UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 25, 2011

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (785) 575-6300

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

WESTAR ENERGY, INC.

On August 25, 2011, we filed an application with the Kansas Corporation Commission to propose changes to our electric rates. We are seeking an approximate 5.85 percent, or $91 million, increase in our rates. A copy of a press release and materials that discuss the rate review are attached to this report.

On August 19, 2011, the Kansas Corporation Commission issued an order in a proceeding involving environmental upgrades at the La Cygne Generating Station. A summary of the order is attached to this report.

The information furnished pursuant to this Item 7.01, including the exhibits to this report, will not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement filed by us under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated by reference. Copies of the exhibits to this report are available to the public on our website, http://www.WestarEnergy.com.

Exhibit 99.1     Press Release dated August 25, 2011

Exhibit 99.2     Summary of rate application

Exhibit 99.3     Summary of order in La Cygne Generating Station proceeding

Forward-looking statements: Certain matters discussed in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the exhibit hereto, are “forward-looking statements.” The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 has established that these statements qualify for safe harbors from liability. Forward-looking statements may include words like “believe,” “anticipate,” “target,” “expect,” “pro forma,” “estimate,” “intend,” “guidance” or words of similar meaning. Forward-looking statements describe future plans, objectives, expectations or goals. Although we believe that our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, all forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include those discussed herein as well as (1) those discussed in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2010 (a) under the heading, “Forward-Looking Statements,” (b) in ITEM 1. Business, (c) in ITEM 1A. Risk Factors, (d) in ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and (e) in ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data: Notes 13 and 15; (2) those discussed in the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed Aug. 4, 2011 (a) in ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and (b) in Part I, Financial Information, ITEM 1. Financial Statements: Notes 8 and 9; and (3) other factors discussed in the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date such statement was made, and the company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement was made.

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

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