Archive for category: General Information

KMGA is pleased to announce Bryan Knox of the City of Partridge as the 2026 recipient of the Mike Gilliland Honor Award. Established in 2016, the award recognizes employees of KMGA member cities who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, outstanding performance, and significant contributions to their municipal utilities.
For more than 17 years, Bryan has faithfully served the City of Partridge, growing from a newcomer to the gas utility industry into a respected leader as Gas Superintendent. He oversees the city’s gas, water, and wastewater systems, along with street maintenance and mowing operations, helping ensure essential services are delivered safely and efficiently.
Known for his reliability and willingness to help, Bryan regularly responds to emergencies, assists neighboring communities with utility challenges, and has supported disaster recovery efforts throughout the region. His strong work ethic, practical expertise, and commitment to service have earned him the respect of colleagues, residents, and fellow utility professionals alike.
KMGA is proud to recognize Bryan’s years of dedicated service and the positive impact he continues to make in his community.
Congratulations to Bryan Knox, City of Partridge, recipient of the 2026 Mike Gilliland Honor Award

KMEA is proud to recognize Max Krull of the City of Blue Mound as the 2026 recipient of the inaugural Mike Muirhead Dedicated Service Award.

Originally established in 2016 and renamed in 2026 to honor longtime KMEA leader Mike Muirhead, this award recognizes employees of KMEA member cities who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to their municipal utilities over many years of service.

A lifelong resident of Blue Mound, Max has dedicated nearly three decades to serving the community he calls home. Since joining the city in 1997 as City Superintendent, he has overseen virtually every aspect of municipal operations, including water, sewer, electric, and maintenance services. During his tenure, he helped complete a major sewer plant project and led numerous infrastructure improvements. In his current role as City Clerk, he continues to strengthen the community by securing grant funding for key projects and overseeing efforts such as the construction of a new water tower.

Beyond his work for Blue Mound, Max has shared his knowledge and expertise with neighboring communities, including assisting the City of Kincaid with water and sewer operations. His commitment to service also extends to local leadership, having served on the school board since 2003 and contributing to numerous community organizations and activities.

KMEA is honored to recognize Max for his decades of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to his community. His hard work and service have left a lasting impact on Blue Mound and the surrounding region.

Please join us in congratulating Max Krull on receiving the 2026 Mike Muirhead Dedicated Service Award.

KMEA is pleased to announce Dale Schweiger, Director of Utilities for the City of Osage City, as the 2026 recipient of the Gil Hanson Outstanding Service Award.

With more than 30 years of public service, Dale has made a lasting impact through his leadership, dedication, and commitment to improving utility infrastructure and municipal operations. During his time with Osage City, he has helped lead major projects involving electric, water, wastewater, and GIS system improvements while earning a reputation as a collaborative leader and trusted resource.

Before joining municipal government, Dale served in the U.S. Air Force and spent 22 years with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, where he received multiple awards for his service and contributions.

As he nears retirement, KMEA is proud to recognize Dale’s outstanding career and the positive influence he has had on his community and the public power industry.

Congratulations to Dale Schweiger, City of Osage City, recipient of the 2026 Gil Hanson Outstanding Service Award.

On September 3, the KMEA and KMGA Executive Committees met in Kansas City, Kansas.

During the KMEA Executive Committee meeting, members approved the July Appropriations Report and received staff updates on regulatory affairs, operations, member services, Mid-States activities, and power supply.

The KMGA Executive Committee also approved the July Appropriations Report and discussed the preliminary 2027 budget. Staff provided updates through the Gas Director’s Report, Chief Legal Officer’s Report, and CEO/General Manager’s Report.

Following the executive committee meetings, the Joint Board of Administration convened to discuss the cooperation between KMEA and KMGA.

KMGA Executive Committee Meeting

KMEA Executive Committee Meeting

The rapid growth of data centers is driving a surge in proposed natural gas power projects across the United States. According to Global Energy Monitor, U.S. gas-fired generating capacity in development increased 50% during the first half of the year, reaching 378 GW, with Texas leading the nation. Many of these projects are intended to provide direct power for data centers as electricity demand continues to rise.

However, the pace of development faces challenges, including turbine supply shortages, financing uncertainty, permitting delays, and public opposition. As a result, developers are increasingly turning to smaller engine-based technologies that can be deployed more quickly. While data centers are fueling significant growth in proposed gas generation, the ultimate scale of the buildout remains uncertain.

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