Member Spotlight – Evergy
Evergy – a powerhouse leader in the evolution of Downtown Kansas City – is committed to enabling a better future for the KC region. Today, half of the power supplied by Evergy comes from clean sources, creating more reliable energy with less impact to the environment.
The Downtown Council Member Spotlight showcases DTC member companies and organizations, and the ways they contribute to the quality of life in Downtown KC.
Spotlight on Evergy, Corporate Headquarters, 1200 Main St., Kansas City, MO
Evergy is invested in next-generation infrastructure – providing reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy – that puts its customers and communities first – along with energy solutions for its 1.7 million customers and communities in Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri.
Headquartered in Downtown Kansas City, Evergy employees, including Downtown Council member representative Elizabeth Danforth, are active members of the communities they serve, including her current role as a Vice Chair of the DTC Board of Directors.
“We strive to keep costs as low as possible while also finding ways to work smarter, tap into more affordable energy sources and develop energy-saving tools for our customers, communities and local businesses,” said Danforth, Director of Corporate Social Impact at Evergy.”
Elizabeth Danforth, Director of Social Impact for Evergy, and a member of the Downtown Council’s Board of Directors, serves on the front lines of Evergy’s proactive news media relations during the work week, or whenever the need arises.
Today, about half of Evergy’s power comes from carbon-free sources, creating reliable energy with less impact to the environment.
Evergy’s goals, include:
- Affordability: Working to keep our costs low for our customers
- Reliability: Power grid upgrades to lay the foundation for more reliable, affordable, and
safe energy - Sustainability: Carbon-neutral by 2045
“We value innovation and adaptability to give our customers better ways to manage their energy use, to create a safe, and engaging workplace for our employees, and to add value for our investors,” she said.
Despite lower energy costs compared to other regions, many in our communities struggle to make ends meet.
“In 2024, we worked face-to-face with about 60,000 of our vulnerable customers to help them secure just under $30M in bill payment assistance,” Danforth said. “We also invested $7.1M in our communities in the areas of environmental leadership and community vitality.”
Danforth knows her company well, serving Evergy and its predecessor KCP&L. At the same time,
she knows her community well through leadership roles with community champions including the Downtown Council, as well as the Greater Kansas City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the
Housing Authority of Kansas City, MO, Child Protection Center, and Reconciliation Services.
“Evergy has always had a deep commitment to our local region and Kansas City,” she explained.
“Having Evergy at the table and being able to work out the best way to provide energy is critical
as Downtown and the region grow.”
Danforth credits Evergy for being at the forefront of sustainability.
“We were one of the first companies to get an energy efficiency investment act passed in
Missouri – allowing us to develop many proactive ways to help customers save energy, and not
have to build additional generation,” she explained. “Currently 50% of our generation is
emission-free and this continues to expand.”
Among her many responsibilities, Danforth leads Corporate Social Impact for Evergy. Her teams
focus on creating policy and programs to help vulnerable customers, making strategic
community investments and implementing environmentally focused sustainability projects. Last
year alone, Evergy employees dedicated 15,000 volunteer hours and gave nearly $650,000 of
their own dollars to community efforts.
“Evergy is unique in that our assets are hard – we can’t pack up and go to another region – nor do we want to,” she said. “Therefore, we are very committed to the Greater Kansas City region and the people.
“Additionally, our 4,500 employees live and work right here – among our customers – which
also drives a deeper commitment to our work and our communities.”
She speaks with great pride about Evergy’s role in greater Kansas City.
“Downtown is our headquarters, and metro KC makes up a significant percentage of our customer base. It’s been great partnering with the City on sustainability goals, working to help buildings become more energy efficient, watching the streetcar get started and now expand (all electric!) and we can’t wait for the South Loop Park to become a reality and bridge Downtown to the Crossroads with a fantastic outdoor space exploding with some many outdoor options for residents and visitors.
“I’ve loved being a part of Downtown Council – a group with its finger on the pulse of Downtown,” she said. “The passion shown by all its members and leadership is impressive.”
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