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FERC Sets July Technical Conference To Address COVID-19 Energy Sector Issues

June 11, 2020

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director
Posted June 11, 2020

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on July 8-9 will hold a technical conference to consider the impacts that the COVID-19 pandemic are having on various segments of the country’s energy industry.

In a recent notice about the technical conference, FERC detailed the topics that will be addressed at the two-day meeting.

On Wednesday, July 8, conference topics will include system operations and planning challenges, electricity demand and transmission planning.

The second day of the conference (Thursday, July 9) will include panels on natural gas and oil demand and access to capital issues for the energy sector.

Additional details on what each day’s panels will discuss are available here.

The Commission will provide details on panelists for the technical conference in a future notice.

Santee Cooper, Central Look To Add Up To 500 MW of Utility-Scale Solar

June 11, 2020

by Taelor Bentley
APPA News
Posted June 11, 2020

Santee Cooper and Central Electric Power Cooperative have begun a bid process seeking to purchase up to 500 megawatts (MW) of new utility-scale solar power through several projects to be built across South Carolina.

Santee Cooper, the state-owned public power utility in South Carolina, has sent a request for proposals (RFP) to nearly 30 solar developers. Santee Cooper will work with Central to review the bids and awards contracts. Central may choose to become a counterparty to one or more purchase agreements through this process. Contracts will target power projects of 25-125 MW each. The developers will own the projects, while Santee Cooper and Central will purchase the electric output.

“This RFP signals Santee Cooper’s commitment to Central, and to all Santee Cooper customers, to transform our generation into a leaner, greener portfolio that increases sustainability and costs less,” said Santee Cooper President and CEO Mark Bonsall. “This is a market-driven process designed to produce the best prices and best benefits for our customers, and to do so in a manner that is open and transparent.” Central is Santee Cooper’s largest customer.

The process will be conducted in accordance with terms approved by the South Carolina General Assembly governing Santee Cooper through May 2021. The process includes an ongoing question-and-answer period through July 13, and bids are due July 30. Santee Cooper and Central will review the bids with a goal to finish negotiations with developers and begin awarding contracts later this year.

The current resource plan for service of Santee Cooper’s customers includes the addition of up to 1,000 MW of new solar capacity placed into service by 2024 and an additional 500 MW added by 2031, all to be purchased from third-party providers and intended in part to replace some existing coal-fired generation.

DOE Official Details Agency’s Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

June 9, 2020

by Paul Ciampoli
APPA News Director

Supporting virus research, securing critical infrastructure and stabilizing the energy markets are all key actions that the Department of Energy has taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mark Menezes, Under Secretary of Energy, said on June 8.

He made his remarks on the first day of the American Public Power Association’s Public Power Connect Virtual Summit and Business Meeting.

With respect to virus research, Menezes noted that “seven of the world class Department of Energy labs are partners in the COVID-19 high performance computing consortium. With DOE and IBM as co-chairs, this extraordinary effort brings together leaders in government, industry and academia to provide access to the world’s most powerful computing resources in support of coronavirus research.”

Along with their consortium-related work, the DOE’s national labs “are making significant strides against the virus in many other ways,” he said.

For example, researchers at Oak Ridge laboratory in Tennessee, scientists use Summit, the world’s fastest, smartest super computer to screen more than 8,000 drug compounds, finding 77 that have potential use in the fight for a cure through vaccines or therapeutics.

Menezes noted that one of the most crucial and ongoing missions of the DOE is securing critical energy infrastructure in ensuring energy resilience during national emergencies.

“During this pandemic, the stakes could not be higher. Hospitals and other frontline healthcare workers depend on an uninterrupted energy supply to run ventilators and other emergency services equipment,” he said.

“That’s why on January 31, we activated our energy response organization and tasked it with assessing, preparing for and providing awareness of issues that may require federal support,” he noted.

Menezes also commented on an executive order signed by President Trump on May 1 that authorizes U.S. Secretary of Energy Dan Brouillette to work with the Cabinet and energy industry to secure the country’s bulk-power system (BPS).

“The first important action we will take under this executive order is to prohibit future use of BPS equipment which has a nexus with a foreign adversary and the failure of which would pose a risk to our national security and the safety of Americans,” the DOE official said.

“While some concerns have been raised about how the order will affect future infrastructure projects, I say to you today the Department will implement this order in a strategic, transparent, methodical way and we will work with industry throughout the process,” Menezes said, adding that the DOE looks forward to working with Joy Ditto, President and CEO of the American Public Power Association, and the rest of her team at APPA.

As for the third prong of the DOE’s response to the pandemic, Menezes noted that the DOE “took swift and decisive action to stabilize global energy markets.”

Senate panel approves nomination of Menezes

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on June 9 approved the nomination of Menezes to be Deputy Secretary of the DOE.

Menezes was nominated to the Deputy Secretary position in February. Menezes’ nomination now awaits further consideration by the full Senate.

City of Wellington

Founded 1871
Population 8,172

Wellington, Kansas is a rural community in south central Kansas. Located approximately 23 miles south of Wichita, Wellington is the county seat and the largest community in Sumner County. Wellington has been a member of the Kansas Power Pool since 2005. The City provides police and fire protection, with both full-time professional departments. City services include electric, water, wastewater, and trash collection.

The City has several recreational opportunities. There are several neighborhood playgrounds located throughout the City and two lighted walking paths; Century Park and Worden Park. The Wellington Lake Recreation Area, Hargis Creek Watershed Park, and Woods Park offer a relaxing day of fishing. The lake area also offers camping and boating. The Municipal Golf Course offers a challenging game of links on an excellent course. The City also provides a disc golf course and a skate park for recreational activities. The Aquatic Center is a great place to spend a day of fun in the water and sun. The Wellington Recreation Commission’s Fitness Center offers a variety of exercise and workout machines to stay healthy and fit.

City Manager

City Clerk

Utility Director

Distribution Supervisor

Electric Generation Equipment

Director of Electric & Water Utilities:  Travis Horsch
Power Plant Phone:  620-326-2561

Municipal Utilities

City of Waterville

Founded 1870
Population 616

Waterville, Kansas was established in 1870 as a pioneer town at the end of the railroad and beside the Little Blue River.  When the railroad decided to extend West exactly 100 miles from Atchison, Kansas, the site for the City was determined.  It was named by William Osborne, a railroad superintendent, for his hometown of Waterville, New York. Waterville has been a member of the Kansas Power Pool since 2012.

 

Waterville is known for its famous Opera House, which was built in 1903, is located across the street from the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks and the National Register-listed Weaver Hotel. Designed by Frankfort, Kansas architect A. W. Snodgrass, this two-story limestone building was constructed by area craftsmen with locally quarried limestone and has remained in the ownership of the City since its construction. The bottom floor was built to house the City’s government offices, library, banquet room, kitchen, restrooms, and dressing rooms. An auditorium and raised stage have always occupied the second-floor space.

City Clerk

Electric Superintendent

Municipal Utilities

City of Udall

Founded 1879
Population 848

The City of Udall, Kansas is nestled deep in south central Kansas and is the gateway to Cowley County. Boasting rich history, fine schools, and a community dedicated to progress and development, the City of Udall is bridging the gap between the past and the future. Only 25 miles south of Wichita on Kansas Highway 15, Udall blends the amenities of town with the beauty of the countryside. Udall offers a wide range of events, from outdoor concerts, seasonal festivals, and sports competitions, to spending time in the local parks, and relaxing with your family for an afternoon of outdoor fun.  Udall has been a member of the Kansas Power Pool since 2009.

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City Superintendent

Municipal Utilities

City of St. Marys

Founded 1869
Population 2,651

The City of St. Marys, Kansas was incorporated in 1869 and since 1921 has operated under a City Manager-Commission form of government. The City services include a 24-hour police department, municipal court, volunteer fire department, public works, zoning, code inspection, parks and recreation, golf course, electrical distribution, waste disposal, and water services. While in St. Marys, you can watch little league sports, visit the historic Indian Pay Station, browse through the Pottawatomie Wabaunsee Regional Library, golf at the City course, or visit one of the City’s parks. Only 20 minutes from Topeka and Manhattan, St. Marys offers a small-town atmosphere, with big city opportunities.

Since October of 2007 the City of St. Marys has received all of its electrical power from the Kansas Power Pool.

City Manager

City Clerk

Utility Supervisor

Municipal Utilities

City of Oxford

Founded 1871
Population 1,218

Oxford, Kansas is known for The Old Mill.  The mill was built in 1874 by D.N. Cook and John Hewitt. A three-mile race was hand dug parallel to the Arkansas River.  The water running through the mill race provided the electricity necessary to run the mill.  A dam was built across the river to help the mill grow.  The mill’s flour and cornmeal supported the slogan “Oxford’s Best”.  In 1910, Charles Champeny bought the mill in which he worked until he passed away.  The Old Mill has since been restored by its owners.  The Old Mill was placed on the National Historical Register on April 26, 1982.  The Oxford Jr/Sr High School Entrepreneurship Class has recently started serving dinners on weekends.  Oxford has been a member of the Kansas Power Pool since 2008.

City Clerk

Utility Superintendent

Electric Generation Equipment

Utility Superintendent:  Patrick Kopfer
Power Plant Phone:  620-455-2223

Municipal Utilities

City of Mulvane

Founded 1879
Population 6,111

Mulvane, Kansas is located on the county line between Sumner and Sedgwick counties, 20 minutes from Wichita and 15 minutes from McConnell Air Force Base.  The City was founded in 1879 as a railroad/agricultural community and became a member of the Kansas Power Pool in 2012.  The name Mulvane was selected for the City after deciding that Joab Mulvane was inspirational in developing the City.  Mulvane is a progressive city with officials and community members alike, donating their time for the betterment of the community.  There’s something for everyone from schools to assisted living, for your education, health, and fun.

Mulvane celebrated its centennial in 1979. Its history dates back to the opening of Indian Territory for settlement in 1869. Families began to pour into the new territory and by 1872 all land was claimed before the town was founded. Prior to the town’s incorporation, the citizens celebrated their good fortune in coming to this area. In August 1873, Jessie Bowles invited all his neighbors and friends to a harvest picnic. This was the beginning of the oldest annual celebration in the state of Kansas: Old Settlers’ Day. The Old Settler Days celebration has grown every year since and is eagerly anticipated each August.

City Administrator

City Clerk

Utility Director

Electric Generation Equipment

Utility Generation Director:  Kevin Baker
Power Plant Phone:  316-777-9550

Municipal Utilities

City of Mount Hope

Founded 1887
Population 846

Mount Hope, Kansas is nestled between Wichita and Hutchinson directly adjacent to the four-lane K-96 Highway in northwest Sedgwick County.   Mount Hope has been a member of the Kansas Power Pool since 2006.  It has a population of 816 based on 2010 Census numbers. With its prime location, Mount Hope offers small town living with convenient access to the amenities of a larger city. There are many dining establishments and places to shop within a short distance of Mount Hope. It is a friendly, quiet, and safe community for families of all ages.  Mount Hope has affordable housing available and the potential for more growth with two established “new home” developments.

Mount Hope has a Fitness Center with 24-hour access as well as 3 parks. The City Park has a playground, a swimming pool, and a climate-controlled shelter building that may be rented for family gatherings or parties.

City Clerk

Mayor

Municipal Utilities