Entries by KMEA

Jetmore Rallies After Powerful Storm Knocks Out Power

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In the early morning of Sunday, May 25, 2025, a severe storm swept through Jetmore, Kansas, bringing strong winds and a little bigger than pea-sized hail. The storm caused major damage to the city’s electrical grid, knocking out power on the west side of town and on the city’s east country line. Several power lines and poles were destroyed, including parts of the system owned by Midwest Energy.

To keep essential services running, city staff activated Jetmore’s municipal generator. City Foreman Brian Beil quickly contacted Steve Porter and Henry Morrow from the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) for help. Henry arrived first to assess the damage and confirmed that more support was needed.

Steve and Henry recommended reaching out to Greg Dumars with Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) Mutual Aid. Help soon arrived: the City of Pratt sent three linemen and trucks, while Garden City sent two linemen and equipment.

Meet Brandon Foraker – Field Services Foreman at KMEA Mid-States!

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We’re excited to welcome Brandon Foraker to the KMEA Mid-States team as our new Field Services Foreman! Brandon brings years of hands-on experience and a strong connection to his hometown of Girard, Kansas, where he’s lived for the past 34 years.

Brandon has been married to his wife, Kim, for 32 years. They have two kids and five grandkids who keep them busy and smiling. Family is a big part of Brandon’s life, and he’s proud to call Girard home.

KMEA Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Ninnescah Flats Solar

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At KMEA, we’re continually working to strengthen the energy resources available to our member cities across Kansas. We’re pleased to announce that we’ve signed a power purchase agreement with Ninnescah Flats Solar, LLC, a subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources. KMEA contracted for 78.6 MW of the 200 MW solar project from a new facility located […]

APPA Report: U.S. Energy Development Holds Steady with 468,582 MW in Progress

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A new report by the American Public Power Association (APPA) reveals that 468,582 megawatts (MW) of new electricity generation capacity is under development in the U.S., matching the scale of the past two years. This includes:

143,247 MW under construction or permitted
325,335 MW proposed or pending application

Solar energy leads development, making up 55% of new capacity, followed by wind (26%) and natural gas (11%). However, most wind projects remain in early, uncertain stages, and fewer are progressing compared to solar. Notably, wind projects are down 22%, while natural gas projects are up 58% from the previous year.

KMGA Welcomes Tara Pierce to the Executive Committee

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The Kansas Municipal Gas Agency (KMGA) is proud to welcome Tara Pierce as the newest member of its Executive Committee, succeeding Stephanie Ashby of Walton.

A lifelong resident of Argonia, Tara grew up on her family farm just south of town. She began her professional journey after graduating from Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) in 1994 with a degree in Business and Accounting. Her commitment to continued learning led her to pursue Business Law courses at Cowley County Community College and to graduate from the Municipal Clerks Institute at Wichita State University in 2021.

KMEA is Hiring System Operator

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This position will perform all functions related to the company’s real-time system operations.  Functions included, but are not limited to, communicating SPP generation dispatch instructions to member cities, handling all SPP real-time communications, handling all utility reliability real-time communications,  communicating outage information to SPP via CROW software.   Monitoring city load, resources and resolving real-time issues that may come up.    System Operator is empowered to make real time economic decision on behalf of KMEA and member cities.

Joint EMP Meeting Registration is now open

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KMEA is excited to host the 2025 Joint EMP Meeting and Golf Outing. Scheduled for June 24-25, 2025, the event kicks off with a golf outing at the Osawatomie Golf Course. The following day, the Marriott Hotel in Overland Park will be the venue for the KMGA and KMEA Executive Committee meetings, followed by a joint EMP meeting. Please click here for more information and to register.

Winter Resilience: U.S. Bulk Power System’s Success in January 2025

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A joint report by FERC, NERC, and NERC’s Regional Entities, released on April 17, highlighted the strong performance of the U.S. bulk power system during January 2025’s cold weather events. Both natural gas and electric systems operated smoothly, avoiding major issues.
The report credits improved communication and coordination, along with lessons learned from past outages like Winter Storm Uri. FERC Chairman Mark Christie noted that these reviews have led to better system performance and consumer benefits.

KMGA Regional Meetings: Join Us!

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The Kansas Municipal Gas Agency (KMGA) is hosting four regional meetings this May. These meetings will provide valuable updates on the natural gas market and industry, share what’s happening within KMGA, and offer great opportunities for members to meet in a small group setting, build relationships, and share experiences with other cities.

City of Washington is Hiring Power Plant Operator

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The City of Washington, Kansas, is accepting applications for Power Plant Operator. The applicant must possess a valid Kansas Class B CDL and HS Diploma/GED.  Knowledge in diesel engine operation, power generation and maintenance, along with a skilled level of working in the operation of fossil fueled engines, electric generators, and all associated equipment is required for this position. This position is required to be on call on a rotating basis and residency within a five-mile radius of the City required. Applicant subject to pre-employment drug screening.