X0201 42004-01-02 0000054507 WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS WR 0001184809 NETTELS JOHN C JR 818 S. KANSAS AVE. TOPEKA KS 66612 1000Common Stock, Par Value $5.002004-01-024A09360A10764DCommon Stock, Par Value $5.00 2004-01-024A09140A11678DCommon Stock, Par Value $5.00500IBy trustStock Units02004-01-024A03530ACommon Stock3533972DRestricted share units received as a partial retainer fee. The units vest ratably by one-third on each anniversary of the grant date for three years.Includes 2,558 restricted share units that are subject to forfeiture and 88 shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends in January of 2004.Stock award received as a partial retainer fee.Shares are held in a trust for which the reporting person serves as a co-trustee with shared investment and voting power.Units convert into common stock on a one for one basis.Share units received as partial retainer and meeting fees pursuant to a deferred compensation plan for directors.Cynthia S. Couch by power of attorney2004-01-06