Archive for category: General Information

The Struggle Continues

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It seems like the conversation of wind generation never really ends. It was only a few years ago that wind penetration in the U.S. generation mix was irrelevant in the whole scheme of providing electrons to the power grid. Well, my, how that has changed. In the last few months SPP has reported records for both Wind Penetration in the SPP generation mix of 60.56% on March 16, 2018 and a Wind Generation Peak of 19,690MW on December 15, 2017.

Many people have called the electric power grid of North America the greatest engineering marvel ever by man. Currently the grid is being tested to its max by the overwhelming amount of megawatts of renewable energy being generated. One big problem is that wind generation is typically installed where the load is low and the power grid lacks the robust buildout to support the additional generation.

Ok, now that I have told you what you probably already now, let’s compound the problem with renewable energy subsidies. Take a look at the following article that illustrates how all of this creates issues beyond the power grid. The struggles for Oklahoma are just one example of how renewable energy has become much larger than any of us ever realized.

Incentives for Wind Energy

Second Largest Wind

Employment Opportunity

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The City of Halstead is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Superintendent.  Applications available at Halstead City Hall or online at www.halsteadks.com. Applicants may also apply at www.hrepartners.com.

Oberlin’s Gateway Civic Center

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This multi-use facility is completely handicap-accessible, with an elevator. It has a 1,200 seat capacity arena/exhibit hall/basketball court, and a 211 seat theater, two meeting rooms, and has wireless capabilities. The building was designed with large columns gracing both of the lobbies and a central circular design. The arena has 10,000 square feet and a large overhead door, which allows for Farm equipment to be exhibited………..

http://www.oberlin-kansas.com/2158/Gateway-Civic-Center

Northwest Cities Meet in Oberlin

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The cities of Colby, Goodland, Sharon Springs, Oberlin and Norton met at the Gateway Civics Center in Oberlin to complete strategic planning for future pooling efforts.  Oberlin City Administrator, Halley Roberson led the discussion and the group worked through a complete strategic process.

Hesston police chief receives Medal of Valor

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HESSTON, Kan. (KWCH) Hesston Police Chief Doug Schroeder Tuesday was honored by President Donald Trump with the Medal of Valor for his life saving actions during the workplace shooting at Excel Industries in 2016

“The Medal of Valor is the highest national award for public safety officers and is awarded for exceptional acts of heroism, extending above and beyond the call of duty,” Hesston City Administrator Gary Emry says. “This award signifies Chief Schroeder’s exemplary action during a time of crisis which saved many lives and is well-deserved.”

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That Darn Weather

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By far the biggest cause of power interruptions in 2017 was weather events. With two major hurricanes striking the U.S. just weeks apart the power industry’s resilience was tested once again. The response in the field and the restoration of electric service to thousands of homes and businesses was amazing. Not wanting to be outdone, 2018 has already produced a weather event that affected millions of people. The “bomb cyclone” as it has been called tested the entire northeastern U.S. Record levels of natural gas were consumed for power generation and the electricity price soared. The U.S. Department of Energy has detailed the event and it’s affect on the power markets in the attached article. It goes without saying that with all the planning and weather forecasting we still can’t avoid the hazards of nature.

https://energy.gov/articles/january-s-cold-weather-affects-electricity-generation-mix-northeast-mid-atlantic

Employment Opportunity

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The City of Eudora is seeking qualified applicants for the position of  Director of Public Works.

Go to:  www.cityofeudoraks.gov for more information.

Employment Opportunity

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The City of Chapman is currently accepting applications and resumes for the position of Journey Lineman/Lineman Apprentice

Go to:  http://chapmanks.com/employment-opportunities/ for more information.

 

 

What Will 2018 Bring?

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2017 flew by and here we are starting a new year. The past year was an interesting time for the electric industry. The price of electricity, wind generation installation, solar construction, and the abundance of natural gas has changed the industry for the foreseeable future. The U.S. Department of Energy is looking to find ways to sustain the coal and nuclear plants and the construction of a nuclear generation plant was halted mid-project. The industry has gone through a lot of growing pains but the good news for the consumer is that energy prices are lower than they have been for years. I found an interesting article that provides some insight into what we can expect in the power sector for 2018.

https://www.utilitydive.com/news/10-trends-shaping-the-power-sector-in-2018/515235/