Entries by KMEA

Introducing David Nurse: Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Annual Conference

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We are excited to announce that David Nurse will be the keynote speaker at the KMEA Annual Conference on October 23 and 24. Registrations for members will open on August 26, so mark your calendars!

David Nurse has been transforming the way hundreds of NBA stars play on the court for most of his career. His innovative methods have been dubbed as training “athletes of the future” due to his unique ability to teach players how to tap into different mindsets and become unstoppable.

2024 Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant Application

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The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking applications from eligible Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils (including Labor Unions), state educational institutions (as defined by K.S.A 76-711), businesses, non-profits or workforce boards for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeship.  Applications should clearly demonstrate linkage between the project, industry demand, apprentice training and apprentice recruitment.

An organization may submit one application. The total program budget is up to $500,000. The minimum award is $75,000 and up to $200,000. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 match for every grant dollar requested. Matching dollars can include FTE costs.

US says start of new China tariffs will be delayed by at least two weeks

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The U.S. Trade Representative’s office said on Tuesday, some of the steep U.S. tariff increases on an array of Chinese imports, including electric vehicles and their batteries, computer chips and medical products will be delayed by at least two weeks.
USTR said in May those tariffs would take effect on Aug. 1 but the office said it is still reviewing 1,100 comments received and now expects to issue a final determination in August. The office added the new tariffs will take effect approximately two weeks after the final determination is released.

DEED Funding for Utilities

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DEED grants encourage and promote energy innovation and support the development and demonstration of new, innovative technologies and techniques, and the creation of useful products and tools for the betterment of public power utilities and their customers. Grants often support pilot projects, new technology demonstrations, early commercialization projects, and the development of best practices.

Highlights from the First KMGA Regional Meeting of 2024 in Lyons

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The first KMGA regional meeting of 2024 was held on July 31st in Lyons, providing a valuable opportunity for KMGA staff to connect with member cities in a small group setting. Representatives from Ellinwood, Garden City, Lyons, Partridge, Sylvia, and Sterling attended the meeting. Key topics on the agenda included an overview of the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency (KMGA), legal update, and projections for gas supply prices for the upcoming winter.

Equipment loan program for KMEA members

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KMEA provides an equipment loan program exclusively for its members. Member cities can access all equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. To inquire about availability or to schedule equipment, please reach out to Tyson McGreer at 913-660-0235 or mcgreer@kmea.com. Please see below a list of the equipment available.

Mitchell Receives Award at the APPA National Conference

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Jonathan Mitchell, the City Manager for the City of Hoisington, Kansas, was recently honored with the prestigious Larry Hobart Seven Hats Award during the American Public Power Association’s National Conference in San Diego, California. This award recognizes outstanding managers of small utilities serving fewer than 2,500 meters.

More than just a Utility

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The City’s electric department is proud to highlight the heroic efforts of three outstanding employees: Superintendent Billy Villanueva, Line Foreman Jr. Salinas, and Journeyman Lineman Alex Rodriguez. These individuals exemplify the core value of community, by going beyond their regular duties to assist others in times of need.

On Thursday, June 13, Billy and Jr. were returning from inspecting recent improvements to the airport’s electric system when they witnessed a semi-truck overturn on US 50 and Raceway Road, east of Garden City. Without hesitation, they rushed to the scene, joining other first responders to assist in removing the trapped truck driver. Their quick thinking and selflessness helped an individual they did not know, and potentially saving his life.

Data Centers, EV Expansion Create Around 300 TWh Increase in U.S. Electricity Demand by 2030

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Total U.S. electricity demand has remained relatively stable at around 4,000 terawatt-hours since 2010, but as electrification accelerates, that’s about to change, consulting group Rystad Energy said on June 24.

The build-out of data centers and more widespread adoption of electric vehicles is expected to ramp up electricity demand in the U.S. in the coming years, with Rystad Energy’s research predicting these two sectors alone will add 290 TWh of new demand by 2030.

Leading up to that point, the growth in electricity demand for data centers will be heavily driven by those focused on artificial intelligence, which consumes more electricity compared to traditional computing, Rystad Energy said.

Overall, the combined expansion of traditional and AI data centers, along with chip foundries, will increase demand cumulatively by 177 TWh from 2023 to 2030, reaching a total of 307 TWh, it said.