Entries by KMEA

KMEA Members and Staff Attended the APPA Legislative Rally

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Recently, representatives of many municipal owned electric utilities including KMEA members and staff attended the APPA Legislative Rally held in Washington D.C. The goal of this event is to bring awareness to the congressional delegation regarding challenges that face community owned utilities.  Along with opportunities to meet with representatives of congress members also had the ability to learn from the many educational sessions that APPA presented during the rally.

Meet Our New System Operators: Brennan Caume and Noah Cunningham

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We are excited to introduce the latest additions to KMEA’s system operations team: Brennan Caume and Noah Cunningham.
Brennan Caume, born and raised in Blue Springs, Missouri (just outside Kansas City, Missouri), brings a unique blend of skills to our team. After graduating from Blue Springs High School, Brennan pursued studies at Missouri State University. Initially focused on cell and molecular biology, he later shifted gears to business and construction management.

Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day: March 18th

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The KMGA proudly observes National Natural Gas Utility Workers’ Day on March 18, 2024. This marks the nineth consecutive year of official nationwide celebration in honor of the dedicated individuals who power our communities through natural gas utilities.

On this special day, we recognize the tireless efforts of the employees who safeguard and maintain one of our most valuable resources—the natural gas infrastructure. Their commitment to safety is paramount, especially in light of historical events like the New London, Texas school explosion in 1937. That tragic incident prompted widespread odorization of natural gas and underscored the need for stringent safety measures.

KCC receives federal grant to help cities and counties make the switch to more efficient lighting

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TOPEKA – The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) has been awarded a $1.9 million Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant from the Department of Energy (DOE) to help local governments replace traffic signals and/or street lighting with energy efficient lighting technology.

The agency’s grant application stated that “many publicly owned facilities in Kansas communities are aging and inefficient, incurring high costs for energy and maintenance. Replacement of street lights and traffic signals with more energy efficient lighting can significantly cut energy use and maintenance costs while improving light quality and output.” 

Colby Continues to Add New Generation

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The City of Colby recently added a second Cat C175 diesel generator at the city’s power plant, as it continues to transition from its legacy generating equipment. The two Cat gensets can provide up to 6 MW of power, combined, and are housed in enclosures positioned next to the substation at the power plant.

Click HERE to read more…

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.