KCC accepts applications for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

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The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $1.9 million Block Grant from the Department of Energy (DOE). The grant is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Under the Program, States may make subawards to local governments (counties and cities) who did not directly receive federal grants under the Program.

The KCC intends to support with this Program through subgrants to local governments to help fund projects to replace traffic signals and/or street lighting with energy efficient lighting technology with a particular focus to rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities in Kansas.

Many publicly owned facilities in Kansas’ rural, underserved or disadvantaged communities are aging and inefficient, incurring high costs for energy and maintenance. Replacement of street lights and traffic signals with more energy efficient lighting can significantly cut energy use and maintenance costs while improving light quality and output. The KCC will manage and administer activities in order to achieve project goals.

For Further information please follow the link below:

Kansas Corporation Commission – Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (ks.gov)

Governor Kelly Announces KMW to Invest $105M in Sterling, Create 251 New Jobs in Kansas

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that KMW, a precision manufacturer of agricultural front loaders, backhoes, and other attachments, will invest $105 million to construct a new North American headquarters and state-of-the-art production facility in Sterling. The venture will create 251 new jobs, resulting in a local workforce of 485.

“There’s no doubt – this investment will grow our economy and create more opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our efforts to make Kansas one of the most pro-business states in the country is paying off for workers everywhere, including our rural communities.”

KMW selected Sterling in Rice County after a rigorous competition among Midwestern states. In addition to the headquarters, moving to the 151-acre site on the north side of Sterling will allow KMW to continue growing its manufacturing capabilities.

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KMEA Needs your Feedback

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2024 KMEA & KMGA Board of Directors Meeting

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The KMEA & KMGA Board of Directors meeting will be held on May 1, 2024. The meetings will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams. The KMGA meeting will start at 10:30am and the KMEA meeting will start at 1:30pm. Please complete the registration form below if you are planning on attending the meetings.

April 18th, Lineworker Appreciation Day

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National Lineworker Appreciation Day, observed on April 18 every year, honors the efforts of both women and men who work diligently to keep our lights on. These dedicated lineworkers labor around the clock to ensure that electricity flows through our communities, even in the most challenging conditions.
Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to these brave individuals who keep our cities illuminated!

Meet Paul Lampe, Newest Addition to KMEA Team

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Paul Lampe joined the KMEA’s team on March 18th. Paul brings a wealth of experience to our organization with 24+ years with the City of Independence – MO, Power & Light Department, in the Engineering and System Operations areas.   Prior to his employment with the City of Independence Paul was employed 7+ by Burns & McDonnell, duties included substation design, transmission and distribution analysis.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Later, he pursued advanced studies, earning a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (MSEE) from Kansas State University.

For the past 30 years, Paul has called Lee’s Summit, Missouri, home. Alongside his wife and three children.  His journey began in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, but life took him to various places—Washington, Missouri; Muskegon, Michigan; St. Louis, Missouri and Clarinda, Iowa—before finally settling in the Kansas City area.

His wife is a dedicated preschool teacher.  They have three children, having adopted their 1st two children from Poland.  Their oldest son works in security; daughter, a sophomore at Emporia State University, balances academics with her passion for soccer; youngest son, a sophomore at Lee’s Summit North High School.

Paul enjoys spending time on the lake with family and friends, cycling, volleyball, woodworking and watching sports (basketball, football, soccer, etc.)

Please join us in welcoming Paul to the team! His experience and knowledge will be very valuable to our organization. Welcome abord, Paul!

Meet Brooke Kistler, KMEA’s new Senior Accountant

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We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Brooke Kistler, she is the new Senior Accountant. She joined the KMEA’s team on February 26th. Brooke brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our organization, and we’re excited to have her on board.

Brooke was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas. She attended Olathe North High School.

Brooke’s educational journey led her to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting from Metropolitan Community College (MCC). Prior to joining KMEA, Brooke served as a controller at DDIR, a commercial real estate company.

Some of her hobbies are volleyball, camping, and she loves spending time with her husband and three sons.

Please join us in welcoming Brooke Kistler to the KMEA family! We’re confident that her positive energy will make a significant impact on our organization.

KMEA Members and Staff Attended the APPA Legislative Rally

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Recently, representatives of many municipal owned electric utilities including KMEA members and staff attended the APPA Legislative Rally held in Washington D.C. The goal of this event is to bring awareness to the congressional delegation regarding challenges that face community owned utilities.  Along with opportunities to meet with representatives of congress members also had the ability to learn from the many educational sessions that APPA presented during the rally.

The APPA Legislative Rally is an annual event organized by American Public Power Association to help local utilities across the nation to bring awareness to national leaders about the challenges and opportunities that local utilities are faced with.

 

Meet Our New System Operators: Brennan Caume and Noah Cunningham

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We are excited to introduce the latest additions to KMEA’s system operations team: Brennan Caume and Noah Cunningham.

Brennan Caume:

Brennan Caume, born and raised in Blue Springs, Missouri (just outside Kansas City, Missouri), brings a unique blend of skills to our team. After graduating from Blue Springs High School, Brennan pursued studies at Missouri State University. Initially focused on cell and molecular biology, he later shifted gears to business and construction management.

Brennan’s professional journey took him to Foundation Recovery Systems (FRS), where he worked as a laborer. Beyond work, Brennan enjoys playing hockey (a sport he’s been passionate about since childhood), golfing, cheering on the Chiefs during football season, and spending time with his family.

 

 

Noah Cunningham

Noah Cunningham, from Wichita, Kansas, has recently joined us in the Overland Park area. His educational journey includes attending Wichita High School and pursuing studies at Butler County Community College.

When Noah isn’t immersed in technology, he channels his passion into various hobbies. He enjoys working on cars and motorcycles, honing his woodworking and metalworking skills, and building and fixing computers. Prior to joining KMEA, Noah worked as a cell phone repair and micro soldering technician, IT networking specialist at Textron Aviation, and an engineering specialist intern, where he assisted in modernizing and supporting single engine Cessna and Beechcraft airplanes.

Welcome abord, Brennan and Noah!

 

Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day: March 18th

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KMGA proudly observes National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on March 18, 2024. This marks the nineth consecutive year of official nationwide celebration in honor of the dedicated individuals who power our communities through natural gas utilities.

On this special day, we recognize the tireless efforts of the employees who safeguard and maintain one of our most valuable resources—the natural gas infrastructure. Their commitment to safety is paramount, especially in light of historical events like the New London, Texas school explosion in 1937. That tragic incident prompted widespread odorization of natural gas and underscored the need for stringent safety measures.

Through this annual event, we aim to raise public awareness about the vital work performed by natural gas utility professionals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all KMGA members and their dedicated staff, who ensure the delivery of safe and reliable gas services to our community.