Manhattan makes deal to get half of its power from wind

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) - The Manhattan City Commission has approved a plan to convert half of its energy use to wind power.

The Mercury reports that the commission Tuesday backed a 20-year agreement with Westar Energy for the 300-megawatt Soldier Creek Wind Farm in northeast Kansas, a project that will be complete in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The city has paid Westar about $2.6 million a year for the past five years. Officials say the agreement with Westar will save the city $50,000 a year for the next 20 years.

Kansas State University has entered the same agreement with Westar.

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Information from: The Manhattan (Kan.) Mercury, http://www.themercury.com