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.
Winter is on it’s way and it always seems to creep up on us before we know it. There are a number of things that you can do to prepare your distribution systems and power plants for winter. Everyone should prepare for winter by conducting regular inspections, addressing infrastructure needs, and implementing safety measures. Here are some key steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electric system during the winter months:
According to a KSHB report published on September 4, 2025, Kodion Energy, based in Paola, Kansas, is advancing the reliability and safety of the electrical grid through AI-powered transformers that monitor performance and detect inefficiencies before they cause outages. These smart units provide real-time data to utilities and users, enabling faster response times and hands-free diagnostics. Under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Kodion is installing its technology on military bases along the West Coast and will showcase its system at the Utility Expo in Kentucky through a partnership with United Rentals.
We are thrilled to announce the keynote speakers for the 2025 Annual Conference, taking place November 13–14 at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.
This year’s conference will feature two dynamic voices who bring energy, insight, and a whole lot of heart to the stage: Joel Goldberg, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and leadership speaker, and Dan Meers, better known as KC Wolf, the legendary mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2024, the U.S. energy grid reached a historic milestone, with interconnection agreements surging 33% to a record-breaking 75 gigawatts (GW), driven by new federal regulations aimed at streamlining the process. According to Wood Mackenzie’s report Tracking the Progress of US Grid Interconnection, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 2023—issued in July 2023—played a pivotal role in accelerating interconnection studies by reducing speculative projects and clearing queue backlogs. This regulatory shift, along with reforms from Independent System Operators, has led to faster processing, a 9% decline in new project entries, and a 51% increase in withdrawals of non-viable projects since 2022. Solar and storage technologies dominated the interconnection landscape, capturing 75% (58 GW) of all agreements in 2024—a trend that continues into 2025
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that natural gas consumption will rise by 1% in 2025, reaching a record 91.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). This growth is driven by increased use in the residential and commercial sectors, especially during the colder winter months, which saw record-breaking demand due to a polar vortex in January.
Despite this overall increase, consumption in the electric power sector is expected to decline, marking a shift from previous years when it was the primary driver of growth. Natural gas remains the most prevalent source for generating electricity in the U.S., but has lost market share to coal, solar, and wind.
