Public Natural Gas Week 2025, observed from October 5–11, is a nationwide event organized by the American Public Gas Association (APGA) to raise awareness about the value of publicly owned natural gas systems. For cities across Kansas that are KMGA members, many of which own and operate their own systems, this week serves as a timely reminder of the strength and reliability of local energy solutions.
The City of Garden City is currently hiring for two key roles in its Electric Department—ideal for individuals ready to build or advance a career in public power.
Apprentice Lineman:
The City of Garden City is hiring for Apprentice Lineman with the Electric Department. This position will enter into an apprenticeship agreement and maintain 90% or better attendance at weekly classes. To work as assigned by supervision in team environment only. To work and assist experienced lineman. Learn proper use and safety of all department equipment. Upon satisfactory completion of the four years of the apprentice program, the employee will be evaluated for consideration of advancement to an Electrical Journeyman Lineman.
Journeyman Lineman:
The City of Garden City is accepting applications for Journeyman Lineman with the Electric Department. This position is responsible for the installation and maintenance of electrical power systems, street lighting systems, airport electrical systems and devices unique to a municipal system.
Click Here for more information and to Apply
Each October, Public Power Week offers a moment to reflect on the strength behind our cities—the municipal utilities that keep Kansas running. From powering homes and hospitals to supporting businesses and schools, public utilities are the backbone of our communities. This year’s theme, “2,000 Utilities. One Purpose.”, speaks to a shared mission: serving people, not profit.
Across Kansas, public utilities are more than service providers—they are stewards of resilience, innovation, and trust. They answer to their communities, not shareholders. They reinvest in infrastructure, prioritize reliability, and respond with agility when challenges arise. Whether it’s restoring power after a storm or planning for future energy needs, these utilities operate with dedication and impact.
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency (KMEA) is proud to welcome Shane Karcher as the newest member of the Mid-States team, stepping into the role of Manager, Maintenance & Construction. With over two decades of experience in the power industry and a passion for serving communities, Shane brings a wealth of knowledge, leadership, and dedication to municipalities across Kansas.
Originally from the Abilene/Salina area, Shane’s journey to KMEA was inspired by his connection to Mike Schmaderer and the impactful work being done at Mid-States. “It’s the kind of work that aligns perfectly with what I’ve been doing,” Shane shared. “I’m excited to be involved in every aspect of substations—from the equipment inside to the lines outside—and to help drive projects from start to finish for cities across Kansas.”
Shane’s career spans 21 years, taking him from coast to coast and even overseas, working in substations, power plants, refineries, and some of the most remote corners of the country. His leadership has been instrumental in building a high-performing Field Service team that grew from $3 million to $23 million in annual revenue—an achievement made possible through collaboration with technicians, managers, and administrative staff who believed in the mission.
For the past six years, Shane has overseen a team of 35 technicians nationwide, guiding complex repair and installation projects with precision and care. His commitment to excellence is matched by his dedication to customer service. “Helping the customer is always my top priority,” he said. “I strive to do the best I can, whenever I can, and to always lend a hand.”
Outside of work, Shane enjoys the outdoors with his wife Michelle, who has supported his career and travel for the past 17 years. Together, they love camping, boating, fishing, and hunting—activities that reflect Shane’s grounded nature and appreciation for life beyond the job site.
We’re thrilled to have Shane on board and look forward to the expertise and energy he brings to KMEA and Mid- States. Welcome, Shane!
Residential electricity rates in the U.S. have surged, rising 6.6% over the past year as of June, with states like Maine, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey experiencing the steepest increases—25.5%, 23.3%, and 21% respectively. Across all sectors, prices climbed an average of 5.2%, reaching 13.88 cents per kilowatt-hour, with residential customers facing the highest hikes, followed by transportation, industrial, and commercial users. A major driver of these increases is the spike in natural gas prices, which rose 22.6% to $3.11 per million British thermal units and are projected to hit $4/MMBtu by year-end. These costs influence wholesale electricity prices and, ultimately, consumer bills. Additional pressure comes from the growing demand fueled by artificial intelligence data centers, which are straining utility budgets and accelerating infrastructure upgrades. Extreme weather events have also added to operational costs, while the full impact of tariffs and the expiration of clean energy tax credits has yet to be felt. According to the Center for American Progress, at least 102 utilities have proposed or enacted rate hikes that could increase Americans’ electric bills by $67 billion by 2026. The rising rates have sparked political backlash, with leaders in states like Indiana and Arizona calling for relief and greater scrutiny of utility rate requests. As affordability becomes a growing concern, regulators may face increasing pressure to balance infrastructure needs with consumer protection.
Winter is on it’s way and it always seems to creep up on us before we know it. There are a number of things that you can do to prepare your distribution systems and power plants for winter. Everyone should prepare for winter by conducting regular inspections, addressing infrastructure needs, and implementing safety measures. Here are some key steps to ensure the safety and efficiency of the electric system during the winter months:
• Conduct Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect power grid infrastructure to identify and address any vulnerabilities or issues that may arise during winter storms.
• Implement Safety Measures: Develop and enforce safety protocols, including the use of GIS tools and maintenance management software to prioritize essential routes and coordinate tasks.
• Prepare for Power Outages: Develop reliable communication and action plans in the event of power outages, ensuring that citizens are informed and can take necessary precautions.
• Enhance Infrastructure: Insulate and reinforce vulnerable power lines to prevent power outages, which can put citizens at risk both on the road and at home.
By following these steps, municipalities can better prepare their electric systems for winter, ensuring the safety and reliability of the power supply to their communities. Remember it is always safety first. Be careful when navigating any snow or ice and always try to work in pairs. Be safe and have a great winter season.
Photo By Brian Luton/KSHB
According to a KSHB report published on September 4, 2025, Kodion Energy, based in Paola, Kansas, is advancing the reliability and safety of the electrical grid through AI-powered transformers that monitor performance and detect inefficiencies before they cause outages. These smart units provide real-time data to utilities and users, enabling faster response times and hands-free diagnostics. Under a contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, Kodion is installing its technology on military bases along the West Coast and will showcase its system at the Utility Expo in Kentucky through a partnership with United Rentals.
To support growing demand, Kodion is planning a 40,000-square-foot facility near its current location, expected to bring 50 to 100 jobs in its first week and eventually expand to a 100,000-square-foot site with 2,000 jobs over the next decade. CEO Joshua Okorie, a Nigerian immigrant, sees eastern Kansas as a rising energy corridor, especially with Panasonic’s nearby presence in De Soto. Kodion’s domestic manufacturing model offers faster delivery and reduced costs compared to overseas suppliers.
Okorie’s goal is to bring good-paying jobs to the region while strengthening U.S. energy independence. With energized units already operating in California proudly labeled “Paola, Kansas,” Kodion is proving that innovation doesn’t have to come from the coasts—it can start right here in Kansas.
We are thrilled to announce the keynote speakers for the 2025 Annual Conference, taking place November 13–14 at the Wichita Marriott Hotel.
This year’s conference will feature two dynamic voices who bring energy, insight, and a whole lot of heart to the stage: Joel Goldberg, Emmy Award-winning broadcaster and leadership speaker, and Dan Meers, better known as KC Wolf, the legendary mascot of the Kansas City Chiefs.
In 2024, the U.S. energy grid reached a historic milestone, with interconnection agreements surging 33% to a record-breaking 75 gigawatts (GW), driven by new federal regulations aimed at streamlining the process. According to Wood Mackenzie’s report Tracking the Progress of US Grid Interconnection, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order No. 2023—issued in July 2023—played a pivotal role in accelerating interconnection studies by reducing speculative projects and clearing queue backlogs. This regulatory shift, along with reforms from Independent System Operators, has led to faster processing, a 9% decline in new project entries, and a 51% increase in withdrawals of non-viable projects since 2022. Solar and storage technologies dominated the interconnection landscape, capturing 75% (58 GW) of all agreements in 2024—a trend that continues into 2025. Solar alone has accounted for half of all signed agreements since 2019. Meanwhile, natural gas has seen a surge in interconnection requests, adding 121 GW of capacity since 2022, but successful agreements have declined by 25%, particularly in the PJM, MISO, and ERCOT regions. Regional disparities remain a challenge: ERCOT leads in both success rates and processing speed due to its streamlined “connect-and-manage” approach, while ISONE, despite high success rates, suffers from long delays, and CAISO struggles with low success rates due to a high volume of speculative projects. While the reforms are showing early promise, experts like Kaitlin Fung of Wood Mackenzie emphasize that continued efforts are needed to address regional imbalances and ensure sustained progress in modernizing the U.S. grid.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts that natural gas consumption will rise by 1% in 2025, reaching a record 91.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d). This growth is driven by increased use in the residential and commercial sectors, especially during the colder winter months, which saw record-breaking demand due to a polar vortex in January.
Despite this overall increase, consumption in the electric power sector is expected to decline, marking a shift from previous years when it was the primary driver of growth. Natural gas remains the most prevalent source for generating electricity in the U.S., but has lost market share to coal, solar, and wind.
Looking ahead to 2026, consumption is projected to slightly decrease, largely due to forecasts of milder winter weather, which would reduce heating demand.
