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.

Before joining KMEA, Brandon worked for the City of Girard for 21 years. He spent time in the power plant and also helped out with the electric line department. After that, he worked at Fox Electric as a secondary electrician.

As Field Services Foreman, Brandon will be helping with substation construction, generation projects, and line work.

One project he’s especially looking forward to is helping install a new generator in Girard. It’s something the city has needed for a while, and he’s glad to be part of making it happen.

Fun Facts About Brandon

  • He loves duck hunting and bass fishing.
  • He enjoys playing sports with his grandkids.
  • He’s a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • And here’s a fun one: he gets a kick out of watching people try to back their boats into the lake on busy weekends!

We’re thrilled to have Brandon on board and can’t wait to see the great work he’ll do. Welcome to the team, Brandon!

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 in Pratt County, Kansas.

This strategic move supports our long-term goal of ensuring reliable and cost-effective power for our members. The Ninnescah Flats Solar Energy Center is expected to begin commercial operation in 2026, and will contribute to the stability and diversity of our energy portfolio.

For more information click HERE to read the press release.

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.

In 2024:

  • Over 30,000 MW of solar came online (a 30% increase)
  • Nearly 11,000 MW of energy storage was added (a 62% increase)
  • 37,003 MW of new capacity was added, while 7,192 MW was retired (mostly coal)

Despite solar’s growth, it also saw the most cancellations (43% of 38,000 MW canceled). Coal remains the second-largest source of capacity (15%) but continues to decline, with over 83,000 MW retired since 2017 and 56,000 MW more planned for retirement by 2029.

Most new capacity (88%) is being developed by nonutility generators, with public power projects making up less than 2% of the pipeline.

Click Here to view the full article.

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.

Tara has served the City of Argonia with distinction, holding the role of City Clerk where she manages public records, council agendas, licensing, budgeting, zoning, and more. Her leadership extends beyond city hall—she has served on the KMGA Board of Directors, led the Argonia Chamber and Pride Organization, mentored fellow clerks through the City Clerks and Municipal Finance Officers Association, and collaborated with the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and Black Hills Energy to promote pipeline safety through the “BACKMM” initiative.

Despite her many professional accomplishments, Tara considers her greatest achievement to be her family. She and her husband Jim, married for 28 years, are proud parents to two sons, Trevor and Brayden. In her free time, Tara enjoys returning to her roots on the family farm and relaxing at the lake.

Please join us in congratulating Tara Pierce on her new role. We look forward to the insight and energy she will bring to the KMGA Executive Committee!

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.

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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.

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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.
System operators showed increased situational awareness and preparedness, while the natural gas system met record demand with minimal production declines. NERC President Jim Robb emphasized the importance of incorporating successful strategies into future performance expectations.
Continued implementation of past recommendations is essential for ongoing resilience and reliability.

Click Here to view the complete report

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.

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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.

Contact the City Clerk at (785) 325-2284 or visit their website for a full job description and application. Compensation dependent upon qualifications and includes an excellent benefits package. Interested candidates should submit an application along with resume, cover letter and three work-related references to City of Washington, Attn: City Clerk, P.O. Box 296, Washington, Kansas 66968. If confidentiality is requested, please state in application materials. Position open until filled. EOE

Job Opportunity: Executive Director Needed at SPRA

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The Southwestern Power Resources Association (SPRA) is seeking a visionary leader with strong interpersonal skills to become its next Executive Director.

Formed in 1957, SPRA represents rural electric cooperatives and public power systems across six states, advocating for the federal hydropower program managed by the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA).

SPRA offers a competitive benefits package and is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Applications are due by May 12, 2025. For more details and to apply, please click HERE.