KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Great Plains Energy Incorporated, the parent company of KCP&L, and Westar Energy, Inc. Monday announced that their respective shareholders approved all proposals necessary for Great Plains Energy’s acquisition of Westar Energy at each company’s respective shareholder meeting.

“We are pleased that our shareholders have overwhelmingly demonstrated their support for this
transaction, and I thank Great Plains Energy and Westar shareholders and employees for their
support throughout this process,” said Terry Bassham, chairman and chief executive officer of
Great Plains Energy and KCP&L. “This is a great transaction for all Great Plains Energy and
Westar stakeholders. Together, we will create a stronger combined company that will be better
positioned to serve customers, generate hundreds of millions of dollars in operational savings
for years to come, meet the region’s energy needs and achieve improved and more stable,
long-term financial returns.”

“Our shareholders’ support for the transaction clearly demonstrates the value of combining
Westar and Great Plains Energy,” said Mark Ruelle, president and chief executive officer of
Westar. “Together, we will be stronger both financially and operationally, which will benefit
customers, shareholders and the communities in which we operate. We continue to make
progress toward completing the transaction in the spring of 2017.”

Monday’s announcement comes on the heels of the recent endorsements of the transaction by
the Kansas City Area Development Council, regional economic development organizations and
elected officials. Endorsements touted the economic benefits, competitive electric rates and
commitment to growth that the combined utility will bring to the region.

“The combined generation portfolio of the new utility will be more diverse and sustainable,” said Bassham. “Once this transaction is complete, more than 45 percent of our combined retail
customer demand will be met with emission-free energy and we will have one of the largest
wind generation portfolios in the United States. This helps us maintain reliable, low cost energy
for all of the residential and business customers we serve.”

Great Plains Energy has an established track record of gaining approval for utility acquisitions
and successfully integrating with the acquired company. In 2008, Great Plains Energy
completed its acquisition of Aquila, an electric utility serving customers in adjacent areas of
Missouri. That acquisition exceeded expectations as it delivered and continues to deliver
significant savings for customers.