Hutchinson ? Westar Energy is asking the Kansas Corporation Commission for permission to buy an additional 369 megawatts of wind energy.

If approved, the utility would be able to recover the estimated $48 million annual cost of the project from its customers — between $13 and $25 extra per year for residential users.

The Topeka-based utility announced late last year it will enter into 20-year power purchase agreements with two site developers to meet a state requirement for generating energy from renewable resources. One site is in Ellsworth and Lincoln counties, the other is in Ford and Hodgeman counties.

The Hutchinson News reported Monday that the KCC will take public comment on the application until March 18.