WR Westar Energy, Inc. (delisted)

MGP (Nasdaq:MGPI), a leading U.S. supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches, has embarked on a major renewable energy initiative, committing to sourcing 100% of their electricity needs from renewable wind power.

Through a three-year agreement that took effect April 1, the company has made a commitment to renewable energy through Westar Wind, a Green-e certified program offered by Westar Energy. As a result, total electric usage at MGP’s facilities in Atchison, Kan., and Lawrenceburg, Ind., will be offset by green energy provided by Westar’s wind resources in Kansas.

“We are proud and excited to enter into this agreement which represents a significant step in our efforts to realize both the direct and overarching benefits of renewable energy technologies,” MGP President and CEO Gus Griffin said. “Among these is our ability to take on a more prominent and proactive role in further supporting environmental sustainability through greater use of clean energy. This initiative is consistent with the long-term view we take for our business, and reflects our enduring commitment to our communities and social responsibility.”

Under the agreement, which can be renewed at the end of three years, MGP will purchase renewable energy credits from Westar. Wind energy equal in value to the credits will then be sourced from wind farms in Kansas and added to the overall energy grid system. This arrangement makes MGP the largest Westar customer to commit to 100 percent renewable electric energy.

“Westar applauds MGP for its commitment to the environment and social responsibility,” Jeff Beasley, vice president, customer care, said. “It’s great to provide Kansas’ wind energy to help our customers reach their sustainability goals, even reaching beyond Kansas.”

As a Green-e certified program, Westar Wind is committed to delivering reliable, affordable, safe and clean energy to consumers. Green‑e Energy is the nation’s leading certification program for renewable energy. For nearly two decades, Green‑e Energy has provided oversight for voluntary renewable energy transactions in North America.

About MGPFounded in 1941, MGP is a leading supplier of premium distilled spirits and specialty wheat proteins and starches. Distilled spirits include bourbon and rye whiskeys, gins and vodkas, which are expertly crafted through a combination of art and science and backed by a long history of experience. The company's proteins and starches are created in the same manner and provide a host of functional, nutritional and sensory benefits for a wide range of food products. MGP additionally is a top producer of high quality industrial alcohol for use in both food and non-food applications. The company is headquartered in Atchison, Kansas, where distilled alcohol products and food ingredients are produced. Premium spirits are also distilled and matured at the company’s facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.  For more information, visit mgpingredients.com.

About Westar EnergyAs Kansas’ largest electric utility, Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE:WR) provides customers the safe, reliable electricity needed to power their businesses and homes. We have 7,800 MW of electric generation capacity that includes renewables and traditional power sources with half the electricity supplied to our more than 700,000 customers from emissions free sources: nuclear, wind and solar, with a third coming from renewables. We are a leader in electric transmission in Kansas coordinating a network of lines and substations that supports one of the largest consolidations of wind energy in the nation. Our employees live, volunteer and work in the communities we serve. For more information about Westar Energy, visit us on the Internet at http://www.WestarEnergy.com. Westar Energy is on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/westarenergy and Twitter: www.Twitter.com/WestarEnergy.

MGP Ingredients                                                      

Media Contact:Steve PickmanPublic Relations ManagerPhone: 913-360-5403steve.pickman@mgpingredients.com

Investor Contact: Mike HoustonSenior DirectorLambert, Edwards & AssociatesPhone: 313-309-9506mhouston@lambert-edwards.com

Westar Energy

Media Contact:Gina PenzigMedia Relations ManagerPhone: 785-575-8089Gina.Penzig@westarenergy.comMedia line: 888-613-0003

Investor Contact: Cody VandeVeldeDirector, Investor RelationsPhone: 785-575-8227Cody.VandeVelde@westarenergy.com