X0201 4 2004-01-22 0000054507 WESTAR ENERGY INC /KS WR 0001236088 LUDWIG JAMES J 818 S. KANSAS AVE. TOPEKA KS 66612 0 1 0 0 VP, Public Affairs Common Stock, Par Value $5.00 2004-01-22 4 F 0 231 19.87 D 20015 D 231 shares were forfeited for the payment of taxes after 770 shares vested pursuant to the Issuer's stock for compensation program. The stock for compensation shares were included in the Reporting Person's previously filed Section 16 reports. Includes 12,000 restricted share units which are subject to forfeiture. James J. Ludwig 2004-01-26