Fitch rates Westar notes A-

Fitch Ratings said it assigned Westar Energy, Inc.'s $300 million issuance of additional first mortgage bonds A-. The 4.125% 30-year bonds rank pari passu with Westar's and affiliate Kansas Gas and Electric Co.'s other secured debt and mature March 1, 2042.

The outlook is stable.

Proceeds will be used to provide long-term funds to finance the ongoing capital program, retire the $150 million 6.10% first mortgage bonds series due 2047 and to repay short-term debt under the commercial paper program.

Westar's ratings reflect a generally constructive regulatory environment in Kansas that has improved in recent years, management's focus on core utility operations and transmission projects, and a moderately large capital spending program that includes a significant amount of required environmental upgrades at the utilities' coal-fired power plants, the agency said.

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