Volunteers Sought for Westar Energy Conservation Project

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Westar Energy wants 1,000 customers to try a new program that would shift electricity use to off-peak periods. The utility company says the WattSaver time-of-use program would save customers money and help manage the demand on the electric system. The Lawrence Journal-World reports that peak energy use times during the summer are weekdays from 1 pm. to 8 pm. Under the pilot program, the cost for energy during that period would be about 13.5 cents per kilowatt hour. Using energy during off-peak times would cost about 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour. The hours and costs would change during the winter. The utility says the three-year pilot program is restricted to 1,000 customers each year.