HUTCHINSON, Kan. — When Westar Energy announced it was closing down the four original steam turbine generators in the Hutchinson Energy Center, many thought the plant would soon close for good.

On Wednesday, the company held a ribbon cutting for its new operations and work center at the plant east of Hutchinson. The new building will be used to operate the four existing gas turbine units that are still in use. Those four generating units are also getting a major refitting at the plant. The refitting and new center cost Westar more than $25 million.

Casey Boo, Senior Director of Renewables, Gas and Oil for Westar, talked about changes at the power plant, including a new name:

 

Boo says there is still work to be done. That work includes the demolition of the old steam turbine plant:

 

With renewable energy making up 50 percent of the state’s energy needs, Boo says the Hutchinson station will be used only during peak or emergency needs:

 

Boo says the old power plant and the adjacent cooling towers will come down starting later this summer. Work will be completed in about a year.