Entries by KMEA

EPA power plant rule targets coal. Does that spell trouble for the grid?

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Piles of coal parked at the entrance of Baltimore Harbor are the gateway to one of the biggest fossil fuel plants in the mid-Atlantic region.

After years of public debate and litigation brought by the Sierra Club, the 1,283-megawatt Brandon Shores coal-burning power station is expected to close in 2025 under an agreement with its owner. If the plant retires, it will be another step in the nation’s decisive shift away from coal generation.

But Brandon Shores is also seen by some grid officials as a poster child for the threat to electric reliability posed by the quickening pace of closures of fossil fuel plants. And it illustrates the distance U.S. climate policy has to go to both usher polluting plants off the grid while guaranteeing electricity can be generated and shipped from elsewhere to meet rising demand. It’s a dynamic underscored by EPA’s power plant rule release last week, which calls for coal generating plants and large new natural gas plants to capture most carbon emissions by 2032 or get on a retirement schedule. The rules could be eased in grid emergencies.

Quinday wins Edgar P. Schowalter Award

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KMEA President Jon Quinday wins the Edgar P. Schowalter award at the annual Kansas Municipal Utilities Conference held in Wichita on April 25th.  The Schowalter Award is the highest award presented by KMU.  The award is given to recognize individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the municipal utility industry. The award is given annually to a manager, employee or policy maker from one of KMU’s member municipal utilities.  Jon continues to display great leadership throughout his community and organization that he dutifully serves.  Congratulations to Jon on this prestigious award.

KCC accepts applications for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program

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The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $1.9 million Block Grant from the Department of Energy (DOE). The grant is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). Under the Program, States may make subawards to local governments (counties and cities) who did not directly receive federal grants under the Program.

The KCC intends to support with this Program through subgrants to local governments to help fund projects to replace traffic signals and/or street lighting with energy efficient lighting technology with a particular focus to rural, underserved and disadvantaged communities in Kansas.

Governor Kelly Announces KMW to Invest $105M in Sterling, Create 251 New Jobs in Kansas

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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that KMW, a precision manufacturer of agricultural front loaders, backhoes, and other attachments, will invest $105 million to construct a new North American headquarters and state-of-the-art production facility in Sterling. The venture will create 251 new jobs, resulting in a local workforce of 485.

“There’s no doubt – this investment will grow our economy and create more opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our efforts to make Kansas one of the most pro-business states in the country is paying off for workers everywhere, including our rural communities.”

KMW selected Sterling in Rice County after a rigorous competition among Midwestern states. In addition to the headquarters, moving to the 151-acre site on the north side of Sterling will allow KMW to continue growing its manufacturing capabilities.

KMEA Needs your Feedback

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KMEA values your input and aims to better meet your needs. Your feedback will help us prioritize and improve the services we provide. Please take a moment to complete our survey. In the survey, please rank five services that you believe are most essential to our membership according to priority. Your insights will guide our efforts to serve you better.

April 18th, Lineworker Appreciation Day

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National Lineworker Appreciation Day, observed on April 18 every year, honors the efforts of both women and men who work diligently to keep our lights on. These dedicated lineworkers labor around the clock to ensure that electricity flows through our communities, even in the most challenging conditions.
Let’s take a moment to express our gratitude to these brave individuals who keep our cities illuminated!

Meet Paul Lampe, Newest Addition to KMEA Team

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Paul Lampe joined the KMEA’s team on March 18th. Paul brings a wealth of experience to our organization with 24+ years with the City of Independence – MO, Power & Light Department, in the Engineering and System Operations areas.   Prior to his employment with the City of Independence Paul was employed 7+ by Burns & McDonnell, duties included substation design, transmission and distribution analysis.

City of Russell Seeks Full-Time Police Officer

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The City of Russell is seeking professional and community-oriented individuals for a full-time Police Officer position. The City of Russell is situated at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and US Highway 281. As a rural city, it is our vision to serve as the County’s regional center. We are a community that is dedicated to family, friends, and neighbors, where generations care for each other. We are One Russell, building a self-reliant future. We are home.

The City of Russell offers a very progressive benefit package. Basic benefits include vacation, sick leave, family health insurance, family dental and vision plans, and KPERS retirement program, with optional benefits packages available as well. Applicants must be 21 years of age, with a high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, no felony or domestic violence convictions, drug or alcohol related convictions or diversions, must pass a POST test, psychological exam / medical and drug screening and background investigation. Applicants must also establish residency in the City of Russell 6 months from the hire date.

Salary will be dependent on qualifications. Applications and a full job description can be obtained at www.russellcity.org or at the City of Russell, 133 W. 8th , Russell, KS 67665. Completed applications can be submitted in person, online, faxed to 785-483-4397 or emailed to alice@russellcity.org. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Position open until filled. EEO/ADA

Meet Brooke Kistler, KMEA’s new Senior Accountant

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We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Brooke Kistler, she is the new Senior Accountant. She joined the KMEA’s team on February 26th. Brooke brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to our organization, and we’re excited to have her on board.

Brooke was born and raised in Olathe, Kansas. She attended Olathe North High School.
Brooke’s educational journey led her to pursue an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting from Metropolitan Community College (MCC). Prior to joining KMEA, Brooke served as a controller at DDIR, a commercial real estate company