Topeka – More wind from Kansas’ central plains is being harnessed for electricity as the Kingman and Ninnescah Wind Energy Centers begin production.

Combined, the 400 megawatts of new wind production will produce enough power for 100,000 Kansas homes, according to a media release.

“Westar selected these projects because they provide clean, renewable energy at a competitive price,” John Bridson, Westar Energy senior vice president of generation and marketing, said. “We continue our commitment to growing our renewable portfolio while maintaining a diverse, modern power supply for our customers.”

Westar Energy will purchase electricity from the wind farms, which NextEra Energy Resources developed and will operate. Westar is providing about half the energy produced at Kingman to its wholesale partners Midwest Energy and the cities of McPherson, Chanute, Iola, Fredonia and Sabetha. The remaining energy from Kingman and the energy from Ninnescah will serve Westar’s retail customers.

Ninnescah Wind Energy Center’s 121 turbines in Pratt County began production Friday, Dec. 9. Kingman Wind Energy Center comprises 120 turbines in Kingman County and began production yesterday.

Combined, the wind farms bring about $800 million in investment and local payments to the area along with 23 jobs to Kingman and Pratt counties.

In early 2017, Westar Energy will add 280 MW of wind energy from Western Plains Wind Farm, bringing Westar’s commitment to renewable energy to about 1750 MW, which is enough to provide about a third of its retail customers’ electricity