KEPCo Board Selects CEO

Following an extensive nationwide search, the Kansas Electric Power Cooperative board of trustees is pleased to announce the selection of Kevin T. Noblet of Liberty, Missouri, as the new executive vice president and CEO of the organization.

Noblet will replace Steven O. Foss, who has served as KEPCo’s interim EVP and CEO since March 2024.

With over 25 years of experience in the electric utility industry, most recently as the president, central region, at Liberty Utilities, Noblet brings an extensive background in utility operations, with an emphasis in generation, transmission, and distribution engineering and planning and customer service. He holds degrees in electrical engineering and physics, a master’s degree in business administration, and is a licensed professional engineer, making him uniquely qualified to lead the cooperative in an evolving utility environment.

“We are excited to welcome Kevin as our new CEO,” said Charles Goeckel, KEPCo’s board president. “His proven track record in the electric utility industry, paired with his deep understanding of the technical and operational aspects of the business, makes him an ideal fit for KEPCo. The electric industry currently is facing many significant challenges, not least of which is the unprecedented increase in generation and transmission costs. Kevin’s expertise in generation and transmission planning, coupled with his executive leadership experience, will be instrumental in advancing our mission to provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to our members.”

“Additionally, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to Steve for helping the board navigate the CEO search process and leading KEPCo during the transition,” said Goeckel.

Generating Safety:

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Ready for Winter Weather

If your vehicle breaks down this winter, not only is it a horrible inconvenience, but it can be dangerous as well. Follow these tips to avoid a bad day on the wintery roads.

• Have your radiator serviced or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze if needed.
• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a mixture appropriate for winter temps.
• Make sure the tires on your vehicle have adequate tread and air pressure. If the tire tread is 4/32nd or less, replace your tires. Cold temperature can cause tire pressure to decrease. Fill low tires with air to the proper pressure recommended for your vehicle (typically between 30-35 psi).
• Keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
• Have your service center check the following to make sure they are in good working order: heater, defroster, brakes, brake fluid, emergency flashers, exhaust, and the cold cranking capacity of your battery.
• Prepare an emergency kit with items such as a blanket, gloves, phone charger, protein bars, and kitty litter in the event you get stuck in the snow.
• If you must drive in hazardous conditions, let a friend or family member know where you are going, the route you are taking, and the time you expect to arrive.

 Be safe this winter!

KEPCo Files REDLG Application

On behalf of Bluestem Electric Cooperative, KEPCo submitted to USDA a $1,000,000 Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program application for the expansion of an agri-business in north-central Kansas. This project will add three new jobs.

 A total of five projects were submitted to USDA this year. To date, four REDLG applications were selected for funding, totaling $3,093,000 in capital infusion and 82 new jobs to rural Kansas, plus an additional $18,282,000 in supplemental financing for the four projects.

“The funds that were invested in rural Kansas this year via the REDLG program illustrates the importance of the program as it relates to economic development in and around our members’ service territories. For rural communities to prosper, good jobs need to be added or sustained, whether it be from a new business or the expansion of an existing business. The REDLG program is a financing tool that enables rural businesses to affordably borrow money and to keep rural Kansas economically vibrant,” said Susan Cunningham, KEPCo SVP and General Counsel.

KCC to Administer Rebate Program

The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is preparing to launch the Kansas Home Rebates Program to help Kansas residents reduce energy costs and make their homes more comfortable. This program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and managed by the Department of Energy (DOE), will provide Kansas with $105.6 million for energy efficiency improvements and upgrades and stand-alone appliances for low- to moderate-income households.

The program is divided into two categories. The Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) program provides rebates for energy efficiency improvements within an entire home. Eligible improvements may include a combination of energy saving measures such as appliance and HVAC system upgrades, adding insulation, air sealing, and associated electrical panel and/or wiring upgrades. The Home Electrification Appliance Rebates (HEAR) is intended to provide rebates for single or stand-alone appliance (e.g., heat pumps), or energy upgrades (e.g., insulation, electric load service center, electric wiring, air sealing, and mechanical ventilation). The DOE funds will be divided equally among the two programs and there is an income qualification measure for both programs.

There is a five-step process to implement the plan: step 1 – public input; step 2 – plan submission to DOE for review and approval; step 3 – the DOE informs KCC of application and plan approval; step 4 – the DOE transfers funds to KCC to support rebate distribution to eligible households; and step 5 – the KCC application portal will be made available for households to apply for home energy rebates. The KCC is in the process of completing step 1 and plans to roll out the program in 2025.

KEPCo Conducts Annual Meeting

In his presentation, Mr. Foss underscored numerous achievements accomplished by KEPCo this year, such as KEPCo’s safety record, the completion of a cost-of-service study, financial strength, continued rate stability, the development of an Integrated Resource Plan, the establishment of a member engagement committee, and the filing of five REDLG applications, to name a few.

Mr. Foss also stated that in the coming year, KEPCo will continue to focus on serving its members reliably and affordably, while seeking opportunities to provide value-added, innovative programs and services.

In closing, Mr. Foss thanked the board and staff for their tireless efforts and unwavering support as KEPCo transitions to new executive leadership. “I am excited about the future of KEPCo, and I am confident that under new leadership, KEPCo will continue to thrive. Thank you for your ongoing trust, support, and commitment to KEPCo. We look forward to achieving even greater success in the coming year,” said Foss.

KEPCo Board Elects Officers

At its monthly meeting held November 22 in Wichita, the KEPCo board of trustees voted on board officer positions for the coming year, unanimously electing Chuck Goeckel, Flint Hills general manager, as president of the KEPCo board. Goeckel succeeds the retiring Mike Morton of Bluestem Electric Cooperative, who served two terms as board president.

The other officers elected were Lori Jones as vice president (Ninnescah), Bryan Coover as secretary (Twin Valley), and Chris Parr as treasurer (FreeState). Elected to the Executive Committee were Kevin Brownlee (Butler), Mark Scheibe (Heartland), and Kirk Thompson (CMS).

KEPCo Hosts Co-ops Vote Event

KEPCo hosted a Co-ops Vote event on December 16 at its headquarters in Topeka. The event was attended by area legislators, as well as staff from KEPCo, KEC, and electric cooperative lobbyists. KEPCo also attended six other Co-ops Vote events, which were held in Fredonia, Hays, Dodge City, Clay Center, Wichita, and Shawnee. Each of the events was attended by legislators that have electric co-ops within their respective legislative districts.

KEPCo hosted a Co-ops Vote event on December 16 at its headquarters in Topeka. The event was attended by area legislators, as well as staff from KEPCo, KEC, and electric cooperative lobbyists. KEPCo also attended six other Co-ops Vote events, which were held in Fredonia, Hays, Dodge City, Clay Center, Wichita, and Shawnee. Each of the events was attended by legislators that have electric co-ops within their respective legislative districts.

Co-ops Vote is a non-partisan campaign by America’s Electric Cooperatives focused on enhancing the political strength of electric cooperatives through relationship building and voter engagement. Working in collaboration with our member cooperatives, this effort educates and engages legislators and co-op staff on critical issues such as ensuring continued access to reliable and affordable electricity and promoting the work of co-ops within the rural communities they serve.

“The Co-ops Vote events are a critical component of the electric cooperatives’ advocacy efforts regarding legislative and regulatory issues affecting the electric utility industry in Kansas. The meetings provide an opportunity for cooperatives to communicate with area legislators on industry concerns, field questions, and share our agenda for the upcoming legislative session,” said Phil Wages, KEPCo Director, External Affairs.