News Releases

For Immediate Release
Jennah Denney – Today’s Power, Inc. (501) 400-5548
jdenney@todayspower.com

DSO Electric Cooperative Maximizes Financial Security for Members and Harvests Solar Energy with Two Projects.

June 22, 2021  LINDSBORG, KS — DSO Electric Cooperative dedicated two solar farms with a “Flip the Switch” event today.  One of the farms is located north of Lindsborg and the other is within the city of Junction City.  Both farms were built to minimize the cooperative's peak demand and maintain stable rates for its members.

Originally announced in November of 2020, DSO’s two solar farms were formally linked to the grid by Today's Power Inc. (TPI) of North Little Rock, Arkansas.  These farms are among the first of the 22 systems to be built as part of the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program (KCSPP), a TPI solar power services agreement program that ensures low-cost renewable energy to 12 participating Kansas electric cooperatives.

Both of DSO’s solar farms were customized in the design process to maximize output during peak demand hours, when power is most expensive.  Lowering the peak demand charges helps DSO keep power affordable for its members.  Along with the other participating Kansas electric cooperatives, DSO negotiated very competitive long-term pricing.  In addition, these solar farms will add to DSO’s diverse fuel mix.  With these projects generating power, approximately 67% of DSO’s power will come from wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear sources.

Michael Henderson, president of TPI said, “we are very excited to partner with DSO Electric Cooperative on this project.  I have spent my career serving electric cooperative members and having able to provide direct, quantifiable savings through projects like KCSPP is very gratifying.”  He went on to say, “the leadership of DSO should be commended for their forward-thinking efforts in serving their members.”

Tim Power, CEO of DSO, noted that, “A lot of work went into these solar projects.  Mike Olberding, our operations manager, did a great job managing the projects and making sure things stayed on schedule.  I also want to give a shout-out to the owners of the land we purchased for the solar farms, the city and county officials, and people with Today’s Power; they were all easy to work with and instrumental in helping us get to this day.”

TPI was chosen by the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program in 2020 to provide solar-produced power for cooperative use.  Work on the two sun farms began in early 2021 and was completed in May 2021, after all regulatory and engineering approvals were issued.  For the length of the 25-year-or-more agreement, the cooperative will purchase electricity generated by the solar farms at a fixed-low cost.  TPI operates and owns 100% of the solar arrays.

DSO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE SUN FARM STATISTICS:

Location: JUNCTION CITY, KANSAS

• Size: 1.42-Megawatt (MW) DC / 1 MW AC
• Modules: 3,450 Solar Modules
• Racking: Single-Axis Sun Tracking Technology
• Inversion: 8 125 kW String Inverters

Location: LINDSBORG, KANSAS

• Size: 1.42-Megawatt (MW) DC / 1 MW AC
• Modules: 3,500 Solar Modules
• Racking: Single-Axis Sun Tracking Technology
• Inversion: 8 125 kW String Inverters

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More Information:

This opportunity to participate in the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program began when the wholesale power contract between all participating cooperatives and their forward-thinking generation and transmission cooperative, Kansas Electric Power Cooperatives, was recently modified to provide Kansas electric cooperatives with the ability to self-procure up to 15% of peak demand – with 5% of that amount specifically allowing for the addition of solar (or some other renewable).

Using the sixth cooperative principle of cooperation among cooperatives, twelve cooperatives in Kansas joined together to secure low-cost power and reduce their peak demands for the next 25 years or more.

        PO Box 4267 * Topeka, KS66604-0267 * (785) 478-4554 * (785) 478-4852 FAX

Feb. 15, 2021; 4 p.m.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Vicki Estes, 785-221-3083                                                   

Extreme Temps Result in Southwest Power Pool Issuing Level 3 Alert Earlier in the Day

KEC Urges Electric Consumers to Reduce all Unnecessary Electricity Usage

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which balances electricity production and use for a 14-state region including Kansas, declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 just hours after issuing a Level 2 alert. The Level 3 declaration resulted in the SPP directing its member companies to implement controlled interruptions of service. That load-shed was ordered at 12:15 p.m. and rescinded approximately an hour later. The service disruptions lasted between 30-60 minutes and then power was restored. The SPP remains at EEA Level 2, however conditions will remain tight over the next 48-72 hours and the SPP could reactivate EEA Level 3 if necessary.

Kansas electric cooperatives are asking their members to conserve energy wherever possible and safe to do so to prevent worsening system conditions that could impact a broader area or have longer-lasting effects.

“We are already seeing high electric use and are anticipating record-breaking demand in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Lee Tafanelli, CEO of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.

“We are facing several critical days where both electric and natural gas supplies will be extremely tight,” Tafanelli said. “By reducing power usage where safely possible, we can help protect the integrity and reliability of the electric grid.”

Kansans can conserve energy by turning down thermostats and not using high energy-consuming appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ovens and dishwashers, beginning now and continuing through mid-week.

Other ways Kansans can do their part to help conserve electricity include:

• Turn down thermostats to between 65-68 degrees if your health permits.
• Set your water heater at 120 degrees.
• Check and change furnace filters if needed to ensure optimum airflow. Rule of thumb: change filter every 3 months; 2 months if you have pets or family members have allergies.
• Close furnace registers and doors to unoccupied rooms to keep occupied rooms warmer, which will help reduce consumption.
• Keep vents clear. High efficiency furnaces have vents leading outside. Make sure they are not blocked with ice or debris. Inside, make sure vents are not covered by rugs or furniture.
• Resist the urge to crank up the thermostat as it’s unlikely to make much of difference except to put a strain on the furnace and your energy bill. Instead, wear an extra layer or use blankets to keep warm. Lowering the temperature just a couple of degrees will protect your furnace.
• Reprogram thermostat if it’s set to lower significantly at night or when no one is home. During extreme cold weather like we are experiencing now, the furnace will have a hard time raising the temperature to the desired level and it will use more energy to do so.
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
• Make microwave or toaster-oven friendly meals to save energy.
• Unplug electronics and other items not in use.
• Businesses should minimize use of lighting and electric-consuming equipment as much as possible.

To prepare for more potential planned outages, KEC urges the public to make sure phones and other electric devices are charged at all times, keep flashlights with batteries on hand, have several blankets, sweaters, gloves and coats at the ready, and have a “go kit” with food, water, medicine and other must-haves in case you need to head to a local warming center.

The winter weather is affecting all of Kansas and several surrounding states, and Kansas electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and staging personnel and resources so in the event there are power outages, restoration work can begin as quickly and safely as possible.

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KEC advocates on behalf of 27 electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperative serving rural Kansas. The association’s primary services are government and regulatory relations at the state and federal level, communications including a monthly magazine that is distributed statewide, loss control and safety training and consulting, employee and director training, youth outreach and public relations services. The association is headquartered in Topeka and has 14 employees. Visit https://kec.coop/.

        PO Box 4267 * Topeka, KS66604-0267 * (785) 478-4554 * (785) 478-4852 FAX

Feb. 15, 2021, 11:30 a.m
For Immediate Release.
Contact: Vicki Estes, 785-221-3083

 Extreme Temps Result in Southwest Power Pool Issuing Level 3 Alert

KEC Urges Electric Consumers to Reduce all Unnecessary Electricity Usage

The Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which balances electricity production and use for a 14-state region including Kansas, has declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 3 just hours after issuing a Level 2 alert. The Level 3 declaration requires the SPP to direct its member companies to prepare to implement controlled interruptions of service if necessary.

Your electric cooperative will be preparing to implement controlled service interruptions if the SPP deems it necessary to safeguard continued reliability of the regional grid.

Kansas electric cooperatives are asking their members to conserve energy wherever possible and safe to do so to prevent worsening system conditions that could impact a broader area or have longer-lasting effects.

“We are already seeing high electric use and are anticipating record-breaking demand in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Lee Tafanelli, CEO of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.

“We are facing several critical days where both electric and natural gas supplies will be extremely tight,” Tafanelli said. “By reducing power usage where safely possible, we can help protect the integrity and reliability of the electric grid.”

Kansans can conserve energy by turning down thermostats and not using high energy-consuming appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ovens and dishwashers, beginning now and continuing through mid-week.

Other ways Kansans can do their part to help conserve electricity include:

• Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees if your health permits.
• Check and change furnace filters if needed to ensure optimum airflow. Rule of thumb: change filter every 3 months; 2 months if you have pets or family members have allergies.
• Close furnace registers and doors to unoccupied rooms to keep occupied rooms warmer, which will help reduce consumption.
• Keep vents clear. High efficiency furnaces have vents leading outside. Make sure they are not blocked with ice or debris. Inside, make sure vents are not covered by rugs or furniture.
• Resist the urge to crank up the thermostat as it’s unlikely to make much of difference except to put a strain on the furnace and your energy bill. Instead, wear an extra layer or use blankets to keep warm. Lowering the temperature just a couple of degrees will protect your furnace.
• Reprogram thermostat if it’s set to lower significantly at night or when no one is home. During extreme cold weather like we are experiencing now, the furnace will have a hard time raising the temperature to the desired level and it will use more energy to do so.
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
• Make microwave or toaster-oven friendly meals to save energy.
• Unplug electronics and other items not in use.
• Businesses should minimize use of lighting and electric-consuming equipment as much as possible.

The winter weather is affecting all of Kansas and several surrounding states, and Kansas electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and staging personnel and resources so in the event there are power outages, restoration work can begin as quickly and safely as possible.

###

KEC advocates on behalf of 27 electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperative serving rural Kansas. The association’s primary services are government and regulatory relations at the state and federal level, communications including a monthly magazine that is distributed statewide, loss control and safety training and consulting, employee and director training, youth outreach and public relations services. The association is headquartered in Topeka and has 14 employees. Visit https://kec.coop/.

        PO Box 4267 * Topeka, KS66604-0267 * (785) 478-4554 * (785) 478-4852 FAX

Feb. 15, 2021, 10:34 a.m
For Immediate Release.
Contact: Vicki Estes, 785-221-3083                                                                           

Kansas Electric Cooperatives Ask Co-op Members to Conserve Energy Where Possible; Extreme Temps Result in Southwest Power Pool Issuing New Alert

At 7:22 a.m. central Monday, Feb. 15, the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), which balances electricity production and use for a 14-state region including Kansas, declared an Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) Level 2. This Level 2 declaration requires the SPP to direct its member companies to issue public conservation appeals. Kansas electric cooperatives are asking their members to conserve energy wherever possible to avoid a potential Level 3 declaration, which would force the SPP to implement controlled service interruptions, also called “brownouts.” If this happens, utilities will responsibly implement temporary interruptions of service to certain customers, either residential or commercial, to prevent worsening system conditions that could impact a broader area or have longer-lasting effects.

“We are already seeing high electric use and are anticipating record-breaking demand in the next 24 to 48 hours,” said Lee Tafanelli, CEO of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc.

The record-breaking cold is also putting a significant strain on natural gas supplies. The cold weather is freezing off natural gas production, making less gas available for delivery to customers.

“We are facing a several critical days where both electric and natural gas supplies will be extremely tight,” Tafanelli said. “By reducing power usage where safely possible, we can help protect the integrity and reliability of the electric grid.”

Kansans can conserve energy by turning down thermostats and not using high energy-consuming appliances, such as clothes washers and dryers, ovens and dishwashers, beginning now and continuing through mid-week.

Other ways Kansans can do their part to help conserve electricity include:

• Turn down thermostats to 68 degrees if your health permits.
• Check and change furnace filters if needed to ensure optimum airflow. Rule of thumb: change filter every 3 months; 2 months if you have pets or family members have allergies.
• Close furnace registers and doors to unoccupied rooms to keep occupied rooms warmer, which will help reduce consumption.
• Keep vents clear. High efficiency furnaces have vents leading outside. Make sure they are not blocked with ice or debris. Inside, make sure vents are not covered by rugs or furniture.
• Resist the urge to crank up the thermostat as it’s unlikely to make much of difference except to put a strain on the furnace and your energy bill. Instead, wear an extra layer or use blankets to keep warm. Lowering the temperature just a couple of degrees will protect your furnace.
• Reprogram thermostat if it’s set to lower significantly at night or when no one is home. During extreme cold weather like we are experiencing now, the furnace will have a hard time raising the temperature to the desired level and it will use more energy to do so.
• Close blinds and curtains to reduce the amount of heat lost through windows.
• Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
• Make microwave or toaster-oven friendly meals to save energy.
• Unplug electronics and other items not in use.
• Businesses should minimize use of lighting and electric-consuming equipment as much as possible

The winter weather is affecting all of Kansas and several surrounding states, and Kansas electric cooperatives are monitoring conditions and staging personnel and resources so in the event there are power outages, restoration work can begin as quickly and safely as possible.

###

  KEC advocates on behalf of 27 electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperative serving rural Kansas. The association’s primary services are government and regulatory relations at the state and federal level, communications including a monthly magazine that is distributed statewide, loss control and safety training and consulting, employee and director training, youth outreach and public relations services. The association is headquartered in Topeka and has 14 employees. Visit https://kec.coop/.

Wheatland Electric Awards $2k to Four Organizations

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 

Jennah Denney - Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator

501-400-5548 or jdenney@todayspower.com

Kansas Electric Cooperatives Join Forces to Provide Rate Stability with Solar Power

Twelve Kansas Electric Cooperatives partner to develop Sun Farms across 800 Miles of the Sunflower State with Today's Power, Inc

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FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Mike Morton (Bluestem Electric), Ben Whiteside (Butler Electric), Mark Scheibe (Heartland Electric), Scott Ayres (Sedgwick County Electric), Tim Powers (DSO Electric), Michael Henderson (Today’s Power, Inc.), Dennis Svanes (4 Rivers Electric), Jackie Holmberg (Ark Valley Electric Cooperative), Angie Erickson (Twin Valley Electric), Teresa Miller (Ninnescah Electric), Steve Foss (FreeState Electric Cooperative)  - NOT PICTURED: Dale Short (Butler Electric), Coni Adams (Sumner-Cowley Electric), Kirk Thompson (CMS Electric)  

TOPEKA, WICHITA, & KANSAS CITY, KS & LITTLE ROCK, AR - Nov. 17, 2020 - Using the sixth cooperative principle of cooperation among cooperatives,twelve cooperatives in Kansas are joining together to make a small investment for the next 25 years or more in the harvesting of sunshine. Participating electric cooperatives will be able to procure low-up-front cost solar energy to serve their membership through the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program and reduce their peak demand.

Under their unique cooperative programming, the Kansas Cooperative Sun Power Program is a series of solar farms developed by Today's Power, Inc. (TPI)’s to harvest renewable energy in the state for participating electric cooperatives. This 25-year program has attracted the best possible long-term pricing and will result in the construction of more than 20 Megawatts (MW) of solar power spread out across more than 800 miles of the sunflower state.

This opportunity began when the wholesale power contract between all participating cooperatives and their G&T, Kansas Electric Power Cooperatives, was recently modified to provide Kansas electric cooperatives with the ability to self-procure up to 15% of peak demand, with 5% of that amount specifically allowing for the addition of solar.

Proving that utility scale solar provides more cost-effective ways to benefit all consumer-member of the cooperatives, TPI was chosen to be the developer and energy partner for this venture through extensive research undertaken by participating cooperatives and a comprehensive Request For Proposals (RFP) process administered by GDS & Associates. 

Owned by Electric Cooperatives, TPI was created to provide solar facilities to  Arkansas’ electric cooperatives that could otherwise not utilize federal tax incentives.  Fellow cooperatives in neighboring states quickly learned of TPI’s program and wanted a “known business partner” to provide their solar system.

TPI has constructed solar arrays for 15 of the 17 electric cooperatives of Arkansas as well as cooperatives and cooperative organizations in Oklahoma and Tennessee.

All systems installed will be sized in the 1 MW range.  Each system is contracted through a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement with additional 5-year options.  Cooperatives will simply be responsible for the purchase of electricity generated from the solar farms and will have low-upfront costs associated with the development of renewable solar energy.

1-MW Sun Farm in Arkansas - Woodruff Electric Cooperative

This method of generation makes it possible for these cooperatives to increase the production of renewable energy year round and to reduce peak demand. The reduction of peak demand will enable each cooperative to provide financial stability to its members while also reducing their carbon footprint. This is just another way electric cooperatives in Kansas are helping support local businesses, industries, and individuals with the resources they need to grow as efficient, responsible, and successful contributors to our communities.

Currently, these projects are in the engineering process and construction will take place in phases beginning in 2021 and running to 2022. Individual projects for participating cooperatives will be announced as initiated and completed.

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ABOUT
PARTICIPATING COOPERATIVES

4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit, member-owned electric cooperative. The company safely delivers reliable electricity to over 12,000 locations for over 7,000 residential and commercial consumers in Anderson, Chase, Coffey, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Lyon, Montgomery, Morris, Neosho, Osage, Wabaunsee, Wilson, and Woodson counties.
CONTACT: April D. Engstrom
(620) 364-2116 or april.engstrom@4riverselectric.com 

Bluestem Electric Cooperative is a nonprofit and member-owned electric cooperative providing safe and reliable electric energy, as efficiently and economically as possible,  to 7,309 meters throughout 11 counties.  Bluestem's 2,866 miles of line serves Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Clay, Washington, Cloud, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary and Marshall counties.
CONTACT: Kevin Heptig, Member Services Director
(785) 456-2212 or kevinh@bluestemelectric.com

Butler Electric Cooperative is owned by its members and governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership by the members.  The cooperative supplies electric power to 7,000 meters in Butler, Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Harvey, Marion and Sedgwick counties through 1,850 miles of transmission and distribution lines and 13 substations /delivery points.  Butler EC currently owns a 1MW solar farm in Butler County. For more information, visit www.butler.coop or our Facebook page.
CONTACT: Sarah Madden, Public Relations Director
(316) 321-9600 or smadden@butler.coop 

CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc., was founded in April 1945 and energized its first lines in June 1948.  Originally, CMS took its name from the three counties it was chartered to serve: Clark, Meade and Seward. However, soon Comanche County was also added to the service area. The service area covers approximately 4800 square miles with approximately 2500 miles of line. Today, the cooperative serves approximately 5800 meters, consisting of residential, small commercial, large power and industrial loads. Our main office is located in Meade, Kansas at 509 E. Carthage St, which is across the street from the Meade District Hospital on Highway 54. Our satellite office is located in Coldwater, Kansas at 603 N. Central. 
CONTACT: Kirk Thompson, General Manager
(620) 873-2184 or kthompson@cmselectric.com

DS&O Electric Cooperative is an electric utility located in Solomon, Kansas.   Today the Cooperative serves approximately 8,500 residential and commercial meters in some thirty communities spread throughout a nine-county area in Central Kansas. Its service area extends from Junction City to McPherson and from Glasco to Lost Springs. This area includes the City of Solomon and certain areas within the city limits of Junction City. The majority of residential customers continue to be found in Dickinson, Saline, and Ottawa counties. Significant numbers are also in Geary and McPherson counties.
CONTACT: Derrick Rutherford
(785) 655-2011 or Drutherford@dsoelectric.com 

With 15,368 members and 21,197 service points, FreeState Electric Cooperative is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas and the fifth largest rural electric cooperative in the state. FreeState serves nine Kansas counties and provides infrastructure to Fort Leavenworth. For more information visit www.freestate.coop, as well as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
CONTACT: Sarah Farlee, Public Relations & Marketing Director
800-794-1989 or sarah.farlee@freestate.coop 

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, provides power to more than 11,000 locations in Southeast and Eastern Kansas. Heartland’s service area includes consumer-members in 12 counties, including  Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Labette, Linn, Miami, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson counties. Heartland REC traces its roots back to three original rural electric cooperatives, Cooperative Electric Power & Light Company, Sugar Valley Electric Cooperative Association, (which came together to form United Electric Cooperative in 1975) and Sekan Electric Cooperative Association (which combined to become Heartland in 1996.)

Formed in January 1939, Ninnescah Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. has been providing dependable electric energy to its members for over 75 years. As a member-owned, full-service electric utility, Ninnescah powers over 4,000 meters in all or part of ten counties in South-Central Kansas, including the counties of Barber, Comanche, Edwards, Harper, Kingman, Kiowa, Pawnee, Pratt, Stafford, and Reno.
CONTACT: Teresa Miller - General Manager
(620) 672-5538 or Tmiller@ninnescah.com 

On November 10, 1937, 21 men of Sedgwick County signed the Articles of Incorporation for a rural electric company. We now have 19 employees, over 6,900 services, over 5,900 members, approximately 1,175 miles of energized lines, 9 substations, and over 142 million kWh sold yearly.
CONTACT: Scott Ayres, General Manager/CEo
(316) 542-3131 or sayres@sedgwickcountyelectric.coop
Or Cindy Kill, Member Services Director ckill@sedgwickcountyelectric.coop

Sumner-Cowley Electric is a member-owned, member-focused electric distribution cooperative that strives to exceed our members' expectations by providing safe, reliable, cost-effective electric power, superior customer service and innovative energy solutions. Sumner-Cowley Electric proudly serves 3,585 members with 1,790 miles of line in the rural communities of Sumner, Cowley, Harper, Sedgwick and Kingman counties.
CONTACT: Jared McIntire, Member Services
(620) 326-3356  or jaredm@sucocoop.com 

Owned and governed by the members it serves,  Twin Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc, (TVEC) has been providing electricity in Southeast Kansas since 1945.  With its service territory located between the Verdigris and Neosho river valleys, Twin Valley serves rural homes, farms, and businesses in Labette, Neosho, Montgomery, & Cherokee counties.
CONTACT: Angie Erickson, CEO
(620) 784-5500 or aerickson@twinvalleyelectric.com

DEVELOPER

Today’s Power, Inc. (TPI) is one of the nation’s most experienced renewable energy companies with more utility-scale projects than any Arkansas-based company. A wholly owned subsidiary of Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., TPI is a full-service provider able to carry out all phases of any solar or battery storage project including, but not limited to, full bill / rate analysis, site evaluation, engineering procurement, design, commissioning, monitoring, operating and maintaining projects.
CONTACT: Jennah Denney, Marketing & Public Relations Coordinator
(501) 400-5548 or jdenney@todayspower.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         

October 30, 2020                                                                              

CONTACT:

Vicki Estes

785-478-4630

vestes@kec.org

Kansas cooperative crews deploy to assist

with Oklahoma power restoration efforts

Freezing rain combined with high winds led to a large ice storm for parts of southwest Oklahoma. Following the extensive damage to power lines and poles, Kansas electric cooperative line crews are heading to Central Electric Cooperative, Cimarron Electric Cooperative, CKenergy Electric Cooperative, Northfork Electric Cooperative and Rural Electric Cooperative — all Oklahoma cooperatives that have requested mutual aid assistance. Organized by Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC), crews from 13 co-ops and one subsidiary are responding to thousands of power outages caused by the storm. Additional co-ops and lineworkers are on standby.

The combined response involves 68 line workers from: 4Rivers Electric Cooperative, Lebo; Ark Valley Electric Cooperative, South Hutchinson; Butler Electric Cooperative, El Dorado; DSO Electric Cooperative, Solomon; Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative, Council Grove; Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Girard; Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Ninnescah Rural Electric Cooperative, Pratt; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Beloit; Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Liberal; Twin Valley Electric Cooperative, Altamont; Victory Electric Cooperative, Dodge City; and Western Cooperative Electric, WaKeeney.

“Linemen feel the need to help other cooperatives around the state and nation because they know it may be them who needs the help the next time,” Stacey Marston, KEC instructor of loss control, safety and compliance, said. “Long lasting friendships are made while the crews are working extended hours to get power restored to co-op consumer-members and many of the linemen stay in touch even after the storms have passed and the restoration is complete.”

The Kansas crews deployed between Oct. 28-30, will work seven-day, extended hour shifts until power is restored for the members of Central, Cimarron, CKenergy, Northfork and Rural electric cooperatives. If restoration extends beyond seven working days, many cooperatives will rotate lineworkers to ensure safety for all involved. At this time, Oklahoma is reporting more than 4,000 downed poles, however the largest problems across the state are downed power lines due to ice-covered tree limbs and leaves, and extensive mud, which slows access to downed poles and lines.

The Kansas crews are equipped with 23 bucket trucks, 14 digger trucks, pole trailers, foreman pickup trucks and more equipment.

KEC serves 27 distribution electric cooperatives and three generation and transmission electric cooperatives, providing electricity to more than 200,000 Kansas households and spanning across approximately 75% of Kansas. For more information, visit www.kec.coop.

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November 12, 2020 UPDATE: In total, 93 linemen were sent to Oklahoma throughout several weeks of restoration efforts.

September 22, 2020

For Immediate Release

Butler Electric Cooperative Seeks New CEO as Longtime Leader to Retire

El Dorado, KS — Dale Short, chief executive officer of Butler Electrical Cooperative (BEC), will retire in February 2021 after 31 years of service to cooperative members, Gerald Staab, president of the cooperative’s Board of Trustees, has announced.

“We have some very big shoes to fill,” Staab said. “Dale has left his mark not only on our cooperative, but on the larger cooperative world in Kansas and nationally.”

Short joined Butler Electric in 1989 and became general manager and CEO in 2000. In addition to his CEO duties, he is president of the board of directors of the Kansas Electric Power Co. (KEPCO), and serves as District 7 representative to the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative Board of Directors.

BEC is conducting a nationwide search for a replacement, Staab said. The cooperative has retained the services of CarterBaldwin Executive Search, which has served many electric cooperatives. Anyone seeking to apply, or to gain further information, may inquire at ButlerCEO@carterbaldwin.com.

BEC, headquartered in El Dorado, Kansas, provides electrical service to nearly 8,000 residential and business meters in portions of Butler County as well as Chase, Cowley, Greenwood, Harvey, Marion and Sedgwick counties. Butler utilizes 1,850 miles of transmission and distribution lines and owns 13 substations and delivery points.

Through its membership in KEPCO, BEC has access to nuclear-generated power from Wolf Creek and hydro-generated power from the Southwestern Power and Western Area Power administrations. Butler also has two solar farms on its system — Prairie Sky, which is owned by KEPCO, and its own Pony Meadows farm. Through these facilities and KEPCO’s providers, about 64% of the electric power provided to Butler’s members is derived from non-carbon-based sources.

Butler also provides high-speed broadband internet service through its Velocity division to more than 3,600 members and non-members in Butler County and adjacent areas. Velocity is connecting more than 100 new customers a month, most of whom have little to no other choice for quality broadband.

For more information, please call Staab at 316-734-5662.

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Largest Solar Farm in Kansas Starts Commercial Operation

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation’s rural co-op members now enjoying clean, cost-effective energy from facility built, owned and operated by Lightsource BP

Johnson City, Kan. – Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Lightsource BP have announced that the Johnson Corner Solar Project entered commercial operation on April 7. The $37 million project, which was financed and constructed by Lightsource BP, is located approximately two miles southwest of Johnson City in Stanton County, Kansas.

Lightsource BP, a global leader in the development, financing and management of utility-scale solar energy projects, is the project owner and operator. All the energy from the project is being sold under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) to Sunflower, a not-for-profit electric utility providing wholesale generation and transmission services to six member-owners serving in central and western Kansas. The National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) played a key role in helping Sunflower develop this important project for the public power community.

“Sunflower is proud to have worked with Lightsource BP and NRCO to bring online the state’s largest solar project to date,” said Stuart Lowry, president and CEO of Sunflower. “The Johnson Corner Solar Project adds yet another renewable fuel source to our diversified generation portfolio, which is designed to protect both the affordability and reliability of the energy we provide to our members.”

The project delivers 20 megawatts (AC) of clean and affordable on-peak electricity – enough to power the peak demand of over 4,900 homes across Sunflower’s service territory and more than doubling the state’s utility-scale solar capacity, previously at 14.1 megawatts. In addition to providing low-cost, on-peak energy, the Johnson Corner Solar Project will reduce loading on a nearby transmission line that is approaching capacity. As a result, Sunflower’s members will save costs by deferring or ultimately canceling the requirement for expensive infrastructure upgrades.

“Lightsource BP is pleased to be part of this project and in helping to keep rates low for electric cooperative members due to value derived from clean and low cost energy supply and transmission savings,” said Kevin Smith, CEO of Lightsource BP in the Americas. “We applaud Sunflower Electric Power Corp. for their leadership in bringing the many benefits of solar energy to their communities in central and western Kansas.”

The project created more than 200 jobs during peak construction, with the workforce dispatched across 144 acres. Lightsource BP’s construction general contractor was Sterling and Wilson, who hired local subcontractors and recruited from the local labor pool. Precautions and guidelines provided by the CDC and public officials were followed on site, as well as implementation by Sterling and Wilson of additional strict measures to ensure the safety of the workers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

About Sunflower Electric Power Corporation

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, established in 1957, is a regional wholesale generation and transmission supplier dedicated to serving its members by providing reliable power at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business and cooperative practices. Sunflower’s member-owner cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kan. Sunflower also serves Southern Pioneer Electric Company, a member located in Ulysses, Kan.

For more information please visit www.sunflower.net.  
Sunflower Electric Power Corp. media contact: Cindy Hertel 
chertel@sunflower.net 
Office: +1.785.623.3341 
Cell: +1.785.259.4822

About Lightsource BP

Lightsource BP is a global leader in the financing, development and management of large-scale solar energy projects. They are a 50:50 joint venture with BP, working together to help drive the world’s transition to low carbon energy through competitively priced and sustainable electricity. With solar set to increase tenfold in the next 20 years, Lightsource BP is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth and aims to enact real change on the global energy landscape. Their ambition is to deliver 10 gigawatts of solar capacity by 2023.  

The team comprises of 500 industry specialists, active across 13 countries – providing a full-service to their customers from initial site selection and permitting through to long-term management of projects. Lightsource BP in the US is headquartered in San Francisco with development offices in Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Houston.

For more information please visit lightsourcebp.com.
Lightsource BP media contact: Mary Grikas 
mary.grikas@lightsourcebp.com 
+1.732.429.3908

                   2223 N. A St. - Wellington, KS 67152 - 620.326.3356

February 18, 2020                                                                          CONTACT: Jared McIntire

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                  620-326-3356 – Office

                                                                                                          jaredm@sucocoop.com

WELLINGTON, Kan. – After a nationwide search, Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative and NRECA Executive Search are pleased to announce that Coni Adams has officially accepted the position of CEO for Sumner-Cowley Electric and will begin serving in that capacity in April.

“The Board worked hard through the process and interviewed candidates from across the nation,” said Sumner-Cowley Electric Board of Directors President John Schon. “We feel that we got the best candidate for the job and we are excited for Coni to lead Sumner-Cowley into the future.”

Adams began her career at Sumner-Cowley in 2000 as receptionist and has served as Manager of Administration/Human Resources since 2011. She earned the title of Assistant CEO in 2018. Adams received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Southwestern College and is a graduate of NRECA’s Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the next generation leader for Sumner Cowley Electric,” said Adams. “I look forward to working with the Board of Directors and Staff to continue to provide safe, reliable and affordable power to the member-owners of Sumner-Cowley Electric.

Adams will fill the CEO position that is opening with the upcoming retirement of current CEO Clete Rains. Rains joined the cooperative in 1977 and has served as CEO since 1996.

“I am both excited and proud the Board of Directors has selected Coni to serve as the next CEO of Sumner-Cowley Electric,” said Rains. “Coni has proven herself to be a leader and I have complete faith she will be successful in leading Sumner-Cowley Electric into the future.”

ABOUT THE COOPERATIVE

Established in 1938, Sumner-Cowley Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a not-for-profit, member-owned utility located in southeast Kansas. Sumner-Cowley Electric provides electric service to rural areas in all of Sumner County, half of Cowley County and parts of Kingman, Sedgwick and Harper counties. The co-op serves approximately 3,600 members with 1,900 miles of line. For more information, visit sucocoop.com or visit our Facebook page.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jan. 13, 2020

CONTACT: 

Vicki Estes

785-228-4630

vestes@kec.org

KEC announces appointment of Tafanelli as new CEO

Topeka, KS - Major General Lee Tafanelli has accepted the position as chief executive officer of Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. effective on or about May 1, 2020.

Tafanelli currently serves as the Kansas Adjutant General, responsible for three primary duties: ensuring the wartime readiness of over 7,000 soldiers and airmen of the Kansas Army and Air National Guard, coordinating the overall emergency preparedness for the state’s response to natural disasters and emergencies, and serving as the Homeland Security Advisor for the state of Kansas. 

Tafanelli served in the Kansas House of Representatives from 2001-2005, when he took a leave from office to command the 891st Engineer Battalion in Iraq. After his deployment, he resumed his legislative post in 2006 where he served until January 2011, when he was appointed Kansas Adjutant General.

During his time in the Kansas Legislature and as Adjutant General, Tafanelli developed a deep interest and focus on issues affecting rural Kansas. “I‘m honored and excited to have the opportunity to lead a group that does such important work for Kansans in rural areas,” he said. “I have deep respect for the complex challenges faced by KEC members who work hard everyday to provide critical and reliable service for Kansas communities.”

“Major General Tafanelli has dedicated himself to public service and defending our nation,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “In addition to his work with the Kansas National Guard, the Adjutant General led the Kansas Department of Emergency Management, where he has been responsible for marshalling resources to communities that have been impacted by disasters such as tornadoes, flooding and more recently wildfires. His efforts and leadership have benefited Kansans statewide, and I have no doubt that he will continue this same level of commitment and dedication in his new role outside of government.”  

Tafanelli received his commission from Pittsburg State University, Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Management from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College.

Tafanelli will replace Bruce Graham who has announced his plans to retire as CEO of KEC. Graham has 40 years of association and electric cooperative industry experience and has served as KEC CEO since 2012. He will continue to lead KEC until the transition date.

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KEC advocates on behalf of 28 electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperative serving rural Kansas. The association’s primary services are government and regulatory relations at the state and federal level, communications including a monthly magazine that is distributed statewide, loss control and safety training and consulting, employee and director training, youth outreach and public relations services. The association is headquartered in Topeka and has 14 employees. Visit https://kec.coop/.

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. and Mid-Kansas Electric Company merge 
Hays, Kan.—Jan. 2, 2020—Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announces its merger with Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc. effective Jan.1, 2020. The merger of the two cooperatively operated, wholesale electric utilities incorporates Mid-Kansas into Sunflower.    
Regulatory filings for the merger were submitted in August 2018 to the Kansas Corporation Commission, which approved the merger in March 2019. Sunflower and Mid-Kansas also filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to obtain approval to combine transmission zones and rates.  
Sunflower is owned by six distribution cooperatives that serve in western Kansas. In 2005, Sunflower’s members formed Mid-Kansas to bid on the sale of Aquila’s Kansas Electric Network properties. Member-owners of Mid-Kansas include five distribution cooperatives and one wholly owned subsidiary of a distribution cooperative that serve in central and western Kansas. Mid-Kansas began operation on April 1, 2007. 
“The formation of Mid-Kansas by the Sunflower members gave more Kansans the opportunity to be served by the cooperative business model,” said Stuart Lowry, president and CEO of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas. “The success of Mid-Kansas has benefitted everyone—the members of Sunflower and Mid-Kansas and the thousands of Kansans they serve.” 
Since 2007, the intent of Sunflower’s and Mid-Kansas’ member-owners has been to merge the two generation and transmission providers to capitalize on synergies and offer added value to their members. 
“Merging Sunflower and Mid-Kansas results in a single wholesale rate that can better sustain our recent rate decreases for our end-users,” said Steve Epperson, Mid-Kansas’ board chairman.  
Savings will result from operational efficiencies and access to lower financial lending rates due greater financial stability of the merged entities. 
“In addition to simplifying the two companies into one, there are multiple ways we will save costs,” said Davis Rooney, vice president and CFO of the two utilities. “The merged entity will be both operationally and financially stronger.”  
About Mid-Kansas—Mid-Kansas Electric Company Inc is a coalition of five rural electric cooperatives and one wholly owned subsidiary of a distribution cooperative. Mid-Kansas’ members include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Ulysses; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kan.  
About Sunflower— Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative Inc., Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative Inc., Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative Inc., Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association Inc., Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association Inc., WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative Inc., Scott City, Kan. For more information, please visit Sunflower’s website at http://www.sunflower.net. Sunflower is an equal opportunity provider and employer. 

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Read the full news release

2019 SEPC MKEC Territory Map

KEC is excited to sponsor a special agricultural forum held on September 7, 2019 at the Kansas State Fair. The forum will feature Ambassador Gregg Doud, Cheif Agricultural Negotiator; Mike Beam, Kansas Secretary of Agriculture; and Dr. Roger Marshall, Member of the U.S. House Agricultural Committee. Learn more about the forum.

Natural Gas and Electric Companies Partner to Educate Customers About Utility Scams

Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. is standing with other local utilities, including Black Hills Energy, Kansas Gas Service, Kansas Municipal Utilities, Westar Energy and Kansas City Power and Light Company, to educate consumers about scams targeting utility customers and ways they can protect themselves.

November 14 is National Utility Scam Awareness Day, which raises the awareness of scammers posing as utility company employees in an attempt to steal customers’ private information.

Typically, these scammers use telephone, mail, email or door-to-door tactics to target customers. They pose as electric, water or natural gas company employees, and threaten customers by saying their service will be disconnected or shut off if they fail to make an immediate payment – typically using a prepaid card or other non-traceable form of payment.

Tips to help you avoid being the victim of a utility scam:

• You should never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Legitimate utility companies do not specify how customers should make a bill payment and always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill, including accepting payments online, by phone, automatic bank draft or mail.
• If someone threatens immediate disconnection or shutoff of service, customers should hang up the phone, delete the email or shut the door. Customers with delinquent accounts receive an advance disconnection notification, typically by mail and included with their regular monthly bill.
• If you suspect a scam, you should hang up, delete the email or shut the door. Then you should then call your utility company at the number on your monthly bill or the company’s website, not the phone number the scammer provides.

You can learn more about avoiding scams on our website at www.UtilitiesUnited.org.

November 5, 2018

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSOLIDATION VOTE PASSES

On Nov. 5 during the Special meeting of the Members at Lyon-Coffey’s BETO office, a vote to consolidate Lyon-Coffey Electric Cooperative and Radiant Electric Cooperative into 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, Inc. was brought before the membership. The consolidation vote passed by over 93 percent of the voting members during the scheduled meeting.

On the same Monday evening, Radiant Electric Cooperative conducted a similar Special meeting of the Members at their office near Fredonia, Kansas. Radiant’s membership also approved the consolidation with 94 percent of the members present in favor of the consolidation.  

The two cooperatives plan to become 4 Rivers Electric Cooperative, Inc. on Jan.1, 2020.

“We are looking forward to joining this partnership with Radiant Electric Cooperative. This is a great opportunity to stabilize rates for the future and continue to provide the safe affordable service our members expect and deserve” said Lyon-Coffey Board President Robert Converse.  

For more information, contact:
Mike Tweedy, Director of Member Services
Lyon-Coffey Electric Cooperative, Inc.
2731 Milo Terrace
Lebo, Kansas 66856
620-364-2116