2020 has been a year unlike any other for the vast majority of people. Even through these challenging times the utility has stood strong, and provided the citizens of McPherson with reliable electric service and safe drinking water. These items are services that the “every day” person gives little thought to and expects to be there when they flip on a light switch or turn on the faucet. The ability to provide these services at this “expected” level is a testament to the hard work and dedication that every one of you has put forth this year. We appreciate this!

Because 2020 was filled with so much negativity and uncertainty, we want to take a moment and highlight the accomplishments of the utility:

  • COVID Scheduling Challenges – This impacted every employee and required everyone to take on more responsibility to cover the extended work load. One example to highlight is the Power Plant Operations staff who worked 14 straight 12 hour shifts on multiple occasions for a few months during the start of the pandemic
  • Working Remotely –The IS/IT department was able to manage this task quickly, with limited disturbance to employees at both the City and BPU
  • Storm Restoration – 1.5 miles of 115 kV transmission line rebuild in 2 days
  • 3,200 feet of electrical overhead to underground conversion
  • 7,400 feet of underground street lighting
  • 2,300 feet of water main replacement on Main Street
  • 1,300 feet of water main replacement and fire flow enhancement on Ash Street
  • 1,200 feet of water main replacement on Simpson Street
  • Support for multiple City projects that required electric and/or water utility relocation
  • Painting and revitalization of the power plant fuel oil tanks
  • Creation of multiple safety initiatives and policies that provide a safer work environment when performing high risk activities
  • Zero health and safety violations for drinking water quality
  • Timely and correct water sampling to meet all state and federal requirements
  • Mohawk substation ground breaking, and subsequent underground and control building construction
  • Approval, financing, and kickoff of the South Well Field Project
  • Expansion of the JM35 substation to support the expansion and growth of the Johns Manville Plant
  • Roll out of AMI metering initiative, exchanged 8,435 electric meters YTD. This project required effort from all departments. Great job adapting to the changes.
  • Completion of Soldier Creek Wind Farm and the commitment to adding 75 MW’s of wind capacity to our energy portfolio

-Josh Bedel, Assistant General Manager