KERRVILLE PUBLIC UTILITY BOARD
THE KPUB
Energy Hub | FALL 2023
KPUB Receives Top Workplace Award & National Community Service Award KPUB is committed to being a top public power provider by delivering exceptional customer service and reliability, maintaining a strong financial position and investing in our employees for the benefit of our entire community. In October 2023, KPUB was proudly named a Top Workplace among large employers by the San Antonio Express-News.
KPUB also received the American Public Power Association (APPA) Sue Kelly Community Service Award during APPA’s National Conference in Seattle, Washington, on June 20, 2023. Just five utilities received this award from APPA, which recognizes good neighbor activities demonstrating the utility’s and its employees’ commitment to the community. APPA is the voice of over 2,000 not-for-profit, community-owned utilities nationwide. Some of KPUB’s service efforts recognized through this award are new programs the utility has developed over the last decade for community solar, Change for Charity bill payment assistance, employee volunteerism and scholarships. The service award accolades also highlighted KPUB’s ongoing support of our local nonprofits.
Photo: KPUB representatives (Board of Trustees Chair, Mark Cowden,
CEO & General Manager, Mike Wittler, & Director of Customer & Community Relations, Allison Bueché) accept a Community Service Award during APPA’s National Conference on June 20. They are pictured with Dave Osburn, APPA Awards Committee Chair and General Manager of Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority in Edmond, Oklahoma (L), & Tony Cannon, APPA Board of Directors Chair & General Manager/ CEO of Greenville Utilities Commission in North Carolina (R).
CEO
CORNER
Public Power
Comes Out on Top The first public power utility was established over 143 years ago in the farming community of Wabash, Indiana. That community’s decision to own its new electric system created a business model that still thrives today. Public power utilities focus on our customers, cost-based rates and reliable service. As a whole, public power utilities have lower rates than other utilities, and residential customers pay monthly bills that are less on average than customers of investor-owned utilities and cooperatives.* At KPUB, our rates remain lower than other utilities in our region and are some of the most competitive across the U.S. Another proud accomplishment of public power utilities is the reliable service we provide to our customers. Outside of major adverse events, such as storms, customers of public power utilities are likely to be without power for less time.* Keeping the lights on safely and reliably is a top priority at KPUB, and we’ve achieved national recognition for it. KPUB currently has a gold-level Reliable Public Power Provider designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for our reliable and safe electric service.
As a top workplace award winner, KPUB is extremely proud to be a public power utility company that puts our people first. Decisions about the operation of our utility are made locally by citizens in open public meetings. This allows us to be responsive to the needs of both our customers and employees. Public Power is a proven American tradition that comes out on top when compared to other utilities.
Mike Wittler
KPUB General Manager & CEO *Source, American Public Power Association (APPA)
KPUB Plugged Into
Our Community
Photos: L to R: 1st row, Volunteering at the Riverside Nature Center for Public Power’s Day of Giving, 6/16; Volunteering at the Kerrville Triathlon, 9/23; Donating box fans to low-income residents at Brookhollow Apartments, 6/16; 2nd row, KPUB booth at the Chamber Business Expo on 8/5; Volunteering at a local food pantry event, 6/26; KPUB Community Blood Drive, 9/21; KPUB volunteering at the UGRA River Clean Up, 7/22.
COMMUNITY EVENTS KPUB Community Weatherization Event
Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 1:30 – 5:30 p.m. Dietert Center – Grill Room
KPUB General Manager & CEO
Elected to a 2nd Term as President of TPPA The Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) announced the election of new officers in July 2023 at its annual membership meeting in San Antonio. KPUB’s General Manager and CEO, Mike Wittler, was elected to serve a second term as the 2023-2024 president of TPPA.
The state trade association—the voice of public power across Texas—has a membership comprised of municipally-owned electric utilities, electric cooperatives, river authorities and joint action agencies responsible for the generation and delivery of electricity to more than 5 million Texans. Photo: KPUB General Manager & CEO, Mike Wittler (front row, center)
pictured with TPPA board members at its annual membership meeting on July 24, 2023.
Learn how you can save energy and money— and possibly have improvements made to your residence for free! Team members from KPUB and the Alamo Area Council of Governments (AACOG) will be in attendance to discuss: • Home energy-saving tips and materials • AACOG’s free funding for energy-saving home improvements* *must income qualify and meet eligibility criteria
KPUB will be giving away energy-efficient blanket kits (supplies are limited) and hosting a drawing for a FREE smart Nest thermostat. Learn more at kpub.com/weatherization.
KPUB Community Blood Drive
Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. By appointment only. Sign up now to help save lives! Learn more at kpub.com/blooddrive.
Beware of
Don’t be Caught in the Dark
When Making Solar Decisions At KPUB, we recognize that different customers have different priorities for their electric service, and we strive to provide options for everyone. Did you know that as a KPUB customer, you are already using renewable energy? We purchase power from diverse, competitive sources to ensure the best possible rates.
Scams
KPUB has been made aware of scams and false claims by solar installers. KPUB has not
partnered with any solar installers. Always call us directly if you have any questions about claims made by solar salespersons.
As your community-owned, not-for-profit electric utility company, KPUB is here to be your source for your energy investment decisions and information. Researching the facts before committing to a solar system purchase and exploring whether solar is the right investment is essential.
Contact KPUB today at 830.257.3050 for a free review of your solar proposal. Please note that while KPUB does not sell, install or maintain solar systems, we should still be one of your first contacts when considering a solar system investment. We’re here to help you ask the right questions and review your proposed costs so you can make an informed decision before you invest. Additionally, KPUB has many frequently asked questions and resources available online to assist you throughout this process.
Learn more at kpub.com/solar
You Could Have Money Waiting for You! Did you know that KPUB could be holding your unclaimed property? KPUB’s unclaimed property represents checks that were issued but never cashed. An example is when a refund check was issued and the customer moved, or perhaps the check was sent to the wrong address or was lost in the process of a move. KPUB encourages our customers to review our list of unclaimed property on our website by visiting kpub.com/unclaimed-property. In addition, unclaimed property meeting certain age and dollar amount requirements is remitted to the State of Texas. Check for unclaimed property with the State of Texas at claimittexas.org. Instructions for searching for and claiming property are located on this site.
KPUB Graduates New Lineman from its Apprenticeship Program Congratulations to Nathan Weyel for recently completing our apprenticeship program to become a KPUB lineman.
KPUB’s Apprenticeship Program is four years in length and is recognized by the Department of Labor. To become a lineman, one must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of bookwork on their own time. Once completed, graduates receive a certification that will carry throughout their careers. Since developing the program in 2006, KPUB has graduated 26 linemen!
KERRVILLE PUBLIC UTILITY BOARD 2250 Memorial Blvd Kerrville, Texas 78028
830.257.3050 | KPUB.COM
KPUB
Energy-Efficiency Rebates Not many businesses encourage you to use less of their product, but KPUB is a not-for-profit electric utility—we exist to serve you! KPUB offers rebates for the following types of energy-efficient home improvements:
Attic insulation
Heat pumps
Central AC/ furnace
Ductless mini-splits
Heat pump water heater
Window replacements
Window units
Smart thermostat
Learn more at kpub.com/saveenergy