Entries by KMEA

Is ‘Gold’ hydrogen the next clean fuel?

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The Biden administration and several companies are eyeing a new way to produce hydrogen: drilling for it underground.

“Gold” hydrogen got a boost in September from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, which announced a $20 million funding opportunity. The agency currently is selecting projects. The U.S. Geological Survey and the Colorado School of Mines launched a gold hydrogen research consortium that includes Chevron and BP the same month.

Meet Gideon, KMEA’s IT Specialist

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We are thrilled to introduce Gideon Adjei, the newest addition to our team as the IT Specialist, Gideon brings a wealth of experience, passion for innovation, and a proven track record of network installations and creating IT related programs. Born with an inherent curiosity for technology, although with a BSc in Business Administration, Gideon Adjei […]

APPA Seeks Community Input

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 APPA’s 2022 Survey of Payment and Contributions to the State and Local Government is available. Public power utilities with at least 50 percent retail sales according to 2022 EIA data, with a few exceptions, are eligible to participate in the survey. Joint Action Agencies who have at least five (5) members that complete the survey can receive a custom, aggregated cut of the data among just their members.

The information collected on this form is used by APPA to quantify the benefits public power utilities provide to their state and local communities. The direct payments, free services, and other contributions municipal electric utilities provide to local government can be a significant portion of their electric operating revenues.

City of Sterling is Hiring Apprentice and Journeyman Lineman

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Journeyman Lineman Position

The City of Sterling is hiring a Journeyman Lineman in the Electric Distribution Department. The position will perform journey level work in the construction, maintenance, and repair of overhead electric power, underground electric power, transmission, distribution, and related facilities. The position requires a high school diploma with an additional four years of experience as an apprentice lineman or any combination of relevant education and experience.

Apprentice Lineman Position

The City of Sterling is accepting applications for the entry level position of Apprentice Lineman in the Electric Distribution Department. The position will serve as an apprentice to a Journeyman Lineman in the construction, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of the electric utility’s overhead and underground distribution system, and related facilities. This position is subject to emergency callouts for after-hours work. The position requires a high school diploma and successful completion of a lineman apprenticeship program. Must maintain a valid driver’s license. This position is open until filled.

Governor Kelly Announces Six Fast Charging EV Locations

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that more than $4.6 million in federal funds will be directed to the first six locations selected for the state’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula program. With existing fast-charging stations spread across the I-70 and I-135 corridors, these selected locations will fill gaps in EV charging stations along the state’s major highways and interstate system. 

“As more electric cars and trucks make their way onto Kansas roadways, they will need access to adequate charging facilities,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “With these awards, we’ll ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to all Kansans for local and long-distance trips.” 

Elective Pay Credit Online Portal Now Open

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The Internal Revenue Service on Dec. 22 unveiled the IRS Energy Credits Online pre-filing registration tool for taxpayers who intend to receive a direct payment or transfer a clean energy credit.

Established by the Inflation Reduction Act, elective pay (or “direct pay”) and transferability are credit monetization mechanisms to help states, local governments, non-profits, and other eligible entities access clean energy tax credits.

Seneca City Council discusses Substation and Generation Projects

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On December 20th KMEA staff presented options for discussion on a new substation and generation project to the city of Seneca City Council.

Several months ago, Evergy proposed substantial upgrades to the substation that currently serves Seneca and the local Rural Electric Cooperative.   Seneca staff reached out to KMEA for review of the Evergy plan and potential additional cost to the city if this project got completed.  KMEA and city staff quickly put a list of options together for presentation to the Seneca city council.  The city council reviewed five different options at the meeting.  These options consisted of Evergy moving forward on the rebuilding of the current substation to Seneca city adding a substation along with three generating units to the city’s electric department.  Currently Seneca does not have generating capacity as part of their electric utility.   “The goal for the city is to provide the most reliable and economic utility possible” says Steve Brooks, city manager.

FERC Accepts CAISO Tariff Changes for Western Day-Ahead Electricity Market

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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in December accepted changes to the California Independent System Operator’s tariff that will enable it to launch a Western day-ahead electricity market.

The acceptance of Western day-ahead market rules by FERC was paired with approval of another significant set of ISO tariff changes that will provide important day-ahead market enhancements.

Collectively, these new rules are known as the Day-Ahead Market Enhancements (DAME) and the Extended Day-Ahead Market (EDAM).

Grid Monitor Warns of Blackout Risks as Coal Plants Retire

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Rolling blackouts are a rising threat across the U.S. as aging power grids collide with extreme weather, rising electricity demand and a shift to cleaner fuels, the nation’s top grid monitor warned Wednesday. In a report, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. said most regions of the country face growing risks of inadequate electricity supplies […]