Topeka-based Westar Energy posted lower profits in 2015, in part because of what the company deemed one of the warmer winters in the past century.

Westar — the largest electric utility in the Lawrence area — posted earnings of $292 million or $2.11 per share for 2015. Those figures were down from earnings $313 million or $2.40 per share in 2014.

The company said retail sales of electricity were down because of mild weather. The company characterized the fourth quarter as the second warmest in more than a century.

Westar also offered earnings guidance for 2016. The company expects to earn $2.38 to $2.53 per share in 2016.