To Learn more about SmartStar, visit www.WestarEnergy.com/SmartStar.


FAQ's

Resources
Committed to Success (Intelligent Utility Magazine - September/October 2010)


Timeline (News Releases)
Westar Energy and DOE sign agreement (2010-3-30)
U.S. DOE selects Westar's smart grid application (2009-10-27)
Westar Energy applies for smart grid funding (2009-8-4)


Westar Energy has reached agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for more than $19 million in funding under the Smart Grid Investment Grant program.


Westar Energy will begin moving forward with the development of their smart grid project in Lawrence, Kansas. Called "SmartStar Lawrence," the project will include installation of "smart" meters, interactive Web access, technology enhancements and improved service in Lawrence.

The company chose Lawrence as the concept town for this technology due to its size and its wide range of customers, including many student residents, commercial and industrial customers and educational institutions.

While Lawrence customers will be the first to receive smart meters, the systems and equipment the company plans to install will enable the same technology throughout Westar's service territory.


Smart Grid technology is a state-of-the-art approach to managing electricity systems. In the event of a power outage, for example, Westar will more easily determine the cause and restore power more quickly. Customers with smart meters and internet access will be able to daily monitor how much electricity they use and how much it costs.

Application Details

• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - Smart Grid Investment Grant.



• Up to 50% match for selected projects.



• Westar approved for approximately $19 million.



• Agreement reached on March 26, 2010.



• Project reporting availabe at www.recovery.gov.

SmartStar Lawrence Project Details

• $40 million project in greater Lawrence area.



• Initial smart grid deployment for Westar Energy.



• Equipment - 48,000 meters, automated distribution equipment, smart grid-enabled outage management system, significant internal information technology infrastructure work.



• 3 year project length.

Customer Benefits

• Enhanced service reliability and response to outages.



• Daily energy use and cost information available to the customer.



• Optional services such as text and email alerts for bill trends and outages.



• Robust web portal with energy savings tips, carbon footprint calculator, neighborhood comparative analysis information.



• Enables innovative program offerings such as two way thermostats and smart, time of use rate options.



• Supportive of "behind the meter" emerging consumer products such as smart appliances, in home energy displays and personal home energy management applications.

Westar Benefits

• Improved ability to meet changing customer expectations.



• Increased reliability of the electric system.



• Advanced management tools for outage restoration efforts.



• Better utilization of existing electrical system assets.



• Operational efficiencies from automated meter reading, remote service switches, improved knowledge of outages, location and restoration.



• Validates smart grid benefit assumptions prior to larger deployment.



• Identifies most effective customer products and services.



• Identifies required business process changes to support smart grid.

Timeline

• August, 2009 - Westar Energy files DOE funding application.



• November 2009 - DOE issues Notice of Selection to applicants.



• March, 2010 - Westar and DOE sign agreement.



• 2010, Q2-Q4 - Project planning and internal supporting technology installation.



• 2011 - SmartStar Lawrence meter installation begins.



• 2011 - Optional customer pilot programs launched, customer feedback channels implemented.