Westar Energy CERTIFIES BUILDING OPERATORS

Twenty-five building operators receive Level I Building Operator Certification

WICHITA, Kan., May 11, 2010 —Westar Energy is pleased to announce that 25 area building operators and facility managers have completed a 7-class course series to earn their Building Operator Certification (BOC) designation. The program educates building operators who handle the day-to-day maintenance and operations of large buildings and their complex heating, mechanical, and electrical systems.

"Facility operations and maintenance activities are critical to the efficient operation of commercial and industrial buildings," said Paula Carvell, manager of demand side management programs. "The BOC program provides an opportunity for Westar Energy to help train our customers’ employees who, in turn, can have a significant impact on their company’s energy use. Previous BOC participants have reduced their facility costs by thousands of dollars, so the payback to employers can be immediate."Participants receive a nationally-recognized certification by completing a series of monthly training sessions, exams and take-home project assignments. They gain firsthand experience using the tools and methods taught in class to build records on their organization's electrical systems, HVAC operations, lighting levels and controls, and annual profiles of energy consumption. Upon completion, they have in-depth reference manuals as well as access to BOC's wide network of participants, experts and resources to leverage for troubleshooting, best practices and advice.

BOC graduates cite benefits that include gaining a comprehensive, strategic perspective; increased knowledge and confidence on the job; access to tools that allow them to be more responsive and proactive at work; and saving time, money and energy.

The following building operators have successfully completed the BOC Level I course series that began in November 2009 and ended in March 2010:

Shawn Babcock, Sedgwick County   William Bell, Case New Holland   Richard Brock, Kansas Wesleyan University   Mike Crow, Cowley County Community College   Bill Farthing, SPIRIT Aerosystems   Allen Fonken, Protection One   Brad Greteman, Bombardier/Learjet   Bill Harvey, Bombardier/Learjet   Kirk Hayden, City of Rose Hill   Paul Heitkotter, Westar Energy   Mike Jefferson, Koch Supply Company   Scott Kiser, Cargill Meat Solutions   Scott Rains, Koch Supply Company   Charles Riley, City of Newton   Dave Ryan, Harvey County   Mike Shoemaker, Pitt Plastics   James Sims, City of Andover   Brian Stanley, Koch Supply Company   Greg Stuber, Russell Stover Candies   Joseph Tucker, SPIRIT Aerosystems   Greg Tuxhorn, Sedgwick County   David Wagner, USD 490, El Dorado Public Schools   Brent Wilkerson, Monarch Cement Company   Lance Williams, Case New Holland

Westar Energy has entered into a joint licensing agreement with the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA), Kansas City Power and Light, and Midwest Energy to bring the BOC program to Kansas.

In 2010, the BOC course series will be offered in four locations throughout the Westar Energy service territory including Wichita, Salina, Lawrence and Pittsburg. The cost for the course series is $1,150, with half of that amount being reimbursed upon the participant’s certification. Register on-line at www.westarenergy.com, or call 1.888.WORKS.50 for more information.