TOPEKA, KS--(Marketwire - February 24, 2011) - Westar Energy, Inc. (NYSE: WR) today announced earnings for 2010 were $203 million, or $1.81 per share, compared with earnings of $174 million, or $1.58 per share for 2009. Earnings for 2009 included a substantial federal tax benefit related to prior period activity from discontinued operations. Setting aside this benefit, 2009 earnings would have been $140 million, or $1.28 per share.