Archive for category: General Information

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has authorized its staff to issue TerraPower’s subsidiary, US SFR Owner, a construction permit for the Kemmerer Power Station Unit 1 in Wyoming—a significant milestone as it marks the first commercial reactor approval in nearly a decade and the first non–light water reactor approval in more than 40 years. NRC Chairman Ho Nieh called it a historic step, highlighting the agency’s rigorous, independent safety review. NRC staff completed their technical evaluation in under 18 months and, after a streamlined hearing process, the Commission determined that the application met all necessary safety and environmental requirements. TerraPower first filed the application in March 2024 for its 345‑MWe sodium‑cooled advanced reactor, which includes an energy storage system capable of boosting output to 500 MWe. Although the construction permit is expected soon, the company must still obtain a separate operating license before the facility can run. Safety and environmental reviews were completed in 2025, laying the groundwork for the next stage of the project.

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Representatives from KMEA staff and several member cities recently attended the American Public Power Association (APPA) Legislative Rally, held February 23–25, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) facilitated participation for Kansas communities, ensuring strong representation.  Stacie Eichem of Wamego, Dustin Bedore of Goodland, Jose Chan of Garden City, Jonathan Mitchell of Hoisington, and KMEA General Counsel, Terri Pemberton all attended. Although Washington, D.C. was forecast to receive three to six inches of snow during the days leading up to the rally, the group fortunately avoided major weather impacts, though a few members experienced minor travel delays upon arrival.

Throughout the week, the Kansas delegation met with several members of the Kansas congressional delegation and at their offices. Meetings included visits with Representative Ron Estes’ office on Monday; Representatives Sharice Davids, Tracey Mann, Eric Schmidt, and Senator Roger Marshall on Tuesday; and Senator Jerry Moran on Wednesday. These discussions were productive and appeared to be well received, offering an opportunity to share local perspectives on federal issues affecting municipal utilities.  Collectively, the event served as an important platform for Kansas public power representatives to strengthen relationships with federal legislators, remain informed on national policy developments, and ensure that the needs of community‑owned utilities continue to be heard at the federal level.

 

The City of Gardner currently has several openings within its Utilities Department. If you’re interested in careers in electrical operations, system maintenance, or gaining hands‑on experience in utility services, the following positions are now accepting applications.

Visit www.gardnerkansas.gov/jobs to apply or learn more.

 

Apprentice Electric Operator (Utility)- Hiring Range: $23.78/hr. – $30.25/hr. The Apprentice Electric Operator performs skilled work relating to the operation, testing, maintenance, and repair of the City of Gardner combustion turbines, generators, high voltage substations, and associated facilities.  Assists with maintenance, testing, and repairs of power and instrument transformers, breakers, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical positioners, bleed-valves, pumps, motors, controls, thermocouples and relays.  Employee is also responsible for monitoring the supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA).  This position is trained through a four (4) year apprenticeship program to become a Journeyman Electric Operator. The position requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years experience in relevant electrical and mechanical work, vocational training, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills; and possession of a valid Kansas Driver’s License. www.gardnerkansas.gov/jobs

 

SCADA Specialist (Utility)- Hiring Range: $31.56 – $40.15/hr. The SCADA Specialist performs a variety of technical tasks in support of the SCADA system, including calibrating equipment, performing maintenance, programming, and correcting problems. The role involves providing technical support, serving as a first responder to outages and equipment failures, coordinating work, and documenting activities. Education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school supplemented by technical courses in electronics and the repair of electrical utility equipment. Requires a minimum of four (4) years of experience in the inspection, repair and maintenance of gas turbines, electrical substations, and equipment, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills. Computer experience is necessary. Requires the possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.  www.gardnerkansas.gov/jobs

 

Electric Intern (Utility) – Hourly Rate: $15.00/hr. Under the direction of the Journeyman Lineman or Lead Electric Lineman, performs entry level professional work, research and support for the Electric Distribution Department.  Participates in a variety of projects within the organizations initiatives. Performs testing equipment to install and maintain electric service to residential, commercial, and industrial, city buildings, plants, street lighting, and other related activities. Hours:  M-F; 6:30AM – 3 PM.  Application Deadline: Open Until Filled. www.gardnerkansas.gov/jobs

Coal-fired electricity generation in the lower 48 states rose sharply during the week ending January 25, 2026, increasing 31% as Winter Storm Fern drove up power demand, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. This jump contrasted with earlier in the month, when mild weather kept coal use below January 2025 levels. Natural gas generation also grew 14% during the storm week, while solar, wind, and hydropower output declined and nuclear generation remained steady. Coal supplied 21% of total U.S. electricity that week—up from 17%—making it the second‑largest source behind natural gas at 38%, with nuclear at 18%. The EIA noted that coal plants continue to serve as an important reliability resource during extreme weather and high‑demand periods, a pattern seen in previous cold snaps.

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As Winter Storm Fern swept across the region over the weekend, system operators closely tracked weather‑driven grid conditions, fuel pricing, and generation dispatch activity across the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Despite the bitter cold and elevated electricity demand, the grid remained stable thanks to stronger‑than‑expected wind output and conservative operating measures that helped cushion the system during peak stress.

On Saturday, January 24, SPP issued a Conservative Operations Advisory at 2:40 PM. Wind generation proved essential, delivering roughly 3,000 MW more than forecast and helping offset load that ultimately came in slightly below expectations. This combination eased pressure on the system and kept real‑time energy prices below the day‑ahead levels established for the day.

Natural gas markets reflected the intensity of the storm, with the Southern Star weekend index settling near $40/MMBtu and spot purchases rising to around $60/MMBtu. Day‑ahead electricity prices ranged from $100/MWh to $350/MWh, while real‑time prices remained under $100/MWh through Hour Ending 09 before increasing to just over $150/MWh for Hour Ending 10—still below the posted day‑ahead levels. Three cities—Chapman, Girard, and Ottawa—were dispatched in the day‑ahead market.

Conditions on Sunday, January 25, changed very little. SPP remained in a Conservative Operations Advisory, set to expire Monday at noon, leaving the region one step below an EEA1 Alert. Wind generation continued to outperform expectations by 3,000–5,000 MW, providing reliable support during one of the coldest points of the storm. Market activity looked much like Saturday, with Southern Star gas prices holding near $40/MMBtu and spot trades around $50/MMBtu. Day‑ahead electricity prices increased slightly to a range of $240/MWh to $350/MWh, while real‑time prices again stayed below $100/MWh through Hour Ending 09 and rose to approximately $150/MWh for Hour Ending 10—still comfortably under day‑ahead pricing.

Generation activity from member cities was consistent across both days. Chapman, Girard, and Ottawa all had units dispatched in the day‑ahead market. Over the weekend, the City of Chapman generated a total of 57.64 MW, the City of Girard produced 25.72 MW, and the City of Ottawa generated 102.7 MW. No behind‑the‑meter unregistered units were instructed to run at any point during the storm.

Overall, Winter Storm Fern brought harsh temperatures and notable market volatility, but the grid performed remarkably well. Strong wind resources, slightly reduced load, responsive member generation, and proactive operational management all contributed to maintaining system reliability during one of the storm’s most demanding periods

Staff held a meeting with EMP representatives on Friday to update the members on the winter storm Fern.