Topeka ? Westar Energy Inc. today announced it will seek bids for up to 500 megawatts of additional renewable energy.

Westar currently has 295 megawatts of wind energy, which makes up 6 percent of its peak demand.

“This is an important step in our support of our renewable energy goal,” said Bill Moore, Westar’s chief executive officer.

In its request for bids for 500 megawatts, Westar, the state’s largest electric utility, said it hopes to have 200 megawatts online by 2010 and the remainder by late 2013.

The company said its final decision will depend on costs, the status of state and federal policy on renewable energy and regulatory issues.