Topeka ? BP Wind Energy marks the start of full commercial operation of phase I at the Flat Ridge Wind Farm in southern Kansas.

State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on Thursday joined local elected officials, landowners and community leaders to announce the milestone at the facility in Barber County, near Medicine Lodge.

Phase I generates 100 megawatts of electricity, enough energy to power about 30,000 average Kansas homes. Westar Energy and BP each own 50 megawatts of the energy generated by the wind farm. BP’s share has been sold to Westar under a long-term power purchase agreement.

Westar is also investing in two other wind farms, one in Cloud County near Concordia, the other in Wichita County near Leoti. The utility will purchase power from the Cloud County site and own and operate the Wichita County site.