Entries by KMEA

Lineworker Rodeo to be held in Kansas City, Kansas in 2023

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The 2023 Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo will be held March 31-April 1 in Kansas City, Kansas.

The Public Power Lineworkers Rodeo is the foremost showcase of public power lineworker skill and knowledge – and a unique opportunity for lineworkers to connect with and learn from their nationwide community. Journeyman and apprentice lineworkers compete for professional recognition, attend training, and practice essential skills in a safe environment.

APPA “Beyond Disappointed” Transformer Production Funding not Included in Bill

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The American Public Power Association “is beyond disappointed that funding to ramp up production of distribution transformers through the Defense Production Act” has not been included in the Dec. 19, omnibus appropriations bill, Joy Ditto, President and CEO of APPA, said on Dec. 20.

“This is a critical issue that several industries have raised, and on which the President has called for action. Despite our collective pleas over the past year to address this issue, supplies continue to dwindle, demand far outpaces production, and if action is not taken in the near term, the U.S. will face electric reliability concerns,” she said.

EPA Enforcment Alert

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Stationary Engines Cause Excess Emissions in Communities Across the Country

Purpose
This Enforcement Alert informs owners and operators of stationary engines that EPA has been finding numerous
violations of the applicable Clean Air Act requirements. The Agency has taken enforcement actions and assessed
substantial penalties for facilities that have failed to comply. Stationary engines are used in applications such as
generating electricity, providing primary power, and powering various equipment such as pumps and compressors.
They are also used to supply power in the event of emergencies such as fire or flood. Stationary engines combust fuel
oil or natural gas and have the potential to emit pollutants that negatively impact air quality.

Gunfire on N.C. substations causes widespread power outages

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Tens of thousands of residents in rural North Carolina could be without electricity for days after gunfire seriously damaged two power substations.

The Saturday attack on the substations — located in Moore County, about 90 miles east of Charlotte — “wasn’t random,” said Moore County Sheriff Ronnie Fields. Someone drove up and “opened fire on the substation, the same thing with the other one,” Fields told reporters.

About 45,000 households and businesses remained without electricity Sunday, as temperatures were forecast to drop below freezing. The county declared a state of emergency, setting a curfew Sunday night and closing schools Monday. 

KMU seeks Director of Energy Services

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Kansas Municipal Utilities
Director of Energy Services

KMU is currently seeking a highly motivated, ambitious, and outgoing individual to direct and lead KMU’s energy and safety programs and services for members.  The Director of Energy Services provides overall planning, budgeting, administration and delivery of technical craft and safety training instruction and programs to employees of our member organizations.  This position reports directly to the Executive Director.

Joni is Retiring!

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Joni Shadonix is celebrating her 25th anniversary with KMEA this month. She is also ending her career. Joni will be retiring on December 31st.

Why America Doesn’t Have Enough EV Charging Stations

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One of the biggest roadblocks to the mass adoption of electric vehicles is the troubled business model for the commercial chargers that power them.

The government is pouring billions of dollars into developing a national highway charging network. But businesses aren’t sure how they will make money, and the nascent industry looks messy.
Utility companies and gas stations are at war with each other over who will own and operate EV chargers. Rural states say some charging stations could operate at a loss for a decade or more. New companies that provide charging gear and services are contending with the equipment’s spotty reliability.

Western states ponder regional grid as renewables grow

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As temperatures on the West Coast soared into the triple digits in early September, power demand threatened to reach record levels — and utilities braced for grid problems.

The California Independent System Operator (CAISO) warned of potential blackouts. Idaho Power Co., already hobbled by a pair of generator outages, prepared to cut power to some customers in Boise. Utilities in the desert Southwest expected surging demand to strain their grids.

But no major blackouts occurred during the multiday heat wave. The Pacific Northwest sent much-needed power to California, which in turn was able to send electricity to Boise. And desert states didn’t see dire conditions, allowing them to send power to California.

Duane Banks set to retire

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Russell Electric Utility Director Duane Banks has announced his intent to retire on December 1st, after a 32-year career with the City of Russell. Duane marked his 24th year with the Electric Utility this year.

Beloit seeks Power Plant Operator 1/Mechanic

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Operator 1/Mechanic

The City of Beloit Power Plant, Beloit KS, is accepting applications for a Full Time Power Plant Operator I/Mechanic. This position works directly for the Power Plant Superintendent. Duties will include, but not limited to, providing necessary skills, knowledge and workmanship needed to do related work for proper equipment maintenance, city vehicle maintenance and the operation of the Power Plant electric generation. To make correct application and use of all materials and equipment furnished to provide efficient, reliable service to the consumer in the operation and maintenance of the Power Plant electric generation system.