Mark Barbee Announces Retirement

After an illustrious 27-year career at KEPCo, Mark Barbee, KEPCo Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, is retiring on April 4.

Mark’s professional journey began with a decade of service at Wolf Creek Generating Station, with his last role as Supervisor – Electric System Engineering group. In 1997, he joined KEPCo as a Senior Engineer. His exceptional technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and leadership qualities earned him a number of promotions, culminating in his current role as SVP & COO.

Mark’s tenure at KEPCo is marked by significant contributions, innovative solutions, and a commitment to excellence that has left an indelible mark on KEPCo. Notably, he led a group of engineers and line superintendents from across Kansas that worked with FEMA for thirteen months on the 2007 ice storm restoration, a storm that spanned from Liberal to Horton, ultimately securing over $200 million in public assistance funding for Kansas electric co-ops across 60 counties. Due to the efforts of the group, FEMA changed its rules and regulations surrounding when conductor needs to be replaced and when a line section needs to be rebuilt. Mark was also instrumental in the development of Prairie Sky, KEPCo’s 1 MW solar farm, managing the project from inception to completion. Other notable accomplishments include the controls upgrade on the Sharpe Generating Station, the design of several substations for our members, and the development of several integrated resource plans, which has significantly contributed to KEPCo’s current diverse resource portfolio, to name a few.

Mark has been actively involved in numerous industry organizations on behalf of KEPCo, serving on various boards and committees, including the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation board of directors, the Southwestern Power Resources Association board of directors and executive committee, the Southwest Power Pool Markets and Operations Policy Committee, and the Iatan 2 Joint Owners Committee. Mark also served as KEPCo’s SPP Member Representative and as KEPCo’s representative for the Loveland Area Customer Association.

Throughout his career, Mark has been a mentor to several KEPCo engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. His colleagues particularly note his willingness to share knowledge and his ability to motivate others to achieve their best.

“It has been an honor to serve the KEPCo Members for the last 27 years. During my tenure, I collaborated with the Members and KEPCo staff on many interesting and challenging projects, which helped me grow as an engineer, a leader, and person. I am thankful that I found a way to KEPCo and have had the opportunity to work with, and for, a group of people committed to the common cause of providing reliable and affordable electric service to rural Kansas,” said Barbee.

As Mark steps into retirement, he looks forward to spending more time with his family, pursuing his passion for golf, and traveling with his wife, Natalie.

We wish Mark all the best in his retirement and thank him for his unwavering dedication and service.

Promotions at KEPCo

Matt Ottman (left) has been promoted to Manager of Information Technology. In his new role, Matt will be instrumental in shaping the future direction of KEPCo’s IT department and will also take on a leadership role in KEPCo’s load management program. “This is a well-deserved promotion and recognition of the skills and value Matt brings to the Technical Services group and to KEPCo,” said Shawn Geil, Executive Director.

Jerad Crotinger (right) has been promoted to Senior Operations and Facilities Technician. In his new role, Jerad will oversee facilities and fleet management while continuing to manage the operation and maintenance of the Sharpe Generating Station, the installation and maintenance of SCADA equipment, and other field duties. “Jerad’s technical knowledge and skills, in addition to being based out of KEPCo’s Topeka office, make him ideally suited to take on the responsibility of our facilities and vehicle fleet,” said Susan Cunningham, SVP & General Counsel.

Congratulations to Matt and Jerad!

Generating Safety:

Spring Into Safety

The end of winter and the start of spring means a return to warmer weather and outdoor activities, and for many of us – spring cleaning!

Spring cleaning can mean many things, and most of us associate it with decluttering, deep-cleaning, and organizing, but it is equally—if not more—important to undertake certain general home maintenance activities in order to ensure your home has made it through winter without any issues. The following springtime home maintenance tasks should always be at the top of your list:

Test your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. Now’s a good time to make sure these important safety protections are in good working order. Dust both the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors with a dry cloth. Use the test button to check that they work and replace batteries that are more than six months old.
Check and replace flashlight batteries. Springtime means thunderstorms and the potential for power outages. Make sure all your flashlights have fresh batteries, so you are prepared for severe weather.
Check your fire extinguishers. Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher. Most extinguishers have a long shelf life but be sure to check the expiration date. If it has not expired, check the pressure gauge to make sure it is in the proper range.
Clean out household chemicals and cleaning supplies. Go through your cleaning supplies and other household chemicals to check for leaking containers and things you no longer use or need.
Replace furnace filters and clean air conditioning ducts. Make sure your air conditioner is in good working order by reviewing the user’s manual for the proper spring maintenance procedures. It is also a good time to replace furnace filters.
Inspect the interior of your home for mold. Mold often grows in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and wherever there is moisture. It has a distinct musty odor and appears as dark, sometimes fuzzy, spots on surfaces. Mold can be hazardous to your health if it spreads. Clean any mold you find with bleach and try to identify the underlying cause and remedy it.
Manage electrical cords throughout the household. As you clean each room, make sure power cords and extension cords do not present a tripping hazard or fire hazard. Inspect all cords for fraying or damage and get rid of any cord that is not safe. Electrical cords should not run under rugs or around doorframes, as this can damage the cord and create a fire hazard.

And don’t forget to inspect and prep the outside of your home and garden this spring.

Clean and secure windows and doors. Spring cleaning would not be complete without window cleaning. And as you are cleaning, check the locks and screens to make sure they are in proper working order. Check the locks on all exterior doors too.
Inspect your roof and clean your gutters. Inspect your roof for any damage that could leak during heavy rains or worsen from heavy winds. Make any necessary repairs. Check and clean your rain gutters and downspouts as well to avoid foundation problems during the rainy season. And don’t forget to trim trees and shrubs and clear away dead plants and debris to prevent possible roof damage and clogged gutters.
Inspect sealants and caulking. Another outside maintenance task that is crucial is inspecting sealants and caulking. Neglecting to seal and caulk outside can lead to energy inefficiency and water intrusion. By sealing all gaps through which heat gets out of the home or cold enters the house, you can prevent energy waste and higher energy bills. Caulking and sealants can also keep water from entering the house. If water seeps through gaps around doors and windows, it can lead to mold and interior damage. Reapply sealant and caulk as needed to prevent problems and to maintain indoor comfort.
Check your sprinkler system for damage or leaks. A defective sprinkler system leads to overwatering, water waste, or even damage to the structure of the landscape and home through unnoticed leaks. Proper inspection guarantees the correct water use and flourishing landscape during hot seasons.

KEPCo Hires IT Specialist

Brett Campbell has been hired as an Information System Specialist III. Brett comes to KEPCo after serving seven years as the IT Manager at DSO Electric. He will be responsible for computer support, software development, and database management.

Brett is from Salina and graduated from K-State Salina with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

He is married to Kaylee and they have a two-year old son, Cooper. In his spare time, Brett enjoys golfing and barbequing.

Welcome aboard, Brett!

KEPCo Hires Director of Power Supply

Laura Becker joins KEPCo as Director, Power Supply. Laura’s experience spans 25 years with Evergy, holding positions of Analyst – Regulatory Affairs, Engineer – Resource Planning, and her last role as Manager – Resource Planning, which she held for 15 years.

Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering from the University of Arizona, a Master of Science in Mining Engineering from the University of Montana, and a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from the University of Missouri.

Laura is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and has two adult children. She recently became a grandmother, two-times over, as her daughter had twin boys. When not at work, Laura enjoys outdoor activities.

Welcome to KEPCo, Laura!

Legislative Update

Numerous energy-related bills were introduced in the 2025 Kansas legislative session. Due to the truncated session, several of those bills did not receive a hearing or received a hearing but were not worked. As a carry-over year, these bills remain active into the 2026 session. Below is a synopsis of bills that received a hearing and were moved by a committee.

HB2040/SB92 – This bill extends the time in which the Kansas Corporation Commission is required to issue a final order on an electric transmission line siting application from 120 days to 180 days. The bill was passed by the House as a whole and was amended in the Senate. The bill, as amended, was concurred by the House.
HB2109 – This bill authorizes law enforcement agencies to attach and operate law enforcement equipment on utility poles that are located in the public right-of-way and, importantly, exempts public utilities from civil liability relating to law enforcement activities. The bill was passed favorably by the House as a whole. The bill was amended in the Senate Utilities Committee to include a July 1, 2027, sunset and was passed favorably. The bill was further amended on the Senate floor and the bill was passed, as amended, by the Senate as a whole. The bill, as amended, was concurred by the House.
HB2107 – This bill relates to liability for fire event damages, providing for claims and recovery for economic damages and calculating recovery for such damages. It requires the KCC to provide training on wildfire risk and mitigation. The bill was amended by the House as a whole and was passed favorably, as amended, by the Senate Utilities Committee. The bill was amended on the floor of the Senate, and the amendment was passed favorably. The bill, as amended, was concurred by the House.
SB51 – This bill provides a sales tax exemption for the construction or remodeling of a qualified data center in Kansas, including the purchase of data center equipment and other eligible data center costs and certain labor costs, to qualified firms that commit to a minimum investment of $250,000,000 and meet new Kansas jobs and other requirements. The bill was passed favorably by the Senate as a whole and passed favorably, as amended, by the House Taxation Committee. On the House floor, a motion was made to re-refer the bill to House Taxation and the motion passed. It will be considered by the House as a whole next year
HB2149 – This bill requires distributed energy retailers to disclose certain information to customers who are offered a contract for the construction, installation, or operation of a distributed energy system and establishes requirements for a customer’s construction, installation, and operation of a renewable energy system subject to parallel generation services. After scores of hours of the utilities meeting with the solar interests, a compromise was reached and the bill was amended, reflecting the compromise. The amended bill was passed 123-0 by the House and 40-0 by the Senate.

Wolf Creek Celebrates 40th Anniversary

From left: Kevin Noblet, KEPCo EVP & CEO, Governor Kelly and Chuck Goeckel, KEPCo board president.

On March 7, the Wolf Creek Nuclear Generating Station celebrated its 40th year of operation with a gathering at the William Allen White Skills Training Center at the plant. Keynote speakers at the event included Governor Laura Kelly, John Monninger, NRC Regional Administrator, David Campbell, Evergy CEO, and Cleve Reasoner, Wolf Creek CEO and Chief Nuclear Officer.

Cleve Reasoner highlighted Wolf Creek’s safe, reliable, and cost effective operations and the plant’s focus on the continuous expectation of professionalism and high levels of performance as a course of daily business. He addressed the history of the plant, from the early visionaries in the 1950s to commercial operation in 1985, including the numerous challenges and barriers experienced over this time period.

From left: David Campbell, Evergy CEO, Chuck Goeckel, KEPCo board president, Jaime McCoy, Wolf Creek site vice president, and Kevin Noblet, KEPCo EVP & CEO.

From left: Cleve Reasoner, Wolf Creek CEO & CNO, Mark Barbee, KEPCo SVP & COO, and David Campbell, Evergy CEO.

“The level of vision necessary to conceive of the facility and to win over others to embrace the vision and join the effort…to turn a rural field into a thriving critical infrastructure is impressive by any measure,” said Reasoner. “I am humbled to stand on the shoulders of those who have come before, and we are taking full advantage,” said Reasoner. He added that he believes the plant is making good on the visionaries’ promises by safely delivering power for four decades.

David Campbell emphasized the importance and uniqueness of nuclear energy in the U.S. and world stage, including the level of safety and discipline not required for other electric resources, the numerous applications of nuclear power, and the ripple effect of a nuclear event at one plant to other plants across the world. He also addressed the importance of Wolf Creek to Evergy in order to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy to its customers.

John Monninger congratulated Wolf Creek on its significant accomplishment and addressed the future of nuclear energy in the U.S., indicating the broad bi-partisan support for the use of safe and secure nuclear power, the pursuit of advanced nuclear options, and the role of nuclear in providing energy security.

Governor Kelly congratulated Wolf Creek for delivering on its promise to provide safe, reliable, and affordable energy by powering Kansas safely and reliably for 40 years in an environmentally responsible manner. She addressed the positive economic impact Wolf Creek has had on Kansas, including direct employment and indirectly supporting thousands of jobs in the region, generating a substantial demand for goods and services from area suppliers, and providing significant tax revenues that support essential public services such as education and infrastructure. She indicated that Wolf Creek is at the forefront of energy security for Kansas and believes the nuclear power will remain a key component in Kansas’ energy mix. She concluded by expressing gratitude to those who built Wolf Creek and to those who currently keep the plant running safely and reliably.

The following Tuesday at the statehouse in Topeka, Wolf Creek was honored by the House and Senate chambers by presenting Evergy, KEPCo, and Wolf Creek with certificates recognizing the 40 years of successful operation. Representative Mark Schreiber presented the certificate in the House and Senator Caryn Tyson presented the certificate in the Senate. Mark Barbee, KEPCo SVP and COO, accepted the certificates on behalf of KEPCo.

KEPCo and its 16-member rural cooperatives proudly celebrate Wolf Creek powering rural Kansas safely and reliably for 40 years. Over this time, Wolf Creek has continuously improved, adapting to innovative technologies and evolving industry standards to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance.

Congratulations to Wolf Creek for this remarkable achievement. Here’s to many more years of innovation, sustainability, and safe energy production.

KEPCo’s 50th Anniversary: Save the Date

This year marks a significant milestone for KEPCo as we celebrate our 50th anniversary of operation. Over the past five decades, KEPCo has attained numerous landmark achievements, including securing hydropower contracts from the Southwestern Power Administration and the Western Area Power Administration, acquiring ownership of Wolf Creek and Iatan 2, joining the Southwest Power Pool, constructing and operating the Sharpe Generating Station and the Prairie Sky solar farm, and building a new headquarters office, among many other accomplishments.

To commemorate this momentous occasion, KEPCo will host a 50th anniversary celebration at our annual meeting in November. We invite you to mark your calendars for November 20 in Salina and join us for this special event. It promises to be a memorable celebration that you will not want to miss!

REDLG Project Funded

KEPCo, on behalf of Bluestem Electric, submitted a $1 million REDLG application to USDA in November of last year for the expansion of an agribusiness in north-central Kansas. The project was selected for funding in February.

“Farming and agribusiness are the economic backbones of rural Kansas. Having the opportunity to assist a rural Kansas agribusiness that is also an electric cooperative member is always a privilege,” said Susan Cunningham, SVP & General Counsel.

Newsmaker | Spring 2025