Wind Energy Potential:
Average MW: 121,900
Annual kWh: 1,070 Billion
Rank in  US: 3rd

SMALL WIND in
KANSAS

This page provides information specific to public policies, incentive programs, wind resources, and organizational resources for installing and operating a small wind turbine in Kansas.

AWEA’s Web site also contains general information that is helpful regardless of which state you live in, including a Communications Toolbox for Wind Energy Advocates.  You will find the information below more useful if you first read the general information available in the small turbine section.
Net Metering

INVESTOR-OWNED UTILITIES
Passed in 2001, House Bill 2245 allows Kansas alternative energy generation system owners to sell electricity to their investor-owned utilities, with sales annually registered and credited at up to 150% of avoided cost. There is a limit of 25 kW for residential customers and 100 kW for commercial customers. The legislation applies to all utilities.
FYI:
For general information about net metering, please read Net Metering - Frequently Asked Questions.
FYI:
For general information about contractual interconnection issues, please read Contractual Interconnection - Frequently Asked Questions

 

 Interconnection Issues

Section 32 of HB 2018 (PDF 117 KB) requires the Kansas Corporation Commission to establish standard provisions for the interconnection of renewable generators. HB 2018 became effective on July 1, 2003. The KCC Energy Office hosted a Kansas Interconnection Implementation Workshop on Oct. 1, 2003. For more information, see the Kansas Interconnection Implementation Workshop Web page.

In 2004, the commission progressed with its development of state interconnection standards by approving the proposed tariffs of six electric utilities.

Through statutory authority, Kansas allows residential renewable energy facilities of up to 25 kW and commercial facilities of up to 100 kW to connect to the utility grid; however, there are currently no statewide uniform interconnection standards for these systems. All that is currently specified is that a utility may enforce any safety, equipment, or power quality requirements it deems appropriate. Utilities may also install a manual external disconnect device if the customer refuses to do so.

Government Incentives

Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption

Exemption from property taxes for renewable energy equipment is available for wind, solar thermal electric, photovoltaic, biomass, hydropower, geothermal, and landfill gas resources or technologies that are actually and regularly used predominantly to produce and generate electricity.

Contact:
Jim Ploger
Kansas Corporation Commission
Energy Office
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604-4027
Phone: (785) 271-3349
j.ploger@kcc.state.ks.us
http://www.kcc.state.ks.us/energy

State Energy Program Grants
All renewable energy technologies are eligible for the Kansas Corporation Commission Energy Programs grants offered each year as part of the State Energy Program (SEP). The Commission's Energy Programs goals are to accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and education, and to facilitate the commercialization of emerging and underutilized energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Grants are available to fund state agencies, counties, municipalities, universities, schools, non-profit organizations, small businesses, consultants, and others. The Energy Program has funded many local and state renewable energy projects over the years.

Contact:
Jim Ploger
Kansas Corporation Commission
Energy Office
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604-4027
Phone: (785) 271-3349
j.ploger@kcc.state.ks.us
http://www.kcc.state.ks.us/energy
Utility Incentives

We are not aware of any wind incentives offered by individual utility companies in Kansas.
FYI:
Be sure to review AWEA's Frequently Asked Questions on Wind Resources.

Wind Resources

The US Department of Energy has produced wind resource maps for each state, including a map for Kansas. You may also find the definitions of Wind Power Classes for the maps helpful. There is additional information in the Wind Energy Atlas of the United States, where you can review maps for other locations in the US or get more information about how the maps were created.

The US Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network has also published wind resource data for Kansas.  Another wind map can be found at Kansas Wind resource map.

You may also find useful information at the web site for the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). This site contains extensive information about wind resources in the United States.
Additional Resources

To track the most recent legislation that relates to wind energy, refer to Kansas Wind Energy for the most updated information.

An electronic copy of the U.S. Department of Energy's 23-page Consumer’s Guide to Small Wind Electric Systems is available at the Wind Powering America web site. A state-specific Consumer’s Guide is available for Kansas.

The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and selected federal incentives that promote renewable energy. Another item of interest is the Interstate Renewable Energy Council’s web site on wind energy projects and wind energy events/news occurring through out the country.
Utility Contacts

Kansas City Board of Public Utilities
Carl Wolfe
540 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, Kansas 66101-2930
Phone: (913) 573-9000
cwolfe@bpu.com

Government Contacts

Kansas Corporation Commission
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604-4027
785-271-3100
fax: 785-271-3354
http://www.kcc.state.ks.us/contact.htm

Local Organizations Interested in Renewable Energy Issues

Citizens’ Utility Ratepayer Board
1500 SW Arrowhead Road
Topeka, KS 66604
Phone: (785) 271-3200
Fax: (785) 271-3116
http://curb.kcc.state.ks.us/

Kansas Energy Information Network
Phone: (515) 294-8819
http://www.energy.iastate.edu/

The League of Kansas Municipalities
300 SW 8th Ave
Topeka, KS 66603-3912
Phone (785) 354-9565
http://www.lkm.org/aboutlkm/

Kansas Renewable Energy Working Group (KREWG)
The Kansas Renewable Energy Working Group (KREWG) promotes responsible development and use of renewable energy in Kansas. KREWG is a nonprofit, nonpolitical organization focused on education, outreach, and resolution of technical challenges to further greater adoption of renewable energy in Kansas. KREWG held its inaugural meeting June 12, 2002. Meeting minutes are available.

Contact: Kyle K. Wetzel, Chairman
Phone: 785-838-3771

K-State Engineering Extension
Provides general information on wind energy in Kansas.

Last Updated: January 2005
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Keeping an information database such as this one useful and up-to-date requires feedback from people using the site. If you have comments or ideas about how to improve this site, please contact: kathy_belyeu@awea.org  Be sure to mention not only your ideas, comments or criticisms, but also the specific URL (Web address) for the page.

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