Evergy Announces New Reno County Natural Gas Generation Plant

HUTCHINSON, KS (October 21, 2024) - Evergy announced Monday, October 21st, plans to invest in two new 705 megawatt (MW) combined-cycle natural gas plants in Reno and Sumner counties. This significant investment in the state’s electrical infrastructure will help ensure Kansas and the South-Central region remain competitive in economic development.

Hutch Chamber President & CEO Debra Teufel moderated the event and welcomed the crowd of nearly 200 people to the 1861 Club on the Kansas State Fairgrounds.   The announcement was made by David Campbell, Evergy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, along with remarks by Governor Laura Kelly; US Congressman, Tracey Mann; Kansas Senate President, Ty Masterson; Kansas Senator, Mike Fagg; Chair of the Senate Utilities committee, and Representative Leo Delperdang of the House Energy & Utilities Committee; Hutchinson Mayor Greg Fast; and Debra Teufel, President/CEO of the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.

“Kansas is experiencing record economic growth, and Evergy is prepared to deliver the reliable, affordable and sustainable energy needed. Evergy’s multi-billion dollar investment brings direct value to the Hutchinson (Reno County) and Sumner County areas in jobs and tax dollars. It also ensures Kansas can continue to invite business growth that benefits the entire state,” shared Governor Laura Kelly.

“High-efficiency modern natural gas plants will meet the electricity needs for our region’s growing economy. These plants also will bring good paying jobs and tax dollars to Kansas,” said David Campbell, Evergy Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Dispatchable natural gas is an important resource within Evergy’s growing and diverse energy portfolio, complementing our planned investment in wind and solar resources and supporting our commitment to affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity.”

Projected impact of the planned projects include:

• Multibillion investment in two facilities
• 500 construction jobs per site during construction
• 20-40 new permanent jobs exceeding $90,000 annually coming online in 2029-2030
• 705MW of power generation per site
• $500 million in new property tax generated over the service life of each new plant after the 10-year tax exemption
• Creating needed capacity to attract new industry and facilitate additional economic development opportunities

“This project represents the largest single investment in our Reno County history and is a game changer for the future of economic development opportunity for our region and State,” said Debra Teufel, President & CEO, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.

“I am thrilled that this plant will help us foster the necessary economic development through energy and jobs, so the folks here in Hutchinson and Reno County can thrive, so that the town we love can continue to grow. Hutchinson has a bright future ahead. Thank you to Evergy for leading the way,” said Hutchinson Mayor Greg Fast.  

In an interview by the Hutch Tribune following the announcement, Governor Kelly said she asked Campbell why Evergy chose Hutchinson as a site for the plant.  “A lot of what it was, particularly here in Hutch, was the coming together of all the forces, bringing to the table all the people who needed to be here.  The economic development folks, the political figures, the other business leaders, and then bringing the state in, too, because it would be a lot of permitting that would go on. So, what Hutchinson did, in terms of bringing everybody together to the table, was really, I think, what the CEO did,” said Governor Kelly.

The Sumner County plant is expected to begin providing electricity in 2029 while the Reno County plant slated to be built at the corner of Morgan & McNew, is expected to be operational by 2030. 

Click HERE for the full Evergy press release. 

A recording of the entire press conference can be found HERE.