Energy Hub
| SUMMER 2025
After the Waters, We Rose








CEO CORNER

| SUMMER 2025
CEO CORNER
The recent Hill Country floods brought unimaginable devastation to our region. Families lost homes, businesses were disrupted, and lives were tragically lost. All of our hearts at KPUB go out to those who are grieving, recovering, and rebuilding. From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to standing by our community every step of the way.
This storm resulted in the most extensive system damage KPUB has ever faced, including over 110 broken poles, 10 destroyed river crossings, and 6–8 feet of flooding at our Hunt Substation.
Despite the widespread destruction—damage that should have taken weeks to repair—power was restored within just five days for customers that could safely receive service. This remarkable achievement was made possible by the tireless efforts of our team and the support of our mutual aid partners. This marked only the second time KPUB has ever called for mutual aid—and utility crews from across Texas answered in full force. We tripled our workforce to respond with strength and speed. We are deeply grateful to: Floresville Electric Light & Power System, City of Georgetown Utility Systems and Primoris, Bryan Texas Utilities, City of Fredericksburg, Central Texas Electric Cooperative, James Power Line Construction, Linetec and Townsend Tree Service.
In the face of tragedy, we also witnessed an extraordinary outpouring of support. Search and rescue teams, responders, and volunteers came from near and far to help our community in its greatest time of need. Their compassion, bravery, and strength will not be forgotten. KPUB will continue to stand by our community through every step of recovery. Together, we will rebuild—stronger than ever.
Mike Wittler KPUB General Manager & CEO
Photos: L to R: 1st row, Donating KPUB sunglasses to Peterson Health for SAR bags, 7/11; KPUB green ribbon giveaway in lobby to show support and remembrance for flood victims; Lineman goody bags donated by a child for KPUB restoring power during flood, 7/14; 2nd row, Donating items to Doyle Community Center from KPUB Food Drive, 7/1; Box fan donation to the Salvation Army, 6/6; KPUB Community Blood Drive, 3/27; 3rd row, Hunt Elementary arc & spark safety demonstration, 5/20; KPUB generation presentation at chamber of commerce luncheon, 5/15; Weatherization Event at the Doyle Community Center, 5/9; 4th row, Big Truck Story Time at the City Library, 5/3; Volunteering at a local food pantry event, 4/28; Nimitz Elementary career day, 5/2; KPUB linemen receive quilt from Givers Connection for mutual aid work, 3/24.
KPUB has been recognized with the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence for outstanding safety performance in 2024—earning the Diamond Level, the highest honor in its category.
This marks the sixth time in seven years that KPUB has received this national recognition, underscoring the utility’s ongoing commitment to fostering a strong safety culture and protecting both its employees and the community.
KPUB Awards $18,000 in Scholarships to Local Seniors
As a community-owned utility, we’re committed to powering a better education and investing in the future of our youth. KPUB’s scholarship program supports both undergraduate students and those pursuing trade or technical school pathways.
Our 2025 recipients, receiving a combined $18,000 in scholarships, are:
• Bo Hardy (Ingram Tom Moore High School), undergraduate recipient
• Abigail Anson (Tivy High School), undergraduate recipient
• Jesse Segura, Jr. (Center Point High School), trade and technical school recipient
• Lily Romero (Tivy High School), trade and technical school recipient
• Weston Merritt (Ingram Tom Moore High School), trade and technical school recipient
kpub.com/ smarthub-app/
KPUB is proud to announce a major milestone in our mission to deliver reliable, lowcost power to the community. On June 26, 2025, we became the first generation project in Texas—and the only municipally owned utility—to execute a loan agreement with the Texas Energy Fund (TEF). This landmark achievement was celebrated in Austin alongside leaders from the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), marking a bold step forward for our utility and the state.
The loan will fund the construction of KPUB’s new 122-megawatt natural gas-fired power generation facility, located in Colorado County, Texas, approximately 10 miles south of Columbus. Chosen for its robust infrastructure and proximity to four natural gas pipelines, the site is ideal for ensuring operational efficiency and access to fuel.
Construction is scheduled to begin this winter, with operations set to launch in June 2027. This strategic project is designed to provide long-term rate stability for KPUB customers and enhance the overall reliability of Texas’ electric grid. The new facility will be built adjacent to Sky Global Power One, a proven 50-megawatt plant that demonstrated exceptional performance during Winter Storm Uri.
The plant will utilize six advanced RICE (reciprocating internal combustion engine) units, supplied by Everllence (formerly MAN Energy Solutions). These engines are engineered for high efficiency, fast start-up, low water usage, and strong performance under extreme weather conditions. Sky Global Partners will construct and operate the facility as KPUB’s generation department, with Summit Industrial Construction serving as general contractor and SEnergy leading the engineering and design efforts.
This generation project is the result of years of planning and collaboration. It represents a long-term investment in our community’s future and reflects KPUB’s ongoing commitment to providing reliable, low-cost power for generations to come. It’s not just our power plant—it’s yours. We invite you to follow our progress at kpub.com/power.
Location: Colorado County, TX
Fuel: Natural Gas
Engines: Six RICE units
Capacity: 122 MW
Operational by: June 2027
KPUB’s Assistant General Manager, Amy Dozier, was recently named the recipient of the 2025 Industry Achievement Award by the Texas Public Power Association (TPPA). Presented at the TPPA Annual Conference in San Antonio, this prestigious honor recognizes women in public power who demonstrate exceptional leadership and make lasting contributions to their utility. Amy was selected for her pivotal role in advancing KPUB’s power generation project—one of the most significant strategic initiatives in the utility’s history.
830.257.3050 | KPUB.COM
We’re welcoming a bushy-tailed new face to the KPUB team!
While squirrels are often behind a few outages (okay… a lot), we’re giving this one a second chance— as our official mascot and community ambassador. You’ll spot our new friend at schools, safety demonstrations, community events, and of course, our annual Bucket Truck Ride!
Submit your suggestion online at kpub.com/mascot by October 1, 2025! The winning name will be announced at our 5th Annual Bucket Truck Ride Event on October 11 at Louise Hays Park, as part of our Public Power Week celebration.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2025 | 9 A.M. – 2 P.M. By appointment only. Sign up now to help save lives! Learn more at kpub.com/blooddrive.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 | 9 A.M. – 10 A.M.
KPUB BOARDROOM | RSVP REQUIRED
Discover what makes KPUB unique as your communityowned, not-for-profit electric utility—from our rich history since 1987 to how we’re powering forward with our exciting new step into power generation ownership. RSVP to abueche@kpub.com or 830.257.3050.
KPUB Bucket Truck Ride Event
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2025 | 10 A.M. – 1 P.M.
Join us for a free community event in Louise Hays Park in honor of Public Power Week. Enjoy free bucket truck rides, face painting, photo ops with linemen, and more. We’ll have free t-shirts, food, snow cones, and giveaways while supplies last. Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly event! Learn more at kpub.com/publicpowerweek.