Archive for category: General Information

KMEA Staff members attended the American Public Power Association National Conference and Public Power Expo in Phoenix last week. The weather “cooperated” as it hovered just over 100 degrees each afternoon and we can tell you that dry heat is still hot. The national conference is an opportunity to catch up on the latest happenings in the public power sector, attend training and information sessions, and to learn about the latest technologies affecting our industry. It is a valuable opportunity to network with the leaders of other public power bodies as well as the APPA staff and the vendors. APPA is an organization that provides valuable leadership, training, information, and legislative guidance for America’s public power sector. Visit www.publicpower.org  for more information and resources.

(Pictured from left to right) Mike Elliot, Craig Figge, Bret Bauer, Scott Fredrickson, and Kerwin McKee

Yesterday, Bret Bauer celebrated his last day as City Manager of the City of Holton in style by hosting the monthly EMP3 meeting at the Holton Power Plant …and Grill (for a day).  Craig, Andrew, Anthony, Corey, Mike, Ira, and the rest of the crew professionally balanced starting and running multiple generators with grilling Holton’s famous steaks and brats for an enjoyable lunch for the group.  Bret has served dutifully in his role at Holton for over five years.  He has been actively engaged in the Agency from day one, at times serving as a member of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and the chair of the Finance Committee.

It was appropriate that part of Bret’s last day was spent with the EMP3 group, as he played an instrumental role in the formation of the Project, which started in 2013.  He served stints as EMP3 chair and vice-chair.  Fittingly, Bret is off to a city whose motto is ‘We Shoot Straight With You’, Gun Barrel City, Texas.  Chosen from thirty-five initial candidates (per Council minutes), he jumps right into the frying pan on the first day of Summer and will become City Manager of Gun Barrel, a city of 5,700 people which is approximately 60 miles southeast of Dallas, on Monday, June 20^th.  KMEA thanks Bret for his vocal advocacy and support for public power, EMP3, and the Agency.  Please join us in wishing Bret the best of luck.

Since the first of the month natural gas prices have been on the increase.  Southern Star Central daily index posted price for June 8th was $2.135 per MMBtu, up twenty-three cents from the posted price of $1.905 on June 1st.  Enable Gas Transmission daily index is also on the rise as prices are up 17.5 cents since the first of the month.

Why are we seeing a jump in prices?

Even though natural gas storage levels remain elevated, the supply glut is slowing compared to analysts’ expectations. The first week of April, inventories were 63% above the 5-year average.  The first week of June that surplus shrank to 35% above the 5-year average.

US natural gas production is declining and is expected to fall about 1 Bcf/d day-on-day according to Bentek.  Natural gas rig count fell by five for the week ending June 3rd.  The rig count has dropped 63 percent year-over-year.

Forecasters are predicting a very warm summer, which will increase natural gas fired electric generation.  NOAA is projecting a 70% chance for LA Nina to hit by fall, meaning a much cooler winter season.

A tighter supply-demand balance can provide a boost to prompt month prices as they continue to hover at a sustained level not seen since the end of January.  Experts in the industry are projecting gas prices could reach the $3.00 mark by year end.

KMEA is currently looking to fill the Manager of Member Services position.
This position is responsible for managing the member services and communications aspects of the business of the Agency, one of the most important elements of our Agency.
Click HERE for more information.