Edward Smith, edward.smith@sierraclub.org
Topeka, KS - Evergy, the largest electric utility in Kansas, filed an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) with state regulators today that doubles down on dirty fossil fuels and doesn’t go far enough on clean, renewable energy.
IRP updates are filed annually, and last year Evergy reversed its climate progress, slashing its previous renewable energy goals, pushing back the retirement date for its coal-burning Lawrence plant, and proposing to build two new fracked ‘natural’ gas power plants.
Evergy’s latest plan continues to take Kansas in the wrong direction even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized four rules that will slash air, water, and carbon pollution from gas and coal-burning power plants.
“Evergy’s new energy plan doesn't offer much confidence for a better future, but when the monopoly utility reworks its plan to account for new environmental rules, I hope we'll see a much better plan for Kansans," said Ty Gorman, Senior Kansas Field Organizer for Sierra Club.
The new EPA rules, coupled with other climate and environmental standards, make Evergy’s proposed gas plants a risky investment because the plants could shut down before the company can recoup all the costs of building them. These costs, called stranded assets, are almost always passed on to customers.
“Evergy needs to ditch expensive coal as soon as possible, and hit the brakes on a costly buildout of gas infrastructure that will expose customers to volatile utility bills,” said Ty Gorman. “Dollar for dollar, clean, renewable energy and energy conservation measures are best for Evergy customers and the climate.”
Evergy also serves Missouri and, based on its energy plans and operations in both states, the monopoly utility received a 9 out of 100 in Sierra Club’s latest Dirty Truth About Utility Climate Pledges report that was released last October. Evergy’s score backslid from 18 (2022) to 9 (2023) due to its pivot away from the large clean energy investments it previously announced coupled with its plan to burn coal longer and build new fracked ‘natural’ gas power plants.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.