Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Actual results in future periods for the Evergy Companies could differ materially from historical results and the forward-looking statements contained in this report. The business of the Evergy Companies is influenced by many factors that are difficult to predict, involve uncertainties that may materially affect actual results and are often beyond their control. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that management currently believes to be immaterial may also adversely affect the Evergy Companies. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors included in the 2020 Form 10-K for each of Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro, as well as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and from time to time in Current Reports on Form 8-K filed by Evergy, Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes with regards to those risk factors. This information, as well as the other information included in this report and in the other documents filed with the SEC, should be carefully considered before making an investment in the securities of the Evergy Companies. Risk factors of Evergy Kansas Central and Evergy Metro are also risk factors of Evergy.

Failure to attract and retain an appropriately qualified workforce or to maintain satisfactory collective bargaining agreements could negatively impact the Evergy Companies' business and operations and adversely impact the Evergy Companies' results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

The Evergy Companies' workforce includes professional, managerial and technical employees. Failure to attract and retain qualified talent, or successfully transition retirements with adequate replacements could impede the Evergy Companies' strategy and/or adversely impact the Evergy Companies' ability to execute on their strategy. For example, certain skills, such as those related to construction, maintenance and repair of transmission and distribution systems are in high demand and have a limited supply. Evergy competes for qualified employees with these skills on a national level.

In addition, federal COVID-19 vaccination and testing mandates could result in employee or contractor labor disruptions, and complying with any mandates and managing any related labor disruptions could have a significant adverse impact on the Evergy Companies' results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

A significant portion of the Evergy Companies' workforce is represented by five local unions of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and one local union of the United Government Security Officers of America (UGSOA). The collective bargaining agreements with the five IBEW locals all expired in 2021 and are currently being renegotiated. The collective bargaining agreement with the UGSOA expires in 2022. A failure to successfully negotiate these collective bargaining agreements could result in labor disruptions and have a significant adverse impact on the Evergy Companies' results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

The Evergy Companies' strategic plan includes enhanced technology and transmission and distribution investments and a reduction in reliance on coal-fired generation. The Evergy Companies will need to attract and retain personnel that are qualified to implement the Evergy Companies' strategy and may need to retrain or reskill certain employees to support the Evergy Companies' long-term objectives. A failure to attract and retain qualified employees, retrain or reskill existing employees and maintain satisfactory collective bargaining agreements could have a significant adverse impact on the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the Evergy Companies.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.