Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU)

KMU is excited to have Mike Evans, an award-winning author and speaker, as the Keynote speaker for the 2025 KMU Conference. Mike's presentation is titled FUTURE WORK: Lead and Thrive Through Artificial Intelligence Impact, Disruption and Change and Today's Sea of Sameness. Mike will speak on how adaptation is the key to success in today's rapidly evolving landscape. For those willing to adapt, the future is not a threat but a canvas upon which to paint their success story. He will draw from real-world examples and cutting-edge research through this dynamic, interactive, and engaging keynote experience. He will help equip the audience with relevant, pragmatic, memorable ideas, tools, models, and principles to allow them to thrive and excel in the new world of work. Adapting to and embracing change – igniting engagement, passion, ownership, and creativity, which is often lacking during times of disruption, is the preeminent competency individuals and teams must cultivate. Learn what it will take to thrive and excel in the new world of work - Future Work - with key takeaways to transform your culture and stay ahead of the curve. For more information on the 2025 KMU Conference, visit the KMU website at https://lnkd.in/gdjbcPWX.

Tee off for a great cause at the KMU Golf Tournament on April 23, 2025, at Auburn Hills Golf Course in Wichita! Whether you're looking to network, enjoy a day on the green, or support the KMU Hurt Lineworker and Training Field Development Funds, this tournament is the perfect way to kick off the 2025 KMU Conference. Register today at https://lnkd.in/gUYSg9-w.

A reliable and safe water supply is fundamental to public health and community well-being. A proficient and knowledgeable workforce is crucial in navigating the complex landscape of water treatment, distribution, and infrastructure maintenance. The importance of a well-trained workforce cannot be overstated. That is why Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is excited to offer the KMU Water Distribution Academy – Novice. Over two months, this comprehensive four-session course is designed to immerse novice water distribution system operators in essential knowledge. The course not only equips attendees with practical insights to navigate real-world challenges in the field but also serves as an exam prep, with a KWEA/WPI Distributions exam offered at the end of the 4th session of the academy. The curriculum draws on authoritative insights from Water Professionals International (WPI) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Individuals will be enrolled for the entire four-session course. Each session is from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM and will alternate between Colby and Hays (please see schedule and locations below). Twenty hours of KDHE and KWEA/WPI water operator certification credit for individuals completing the academy track. Sessions will be led by KMU's Water Services Technical Specialist, Sara Miller, who holds Class IV Water and Wastewater Operator certifications. Here are a few comments from those who have graduated from the Water Distribution Academy. "Informative and engaging, created a support resource." "Vast amount of information." "The discussions over hard questions helped me to comprehend better." "Every question was taken seriously." For more information and registration, visit the KMU website here: https://lnkd.in/gu2pgf88

March 9 - 15 is Groundwater Awareness Week. Since 1999, this observance has highlighted the importance of responsible groundwater development, management, and use—critical for our health, environment, and economy. - 44% of the U.S. population relies on groundwater as a primary water source. - According to the American Geosciences Institute, there are 135,000+ open jobs in the groundwater industry, which is far too high to keep up with consumer demand. Want to help? Here’s how: - Conserve water to reduce demand for groundwater supplies. - Properly dispose of chemicals to prevent contamination. - Support groundwater-friendly policies in your community. - Consider a career in the groundwater industry—demand is high. #GWAW2025 #ProtectOurWater #KansasWaterMatters #KansasGroundwater #WaterSustainability

Register today for the 2025 KMU Conference happening April 23-25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Wichita, KS. The Conference brings municipal utility professionals across Kansas together for three days of insightful sessions, networking opportunities, and industry updates. With over 25 speakers, three specialized utility tracks, and more than 50 vendor companies, the 2025 KMU Conference is a must-attend event for municipal leaders and utility professionals. Spaces are filling quickly so secure your spot today! For more information and registration, visit the KMU website at www.kmunet.org/2025KMUCON.

Excavating for underground utility replacement and repairs involves digging trenches, which poses a risk to valuable infrastructure with each excavation. The costs associated with damaging these utilities extend beyond immediate repair expenses, encompassing revenue losses, reporting costs, and diminishing the integrity and value of multimillion-dollar cable and pipe systems. These essential utilities serve as a community's lifeblood, encompassing power, water, light, and communications. Failing to accurately locate and mark these utilities before digging can result in disruptions that adversely affect the community. Safety is paramount during utility work, making precise information from proper utility locating indispensable for secure excavation. There are no shortcuts when it comes to accurately locating buried utilities. Kansas Municipal Utilities and Subsurface Solutions have joined forces for an engaging workshop focusing on the art and science of underground utility line locating. This workshop will be held at the KMU Training Center in McPherson, KS, on April 1, 2025. This workshop combines classroom training with practical outdoor field instruction to offer participants a comprehensive experience. Attendees will acquire essential skills in locating buried pipes and cables, emphasizing mastering electronic detection tools and troubleshooting methods. The workshop also imparts insights into utility and pipeline construction and design. After completing a written exam and field certification evaluation, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion. For more information and registration, visit the KMU website here: https://lnkd.in/gviNgY4q

Kansas Municipal Utilities (KMU) is excited to offer its annual Natural Gas Workshop at the KMU Training Center in McPherson, Kansas. The workshop will take place from March 27-28, 2025. This workshop caters to every operator, from novice to well-practiced. This year, we are excited to have guest speakers who have dedicated decades to natural gas operations sharing their knowledge. Participants will also be able to qualify for various Gas OQ Tasks. Tasks include: - 2B.1 Butt Fusion (Plastic Pipe) - 2E.1 Shutting Down Gas Service - 3.1 Gas Leak Response - And more based on the qualifications needed This comprehensive workshop is about more than just theory. It features a blend of classroom presentations, hands-on field training, and qualification tasks, providing a practical approach to cover all the general knowledge requirements of a qualified gas operator. For more information and online registration, visit the KMU website here: https://lnkd.in/g3AczK4r

? 2025 KMU Watt-Hour Metering Workshop ?? KMU Training Facility - McPherson, KS ?? March 25-27, 2025 The watt-hour meter is often called “the cash register of the electric utility.” Is your “cash register” losing revenue for your utility? Mistakes, tampering, and improper operation can turn your watt-hour meters into a significant source of revenue loss. Attending this training event will give participants valuable information on how to keep their utilities’ meters humming. With the variety of metering equipment in the field and to ensure an optimal educational experience for participants, the workshop will offer both a Basic and an Intermediate/Advanced class. Participants will learn how to keep their utilities’ meters “in the black” with this workshop. A solid review of the basics, combined with an in-depth study of installation, troubleshooting, and tampering of meters, will be covered. More information and registration can be found on the KMU website here: https://lnkd.in/geWYPWG9

Today is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Looking to save money on your utility bills in 2025? Here are a few quick tips: ? Seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep the heat in. ? Replace old light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. ? Turn off lights when leaving the room. ? Unplug devices when not in use—phantom energy adds up. ? Wash clothes in cold water and air dry when possible. ? Turn down the thermostat a few degrees when you're home—and even more when you're away. ? Schedule a tune-up for your heating system to ensure it's running efficiently. Small changes can lead to significant savings. #CutYourEnergyCosts #EnergySavingTips #KMUCommunity

Today, we honor the brave men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. Your service and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are deeply grateful for all you do. Join us in saying thank you to the heroes in blue who protect and serve every day. #LawEnforcementAppreciationDay #KansasLawEnforcement #SupportOurOfficers #KMUCommunity