According to the International Energy Agency’s Gas 2025 report, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity is set to expand by an unprecedented 300 billion cubic meters per year by 2030, fueled largely by new projects in the U.S. and Qatar. This surge is projected to boost net LNG supply by about 250 bcm annually by 2030, which […]
At the November meeting of the Board of Directors and Members Committee, General Manager Paul Mahlberg was officially elected to serve a full term on the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Members Committee, representing the municipal sector.
The SPP Members Committee collaborates with the SPP Board to oversee and guide the general operations of the SPP organization. Paul will be one of only two representatives from the municipal sector on the 24-member committee, serving the entire SPP region.
Southwest Power Pool (SPP) has approved its 2025 Integrated Transmission Plan, a portfolio of high-voltage projects designed to meet rising electricity demand and enhance grid resilience across its 14-state region. The plan includes a new 765 kV backbone for efficient long-distance power delivery and supports interconnection of new generation resources. With electricity use expected to double in the next decade, these investments—projected to deliver $12–$18 in benefits for every dollar spent—will ensure reliability, enable economic growth, and prepare the grid for future challenges
Starting Monday, October 6, the City of Neodesha put its newly installed generation facility through a real-world test. From Monday morning until late Thursday afternoon, the city carried the entire community’s electrical demand using its own generation resources.
The brand-new plant, commissioned and dedicated on August 13 of this year, consists of four CAT C175 generators, each rated at 3 megawatts. This marks a significant investment in local energy resilience.
The test was prompted by Evergy, which requested the city operate the plant while upgrades were made to the 69 kV transmission line connecting Neodesha to the Evergy system.
City staff, with support from KMEA Midstates and Foley Power Solutions, manned the plant around the clock to ensure optimal performance and uninterrupted power for residents throughout the event.
The KMEA and KMGA Board of Directors meetings are just around the corner! These meetings will be held in conjunction with the KMEA/KMGA Annual Conference on Thursday, November 13th in Wichita, KS. We encourage you to register your attendance using the link below, whether you plan to join in person or virtually. Your response helps […]
Public Natural Gas Week 2025, observed from October 5–11, is a nationwide event organized by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) to raise awareness about the value of publicly owned natural gas systems. For cities across Kansas that are KMGA members, many of which own and operate their own systems, this week serves as a timely reminder of the strength and reliability of local energy solutions.
The City of Garden City is hiring for two positions in its Electric Department:
– Apprentice Lineman: This entry-level role includes a four-year apprenticeship program with weekly classes and hands-on training alongside experienced linemen. Successful completion may lead to advancement as a Journeyman Lineman.
– Journeyman Lineman: This position involves the installation and maintenance of electrical systems across the city, including street lighting, airport infrastructure, and other municipal power systems.
These roles offer strong career paths in public power for both new and experienced professionals.
Each October, Public Power Week offers a moment to reflect on the strength behind our cities—the municipal utilities that keep Kansas running. From powering homes and hospitals to supporting businesses and schools, public utilities are the backbone of our communities. This year’s theme, “2,000 Utilities. One Purpose.”, speaks to a shared mission: serving people, not profit.
Across Kansas, public utilities are more than service providers—they are stewards of resilience, innovation, and trust. They answer to their communities, not shareholders. They reinvest in infrastructure, prioritize reliability, and respond with agility when challenges arise. Whether it’s restoring power after a storm or planning for future energy needs, these utilities operate with dedication and impact.
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) is proud to welcome Shane Karcher as the newest member of the Mid-States team, stepping into the role of Manager, Maintenance & Construction. With over two decades of experience in the power industry and a passion for serving communities, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication to municipalities across Kansas.
Originally from the Abilene/Salina area, Shane’s journey to KMEA was inspired by his connection to Mike Schmaderer and the impactful work being done at Mid-States. “It’s the kind of work that aligns perfectly with what I’ve been doing,” Shane shared. “I’m excited to be involved in every aspect of substations—from the equipment inside to the lines outside—and to help drive projects from start to finish for cities across Kansas.”
Residential electricity rates in the U.S. have surged, rising 6.6% over the past year as of June, with states like Maine, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey experiencing the steepest increases—25.5%, 23.3%, and 21% respectively. Across all sectors, prices climbed an average of 5.2%, reaching 13.88 cents per kilowatt-hour, with residential customers facing the highest hikes, followed by transportation, industrial, and commercial users. A major driver of these increases is the spike in natural gas prices, which rose 22.6% to $3.11 per million British thermal units and are projected to hit $4/MMBtu by year-end.
