News Release

For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269

September 1, 2009

KCC Announces 2009 Kansas Wind & Renewable Energy Conference
Two day conference to focus on the future of renewable energy in Kansas

Topeka, KS-The 10th annual Kansas Wind and Renewable Energy Conference will be held October 6th-7th at the Ramada Inn in Topeka, Kansas.

Hosted by the Kansas Corporation Commission and the Kansas Department of Commerce, the conference is an opportunity for state and regional officials and stakeholders to discuss the future of renewable energy in Kansas. Last year's conference was attended by more than 750 people from 25 states.

The conference will feature three renowned energy experts: James Hoecker, former chairman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Kevin Hazel, Vice President of Supply Chain Management for Siemens Energy; and Michael Eckhart, President of the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE).

Hoecker specializes in many areas of the energy sector, from transmission, to utility regulation and industry structure, to proposed federal regulation, including carbon legislation and a national renewable energy standard. Hoecker will bring his insights to the conference on how the changing energy, environmental, and economic landscape will inform the state's and the nation's energy policy.

Hazel will talk about why Siemens Energy selected Hutchinson, Kansas as the site of a new wind turbine equipment production facility. The operation is expected to create an estimated 400 green-collar jobs and will be the first large-scale wind turbine equipment factory in Kansas.

Eckhart will give a presentation on the key findings of ACORE’s 20 GW plan for Kansas. ACORE predicts that Kansas could become the breakaway state in the development of renewable energy for regional power needs, generating $23 billion of cumulative economic impact and creating 12,000 jobs.

The conference will also include 12 breakout sessions that will address the most important energy related issues facing the State of Kansas including renewable energy, transmission of power, energy efficiency, and economic development.

The conference is open to the public. Early bird registration (through September 14th) is $75. General registration (through September 29th) is $100. Registration will be capped at 700 attendees on a first come, first serve basis. Registrations will not be accepted after September 29th or day of the conference.

More information about the conference including a complete agenda and online registration is available at: http://kcc.ks.gov/energy/kwrec_09/.

A special thinks to our conference sponsors: