Topeka ? Westar Energy Inc. is planning to apply for $20 million in federal stimulus dollars to help build a more efficient system for delivering power.

The Topeka-based utility said Thursday it had filed a letter of intent to apply for matching funds available under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The Energy Department announced last month that it was providing $3.3 billion in stimulus funds for so-called “smart grid” projects aimed at bringing energy systems into the digital age.

Potential applicants for those funds had to file a letter of intent by Thursday.

Westar said a grant would allow the company to add smart grid technology to its system and offset some of the cost to customers.

The utility serves more than 681,000 customers in Kansas.