitive rate, leading to cost savings that will be passed directly on to its members. By incorporating solar energy into their energy purchases, FreeState is not only fostering a more sustainable future but also ensuring economical and clean power for its members.

Now is the right time to invest in renewable energy for your municipality or cooperative. Learn more about Evergy Energy Partners’ renewable energy solutions.