Kansas Municipal Utilities - KMU

10/19/2026

Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is joining the Center for Energy Workforce Development (CEWD) in recognizing Careers in Energy Week, taking place October 19-23, 2026. This national initiative spotlights the essential contributions of energy professionals while drawing attention to the growing need to recruit and train the next generation of workers who will keep Kansas communities powered.

Across Kansas, community-owned utilities face a common challenge: a wave of retirements and an increasing demand for skilled employees in fields ranging from power generation and linework to engineering, IT, and operations. Careers in Energy Week offers utilities a chance to showcase these meaningful careers and inspire students, job seekers, and career changers to consider joining the public power workforce.

Find ready-to-use materials to promote Careers in Energy Week by visiting the CEWD website at https://cewd.org/ciew/

10/16/2026

The Kansas Safety Summit is a must-attend! Mark your calendar so you don't miss it!

Save the date for the Kansas Safety Summit, a FREE annual event for all excavators, contractors, utility/facility owners and operators, locators, and safety specialists that is focused on every aspect of safety, excavation safety, and damage prevention, happening April 7, 2027!

This summit is a valuable opportunity to expand your knowledge, learn about the latest industry updates, and connect with other professionals from across the state.

Learn more at: www.ksdpc.com

10/15/2026

The City of Iola has the best tasting tap water in Kansas, according to judges at the 17th Annual KWEA/KsAWWA Joint Conference held September 9-11, 2026, in Wichita.

The contest is part of the joint conference of the Kansas Water Environment Association - KWEA and the Kansas Section American Water Works Association (KsAWWA). Water systems from across the state are judged by a panel of experts on the clarity, smell, and taste of their water. To enter, a utility must have no state or federal drinking water violations in the previous year to qualify.

Iola is no stranger to the top spot. The city also won the Kansas contest in 2015 and 2017, making 2026 its third statewide title. The win reflects year-round work by Iola’s water treatment staff, and KMU congratulates the team on the well-earned title.

City of Iola, KS - Local Government

10/15/2026

Congratulations, Durward, on this well deserved award!

10/15/2026

KMU is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to provide Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT), the required driver education for CDL holders.

The ELDT training program requirement consists of three distinct phases of instruction, including:
1. Theory
2. Behind the Wheel Range
3. Behind the Wheel Public Road

KMU is holding a 1-day CDL Theory class on October 27, 2026, at the KMU Training Facility. During this class, participants will receive the required theory curriculum and take the KMU theory written test.

KMU is providing a CDL BTW Instructor Credential Course on October 28, 2026, to KMU Members. Participants who complete this course will receive KMU BTW instructor credentials that will authorize them to train and qualify their employees in the two hands-on Behind the Wheel training phases while on the job.

CDL Theory – October 27, 2026: https://tr.ee/YQF1WK

CDL Behind the Wheel Instructor Course – October 28, 2026: https://tr.ee/mbN1yw

Learn more about the CDL Program on the KMU website at https://tr.ee/ZHoH00

10/12/2026

Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is pleased to welcome Blake Swenson as the organization’s new attorney. In this role, Swenson will serve as a legal advisor to KMU staff, leadership, and member utilities, providing guidance on legal, legislative, and regulatory matters affecting Kansas municipal utilities.

After successfully passing the July 2026 Bar exam, Blake Swenson was sworn in to the Kansas Bar. He previously earned his Juris Doctor from Washburn University, where he graduated with Dean's Honors. During law school, he served as a research assistant, completed a 15-month internship with the Center for Climate Integrity, participated in the law school's clinic program as a Rule 715 student attorney, and worked as an intern with KMU’s Legislative Liaison, Gencur-Svaty Public Affairs, during the 2026 legislative session.

Prior to attending law school, Swenson spent nine years in education, including six years as a social studies teacher at Lawrence Free State High School. He also served as department chair, participated in a district budget and program evaluation committee, and held leadership positions with local and state education associations.

A sixth-generation Kansan, Swenson has a long history of public service involvement. His community engagement includes service on the Lawrence Citizen Advisory Committee for Community Development Block Grant Funding and participation in student government activities while attending the University of Kansas.

As legal and regulatory challenges facing municipal utilities continue to evolve, Swenson will play an important role in supporting KMU's mission and serving its members. KMU is excited to welcome him to the team and looks forward to his contributions.

10/09/2026

The Common Ground Alliance (CGA) conducted a study and found that damage to underground infrastructure costs Kansans over $500 million a year. CGA found that the damage causes service outages, property damage, and even injuries and death.

The two most common causes of damage include failure to properly mark underground lines and excavation crews not exercising reasonable care despite the markings.

Damage to "buried" utility lines — which transfer critical substances like power, natural gas, and water — costs Kansans over $500 million every year, about $1.4 million per day.

10/09/2026

New career opportunities in Kansas utilities. Are you ready to elevate your career while serving local communities? Visit KMU's Career Center today and explore your next career move. www.kmunet.org/page/CareerCenter

10/08/2026

Few know what goes into repairing a water main break. The City of Salina’s utility crew shows the repair process from start to finish. Water main repairs often happen in tough conditions and on short notice, and crews work to restore service as quickly and safely as possible. Thank you to the Salina team for sharing this behind-the-scenes look at this essential work.

10/08/2026

Congratulations to Alec Hager, the City of Colby’s newest journeyman lineman. Earning journeyman certification is no small task, and KMU is proud to have had Alec in the KMU Lineworker Apprenticeship Academy. Happy Public Power Week to the City of Colby and its electric crew!

Happy Public Power Week! Celebrated annually during the first week of October, this is a time for the Colby Power Plant and Electric Department to recognize our commitment to serving our community.

This year, the Electric Department is proud to announce that Alec Hager has completed his journey to become the City of Colby's first certified journeyman lineman since 2019. After four years of coursework, over 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, and his current role as Electric Department Crew Chief, Alec is now a certified journeyman.

Please join us in congratulating Alec on this significant achievement!