News Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
Aug. 28, 2024 

CONTACT:
Vicki Estes
vestes@kec.org

McCloud Promoted to KEC’s Director of Government Relations

Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC) announces the promotion of Reagan McCloud to director of government relations effective Aug 1. He joined KEC on Aug.1, 2022, as manager of government relations.

McCloud steps into his new role with the departure of Leslie Kaufman who now heads up the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives. McCloud has been KEC’s lobbyist and main presence at the statehouse during the legislative sessions since joining the organization. Additionally, he focuses his efforts on state and federal legislative advocacy, promoting member engagement in grassroots initiatives, and developing strategic policy initiatives.

McCloud is a native of the Newton, Kansas, area where his family farms and ranches. He is a spring 2022 graduate of Washburn University School of Law and has interned with a lobbying firm during recent sessions.

KEC is the Kansas statewide service organization for 26 electric distribution cooperatives and three generation and transmission cooperatives. Headquartered in Topeka, KEC represents the interests of and provides needed services and programs to electric cooperatives that serve member-consumers within the state. KEC functions for the mutual benefit of its members to promote rural electrification and foster the principles on which electric cooperatives were founded.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 27, 2024

Contact: Angela Lingg | 202-228-6519

Sen. Moran Joins Colleagues to Protect American Power Plants & Overturn Burdensome Regulations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) joined Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) – Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee – in introducing a resolution to disapprove of the Biden administration’s regulations intended to shut down American power plants. 

The resolution comes after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its final rules that impose harmful emissions requirements on existing coal-fired power plants and newly constructed gas-fired power plants. This attempt to force the closure of power plants that supply America’s baseload electricity was previously tried under President Obama and overturned by the Supreme Court in West Virginia v. EPA.

“American energy production bolsters our economy and keeps us on track towards energy independence,” said Sen. Moran. “Energy generated from existing power plants help support families and communities in Kansas and across the country, and imposing harmful emission regulations will only drive-up energy costs for ratepayers.”

“With this Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval, every member of Congress will have the opportunity to protect America’s energy future, heed the warnings of our nation’s electric grid operators, and adhere to the precedent set by the Supreme Court,” said Sen. Capito. “This vote is an important one because the Biden administration’s Clean Power Plan 2.0 makes it clear it will stand with climate activists, regardless of the harm that is sure to be done to families, workers, and communities across West Virginia and the rest of the country. I appreciate so many of my Senate and House colleagues for joining this bipartisan effort to reject another unrealistic, overreaching regulation, and I look forward to the vote,”

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Bluestem Electric Cooperative Announces Retirement of General Manager

Wamego, Kansas – 3/06/24 – Michael M. Morton, General Manager of Bluestem Electric Cooperative, a leading provider of electricity to rural communities in North Central Kansas, informed the Bluestem Board of Trustees of his intention to retire effective early January 2025.

Born and raised in Wamego, KS, Michael is a graduate of Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. With the exception of a few years as a grain merchandiser for Farmer’s Union Cooperative in Ulysses, Wamego, and St. Mary’s KS, Morton’s entire professional career has been in the rural electric industry.

Serving our members for forty plus years, Michael M. Morton began his career in August of 1984 as the office manager for what was then P.R.& W. Rural Electric Cooperative Association. With the continued growth of the cooperative and consolidation, Morton became the assistant manager of Bluestem Electric Cooperative in January 1999. Morton has served as the General Manager since January 2018, demonstrating unwavering dedication, visionary leadership, and a deep commitment to serving our members and community. Under Morton’s guidance, Bluestem Electric has achieved significant milestones, expanded its services, and maintained a strong financial position, ensuring safe and reliable energy for our members.

Throughout Morton's tenure, he has been instrumental in fostering a progressive mindset in a culture of collaboration, and excellence within Bluestem Electric, positioning the cooperative for continued success and growth in the years ahead. His leadership has been characterized by a relentless focus on member satisfaction, operational efficiency, and community engagement, leaving a lasting impact on our cooperative and the communities we serve.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and all Bluestem Electric employees, we extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to Michael Morton for his outstanding leadership and dedicated service to our cooperative," said Mark Diederich Board President. "Under his guidance, Bluestem Electric Cooperative has grown, and he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and commitment to our members."

Michael M. Morton will be deeply missed by all who have had the privilege of working with him, but he has helped to establish a strong foundation for Bluestem Electric Cooperative to build upon as we continue our mission of delivering safe and reliable electric energy.

A search for Micheal M. Morton's successor is currently underway, and Bluestem Electric is committed to ensuring a seamless transition to new leadership. The Board of Trustees will provide updates on the selection process as they become available.

Please join us in congratulating Michael M. Morton on his well-deserved retirement and wishing him all the best in his future endeavors.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

HR Partners | (785) 233-7860

Those interested in applying can access the job description and requirements, as well as apply, at: https://hrpartnersks.com/jobs/2065-BEC-General-Manager

About Bluestem Electric Cooperative

Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a nonprofit and member-owned electric cooperative headquartered in Wamego, Kansas

In 1999, P R & W Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1940) and C & W Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (1938) consolidated to form Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. These two cooperatives were incorporated over 75 years ago by groups of rural citizens.

Bluestem Electric exists today to provide its members with safe and reliable electric energy and other services to our members as efficiently and economically as possible.

Bluestem serves parts of Pottawatomie, Riley, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Clay, Washington, Cloud, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, and Marshall counties.

Over the years, the cooperative has added valuable programs and services for its members so that they can fully enjoy the many benefits of rural living.

Pioneer Electric Cooperative Names New CEO and Assistant CEO

The Pioneer Electric Board of Trustees voted to instate Lindsay Campbell and Chantry Scott in their respective roles as CEO and Assistant CEO of Pioneer Electric. The announcement follows the news of former Pioneer Electric CEO Steve Epperson being selected as president and CEO of Sunflower Electric Power Corporation (Sunflower) beginning immediately. Epperson has served as Interim CEO of Sunflower since the summer of 2023.

“Our congratulations to Steve,” said Campbell. “We thank him for his years of dedication to Pioneer Electric and its members; we know he will lead Sunflower with the same commitment to service demonstrated within our cooperative.”

Campbell and Scott have served in their roles over the past months and look forward to continuing their work.

“We are going to continue serving our members with the same dedication to provide reliable and safe power,” said Campbell. “I look forward to stepping into this role and being a part of the future at Pioneer Electric.”

Sunflower Names New CEO

Feb. 28, 2024 — The Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Board of Directors selected Steve Epperson as the company’s president and CEO, effective immediately. Headquartered in Hays, Kansas, Sunflower has 413 employees serving a generation and transmission system extending across central and western Kansas.

Epperson acted as the interim president and CEO since July and was chosen for the permanent position after a nationwide search beginning last fall. Prior to the interim position, he served as the CEO of Pioneer Electric Cooperative and Southern Pioneer Electric Company — two of Sunflower’s seven distribution member-owners — since 2011.

“We had a pool of strong candidates for this position,” said Wes Campbell, Sunflower’s board chairman. “And the final nod went to Steve. He has effectively guided Sunflower since last July, and we believe his business knowledge, industry experience and expertise, servant leadership, and desire for excellence make Steve the person to lead Sunflower into the future.”

Epperson is the seventh president and CEO to serve in this position since Sunflower was formed by six distribution cooperatives in 1957 to provide wholesale generation and transmission services.

“The Sunflower board has high expectations and criteria for this position, and I am both honored and humbled by their confidence in me to accomplish their vision for Sunflower’s future,” Epperson said. “Sunflower was founded on the seven cooperative principles, and those principles are still our North Star. We will keep learning from leaders and staff who have paved the way, capitalizing on new opportunities so we can continue providing our member-owners with reliable energy at the lowest possible cost.” 

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Announces Third Solar Project

State’s largest commercial solar facility coming to Dodge City

Sunflower Electric Power Corp. is partnering on a 150-megawatt solar energy project near Fort Dodge Station, the company’s electric generating facility one mile southeast of Dodge City, Kansas. Expected commercial operation is during the first half of 2026.

Sunflower is a cooperatively operated wholesale generation and transmission utility serving seven member distribution utilities located in western Kansas. The Boot Hill Solar Project will join Sunflower’s 20-megawatt Johnson Corner Solar Project (JCSP), which came online in April 2020, and Sunflower’s 20-megawatt Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell Project, scheduled for commercial operation in January 2025, in providing solar power to Sunflower’s members and those they serve.

Because it produces on-peak energy during the hottest days of the year when the Sunflower system experiences its peak demand for electricity, the Boot Hill Solar Project will complement the company’s other generation resources, which are powered by natural gas, coal and wind. In addition to providing on-peak renewable energy, the project will also provide the system with incremental capacity.

The Victory Electric Cooperative Assn., Inc., located in Dodge City, joins Sunflower’s six other member-owners in supporting the Boot Hill Solar Project, which will surpass the JCSP and the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell projects as the largest operating solar facility in the state. Strategically locating the Boot Hill Solar project near existing Sunflower assets will provide cost and schedule benefits to all of the member-owners.

“We are always glad when we can provide more value to our members,” said Shane Laws, Victory CEO. “But having what will be the state’s largest operating solar facility located in our community makes this project even more exciting. Thank you to everyone who has helped us get to this phase.”

Sunflower is partnering with Alluvial Power to design and construct the project, and the two entities have executed a power purchase agreement for the energy generated by the Boot Hill Solar Project. The facility will generate approximately 400,000 megawatt hours annually, which represents about 9% of the Sunflower system’s energy needs. The facility, located on approximately 1,000 acres in Ford County, Kansas and will have over 300,000 solar panels mounted on a single-axis solar tracking system designed to maximize the amount of energy captured from the sun.

“We are excited to bring the Boot Hill Solar Project to the Ford County community,” said Brian Kirk, an Alluvial Power executive. “Our team enjoyed collaborating with the Sunflower team, Victory and Sunflower’s other members, Ford County officials and local community members. We look forward to delivering a high-value, cost-effective resource to Sunflower’s members and system.”

Sunflower is again working with the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO) of which Sunflower is a founder and member-owner. NRCO was also instrumental in bringing the JCSP to fruition and is partnering with Sunflower in developing the Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell Project.

“NRCO is honored to support its member Sunflower in adding additional solar capacity. This project brings unique economic benefits to Sunflower’s members,” said Todd Bartling, NRCO vice president of renewables development.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025. During the approximately one-year construction phase, the project will require approximately 200 workers at peak buildout.

“Each energy generation resource type has benefits, so Sunflower supports an all-of-the-above approach to our generation portfolio,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower president and CEO. “Sunflower’s Board of Directors has carefully analyzed the factors and variables associated with adding more solar energy to our system and believes the time is right to capitalize on the economic efficiencies and other benefits of this project for our members.”

Midwest Energy Selected for $97M Grant

Midwest Energy has been named as a selectee of a $97 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships grant, to provide upgrades in substations and to rebuild 150 miles of transmission lines across seven western Kansas counties.

Under the terms of the grant, Midwest Energy will address $145 million in transmission system and substation protection upgrades, with $97 million in grant funding from DOE. Projects must be completed within five years and will focus on several 115 kilovolt transmission lines primarily in Rush, Ness, Ellis, Graham, Sheridan, Thomas and Rawlins counties, as well as upgrades to relay and protection equipment in substations in Hodgeman, Stafford, Ness and Ellis counties.

“This grant will help keep rates affordable for our customers as we address projects where assets are nearing the end of their service lives,” said Patrick Parke, Midwest Energy’s CEO. “Our customers and our communities will benefit as our system is improved through better reliability, increased line capacity to facilitate renewable energy access, and mitigated wildfire risk.” 

The grant to Midwest is part of $10.5 billion being made available through DOE under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to improve the resilience of the power system against growing threats of extreme weather and climate change, and to ensure American communities have access to affordable, reliable and clean electricity.

Parke noted that several organizations wrote letters of support for the grant application stating how they would be positively impacted by the project’s goals. These included the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 304; the City of Hays; the Rush County Commission; Kansas State University and Fort Hays State University; High Plains Mental Health; the Citizens Utility Ratepayer Board, and ENGIE North America, a renewable energy developer.

“Having support for our application from such a broad spectrum of labor, educational, local government, community services and renewable energy groups underscores the impact these projects will have on Kansas,” Parke said. “We also thank Senators Moran and Marshall for their strong support of our application, and for ensuring Kansas received consideration for these historic grants.”

Midwest Energy is an electric and natural gas cooperative serving 50,000 electric and 43,000 natural gas customers, located in 40 central and western Kansas counties. Midwest Energy also provides transmission services to several other electric cooperatives and municipal utility systems.

Sunflower Appoints New Chief Operations Officers

Kyle Nelson announces 2024 retirement

The Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Board of Directors appointed Corey Linville as senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply and Al Tamimi as senior vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, effective immediately. Linville and Tamimi succeed Kyle Nelson, who will retire at the end of 2024 after 35 years at Sunflower.

Nelson joined Sunflower in 1989 and was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2008. He served on the executive team, managed both the generation and transmission operations departments, and worked with Sunflower’s generation expansion task force since May 2001. He will assist with the transition of his duties to Linville and Tamimi during his remaining tenure at Sunflower.

“I cannot express enough gratitude to the Sunflower Board of Directors, both former and current members, for allowing me to spend more than three decades at Sunflower,” Nelson said. “It’s been a rewarding career filled with great people and amazing opportunities and challenges. I’ve taken immense pride in helping Sunflower meet our mission to provide wholesale energy services at the lowest possible cost to our member-owners. It will be hard to leave, but I’m confident Sunflower is in good hands with the recent appointments of Corey and Al.”

Linville joined Sunflower in 1993 and was promoted to vice president of power supply and delivery in 2013. A member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included system operations, resource planning, power contracts, market operations, and member services. As senior vice president and chief operations officer of generation and power supply, he will also lead generation operations and generation engineering.

Tamimi joined Sunflower in 2001 and was promoted to vice president of transmission planning and policy in 2015. Also a member of Sunflower’s executive team, his responsibilities have included planning and designing transmission and distribution facilities, along with engagement in transmission and market policy issues. As senior vice president and chief operations officer of transmission, Tamimi will also lead transmission operations and transmission engineering.

Linville and Tamimi concurred that Nelson’s impact on Sunflower, especially on the operations department, will long remain and are honored to succeed him.

“The decision by the Sunflower board illustrates their dedication and commitment to our member-owners and to the Sunflower staff,” said Steve Epperson, Sunflower’s interim president and CEO. “There is no question that Kyle’s retirement will leave big shoes to fill, so the board chose to make organizational structure changes early to ensure a smooth transition. I have no doubt the appointments of Al and Corey will do just that.”

The Pioneer Electric Board of Trustees voted to instate Lindsay Campbell, executive vice president – assistant chief executive officer and general counsel, as interim CEO for Pioneer Electric. Steve Epperson, Pioneer Electric CEO, has been appointed to serve as interim president and CEO of Sunflower Electric Power Corp. Chantry Scott, executive vice president and chief financial officer, was appointed to serve as the cooperative’s interim assistant CEO.

Campbell has served the cooperative as its general counsel since her hire in 2014. In 2020, Campbell assumed the role of assistant CEO.

Scott has served the cooperative since 2011 as CFO. Scott was promoted to executive vice president in 2020.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead Pioneer Electric and Southern Pioneer during this transition,” Campbell said. “Pioneer Electric will remain member-focused, continuing forward with the progress Steve has made and our mission of providing safe and reliable electricity to the members we serve.”

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Appoints Interim President, CEO

The Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Board of Directors has appointed Steve Epperson as interim president and CEO effective immediately.

Epperson will replace Todd Hillman, who served as Sunflower's president and CEO since January.

"We want to thank Todd for his service to Sunflower and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors," said Wes Campbell, Sunflower's Board Chairman. "We believe Steve is an excellent choice to serve in this interim role and lead Sunflower. These changes will enable Sunflower and our members to continue building on our success."

Epperson has served as the CEO of Pioneer Electric Cooperative and Southern Pioneer Electric Company — two of Sunflower's seven distribution member-owners — since 2011.

"I am honored to be chosen by my fellow Sunflower Board Members to lead Sunflower during this transition period," Epperson said. "As always, our focus will be on taking care of our members and those they serve by supplying reliable energy at the lowest possible cost. The Sunflower Board and staff remain committed to delivering excellent service and innovation our members and communities have come to expect from us."

A search for a permanent successor is expected to begin as soon as possible.

Butler Electric Begins Fiber Project

Butler Electric Cooperative received a $10 million Kansas Capital Project grant to provide high-speed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) internet access to approximately 3,300 rural Kansans living and working within their territory.

The current project will provide fiber internet to approximately half of Butler’s membership and is anticipated to be completed within two years. Current wireless customers in the grant project area will be upgraded to a FTTH network as construction reaches their area.

Homes and businesses in these areas will have access to multi-gigabit symmetrical (same upload and download speed) service delivered by their broadband division, Velocity.

“We know the need for high-speed internet options is dire throughout our rural communities, and we are actively seeking additional funding to expand the fiber network,” Kevin Brownlee, manager, Butler Electric Cooperative.

Sunflower Announces Plans to Develop Solar Facility in North Central Kansas

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation announced the addition of a solar facility near Russell. The second solar facility in Sunflower’s generation system, the 20-megawatt Sunflower Electric Solar @ Russell project, will be developed, owned and operated by Sunflower.

Sunflower’s first solar project, the Johnson Corner Solar Project (JCSP) in southwest Kansas, was co-developed with the National Renewables Cooperative Organization (NRCO). Sunflower is the sole energy recipient on the JCSP, which came online in April 2020. The JCSP is currently the largest commercial solar facility in Kansas, and it will be matched in size in January 2025 with the expected commercial operation of the Russell solar facility.

Sunflower is again working with NRCO on this project. Sunflower is a founder and member-owner of NRCO, an organization formed by electric cooperatives across the country to develop and deploy renewable energy resources.

Solar energy is desirable because it is available during times of peak energy use, which aids in ensuring affordability and reliability. The project near Russell will also reduce or eliminate the cost of expensive transmission upgrades due to its interconnection location on the bulk electric grid and offer an affordable solution for electric co-op members who want solar energy without the hassle of owning and maintaining their own solar panels.

Sunflower — which provides wholesale energy from natural gas, coal, solar and wind resources — supports an all-of-the-above approach to its electric generating mix.

“Each energy generation resource type has benefits,” said Corey Linville, Sunflower vice president, power supply and delivery. “Solar resources produce energy during the hottest days of the year when our system experiences its highest demand. The declining cost of utility-scale solar energy, combined with available tax credits and the opportunity to mitigate transmission costs, will further benefit Sunflower’s members and those they serve.”

Sunflower is partnering with DEPCOM Power to design and construct the Russell project, which will produce approximately 53,000 megawatt-hours annually, a total constituting 1% of the Sunflower system’s total energy needs. The facility, which will be located on 140 acres 3 miles east of Russell, will have approximately 45,000 bi-facial solar panels on a single-axis solar tracking system.

“As a member-owned cooperative, we make every decision with the best interest of our members in mind,” said Tom Ruth, general manager of Western Cooperative Electric, which serves parts of Russell County. “We analyze and consider new technologies to determine if and when they add value to our system and, ultimately, to those we serve. This is definitely the right time and place for the Sunflower Electric Solar at Russell project.”

Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative Announces Appointment of Jason Rabe as New CEO, General Manager

Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc. announced that Jason Rabe has accepted the CEO/General Manager position effective June 1, 2023.

Rabe currently serves as the city manager for the City of Beloit. He has a combined 20 years of private and public sector management experience including leading multiple successful organizations and providing a unique perspective on problem-solving, facilitation and efficiency.

"I am excited to join the Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative team as their next general manager. The opportunity to build on the great foundation that Rolling Hills has with their system, staff and facilities is what drew me to the position," he said. "I am looking forward to meeting our members, learning our system and operations, and tackling our challenges head on."

Rabe received his bachelor's degree in marketing management from Bob Jones University and holds a master's degree in public administration from Arkansas State University. He has over 13 years of general utility experience and six and a half years of electric utility experience. He and his wife, Julia, live in Beloit along with their three kids: Kaden, Keira and Kael.

Rabe will replace Doug Jackson who has announced his plans to retire as general manager of Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative effective June 30, 2023. Jackson has 41 years of electric utility experience and has served as general manager at NCK Electric and Rolling Hills Electric Cooperatives since 1992. He will continue to lead Rolling Hills Electric until the transition date.

Heartland’s Scheibe Elected to National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative Board of Directors

Heartland Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. CEO Mark Scheibe will advocate for the technology needs of cooperatives in Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and Wyoming following his election to the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative (NRTC) Board of Directors representing District 7.

NRTC is a national cooperative that helps rural electric and telephone providers deploy advanced technology solutions in rural communities. Scheibe said he is particularly interested in helping cooperatives leverage smart grid technologies to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.

“NRTC has always been there for major technology decisions at every co-op I’ve been at,” Scheibe said. “Whether it’s advanced metering infrastructure, solar, battery technologies, or electric vehicles, they’re always there to provide support and help solve problems.

Scheibe said his background in data analytics and engineering lends him a unique perspective. He sees many opportunities for cooperatives to make better use of the data and streamline operations through automation of repetitive tasks.

 “I want to ensure people are able to do the hard work once to get things automated and then reap the rewards in the future,” Scheibe said.

Scheibe was elected to the District 7 seat, which became open in 2021 upon the retirement of Dale Short as CEO of Butler Rural Electric Cooperative in El Dorado, by vote of the other NRTC board members, who considered several impressive cooperative leaders and conducted interviews prior to their vote. His election was effective Jan. 13, 2023, and his term continues until March 2025.

Scheibe is a licensed professional engineer and holds a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from the University of Iowa. Prior to coming to Heartland, Scheibe worked his way up from distribution engineer to director of engineering for Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative in Anamosa, Iowa.

FOR RELEASE:                                                                                    Media Contact: Cindy Hertel

11/21/22 @ 11:30 a.m.                                                                          Office: (785) 623-3341

                                                                                                              Cell: (785) 259-4822

                                                                                                              chertel@sunflower.net

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation Selects New CEO

Todd Hillman to replace Stuart Lowry

Hays, Kan.—Nov. 21, 2022—Sunflower Electric Power Corp. announced today that its board of directors has named Todd Hillman as the corporation’s next president and chief executive officer.

Hillman will begin his tenure on Jan. 16 to succeed Stuart Lowry, Sunflower’s current president and CEO, upon his retirement. Hillman is the sixth person to lead Sunflower since it was formed in 1957.

Since 2004, Hillman worked for Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), a member-based, regional transmission organization (RTO) and independent system operator (ISO) serving in 15 U.S. states. In his most recent role as senior vice president and chief customer officer, Hillman was responsible for all customer interface for the three MISO offices, including member and regulatory relationships, training, the call center, and customer experience (CX) and facilities.

Hillman led the MISO south region integration, which included 52 load-serving entities, 136 transmission customers with 35,000 MW of load, 16 balancing authorities, 10 transmission owners and 16,000 transmission line miles. He also led MISO’s strategic and regulatory outreach for MISO’s 15-state footprint.

Steve Epperson, CEO of Pioneer Electric Cooperative and Southern Pioneer Electric Company—two of Sunflower’s seven distribution member-owners—chaired the nation-wide CEO search and selection process.

“After participating in many committee discussions and multiple interviews, I believe that Todd Hillman represents the best fit for Sunflower moving forward in an industry facing vast disruption as well as transformation,” Epperson said. “Mr. Hillman’s breadth of experience, knowledge of energy markets and RTOs, and leadership approach are the best fit for Sunflower’s talented employees. I see great teamwork, collaboration and courageous decisions in our future and am confident that Mr. Hillman will deliver.”

Among other commendable traits, Hillman supports strategies and goals that lead to strong relationships and growing success for members, employees, and other customers.

“Mr. Hillman is a strong leader and visionary who brings with him a wide range of knowledge and experience. Through that experience he has developed valuable relationships in the industry,” said Wes Campbell, Sunflower’s board chairman and Wheatland Electric Cooperative director. “I have no doubt that his focus on innovation and the value of strong relationships will lead to further success for our members, helping ensure the vitality of western Kansas and those we serve. We welcome Todd to the Sunflower family.”

“It’s truly an honor to be selected as Sunflower’s next CEO,” Hillman said. “I can’t wait to get started and be a servant leader to our members and the people in western Kansas.”

About Todd Hillman — Todd Hillman earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Affairs and Commerce from the University of the Pacific and a graduate degree from the University of Chicago Executive Institute Graduate School of Business. He also completed the Advanced Management Program at the Institut Européen d'Administration des Affaires (INSEAD).

He was born in New Jersey to a father who worked for Gulf Oil Company, giving Hillman his first introduction to the energy business.

• After graduating from the University of the Pacific, Hillman began working in 1992 for the New York Mercantile Exchange where he directed the largest new product marketing campaign in Exchange history, focusing on the world’s first exchange-traded electricity futures and options contracts.
• In 1995, Hillman began work with Dupont Conoco (Houston’s largest consumer of electricity and gas), where he learned electricity and gas origination and trading.
• In 1998, Reliant hired Hillman to develop a business plan to move and trade western U.S. natural gas.
• In 1999, Reliant purchased a utility business in the Netherlands, and Hillman became the Director of Transition Activity. He developed and led five electricity, three natural gas, three district heating, and two large scale transmission contracts. He established a European satellite office in Frankfurt, Germany, and developed a green power trading strategy.
• After sale of the Netherlands business, he returned stateside to work for Reliant in corporate planning and then as Director of National Accounts.
• In 2004, Hillman began his tenure at MISO.

Hillman and his wife, Dara, have two children.

About Sunflower — Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is a regional wholesale power supplier that operates a system of solar, wind, natural gas, and coal-based generating plants and a transmission system of approximately 2,400 miles for the needs of its seven Members, who serve customers living in central and western Kansas. Visit Sunflower’s website at http://www.sunflower.net 

Sunflower’s member cooperatives include Lane-Scott Electric Cooperative, Dighton; Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Ulysses; Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton; The Victory Electric Cooperative Association, Dodge City; Western Cooperative Electric Association, WaKeeney; and Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Scott City, Kansas. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is also a Member of Sunflower. 

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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/.