Energy Hub
| SPRING 2026
KPUB Breaks Ground on New Power Plant
More than 100 community leaders, chamber representatives, project partners, and the Public Utility Commission of Texas gathered on April 17 in Colorado County, near Columbus, Texas, to celebrate the groundbreaking of KPUB’s new power generation plant.
CEO CORNER
A Foundation for the Future
This spring has been an important one for KPUB as we take proactive steps to manage energy costs and plan for the future.
In April, we broke ground on our new power generation project in Colorado County, marking a major milestone for our utility. This project has been years in the making and represents a significant step forward as KPUB enters power generation ownership for the first time. This strategic move has been under consideration for several decades and reflects careful planning, strong partnerships, and a long-term focus on stable, low rates. The project is also supported by the Texas Energy Fund, a statewide initiative to strengthen the electric grid by adding new generation capacity, benefiting not only our customers but Texans across the state.
As the energy market has become increasingly volatile, with market scarcity, rising power demand, and extreme weather events, taking a proactive approach is more important than ever. Decisions like this are about planning ahead and helping ensure we can continue serving our community at the lowest responsible price for years to come.
That same mindset carries into our day-to-day work. From strengthening flood warning systems to supporting recovery efforts along the River Trail, we are committed to investing in our community and preparing for the future.
KPUB is a community-owned utility, locally controlled and focused on doing what’s right for our customers. Everything we do is guided by our commitment to this community—keeping the power reliable, rates responsible, and our focus firmly on the people we serve.
Mike Wittler KPUB General Manager & CEO
KPUB NEWS & UPDATES
Dr. Sprouse Joins KPUB Board
KPUB welcomes Dr. David Sprouse to its Board of Trustees. A longtime Kerrville resident and physician, he brings decades of community involvement and leadership experience, including 25 years of service on the Kerrville ISD School Board.
KPUB Board Honors Trustee
Bill Thomas
KPUB recognized outgoing trustee Bill Thomas at its April board meeting for 10 years of dedicated service, including time as chairman. His leadership helped guide major initiatives, including the development of KPUB’s new power generation project.
KPUB Plugged Into Our Community
Photos: L to R: 1st row, Volunteering at local food pantry (2/23), KPUB Community Blood Drive (3/5). 2nd row, Tally Elementary Career Day (3/13), String lights installation on Clay Street for KUTS (3/26). 3rd row, Customer Lunch & Learn: “Watt’s the Deal with Solar?” (3/27), Bucket Truck Show & Tell at St. Peter’s Preschool (4/10). 4th row, KPUB & LCRA volunteer cleanup along the River Trail and Schreiner Park (4/10). 5th row, Leadership Kerr County Solar Tour (4/21), Hanging U.S. flags for America’s 250th Anniversary (4/25).
Stronger Together: Flood Recovery & Resilience Building a
Stronger Warning System
KPUB and its regional partners have successfully secured $14.7 million from the Texas Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office as part of the Texas Middle Mile Program. This funding aims to enhance flood warning capabilities throughout Kerr County. The project will use a combination of fiber and wireless technologies to ensure reliable connectivity for flood warning systems, thereby significantly reducing reporting times for earlier detection and faster emergency response. Additionally, the project will increase the region’s network capacity, promoting greater service availability, strengthening network resiliency, and enhancing affordability. Enhanced warning systems, including siren connectivity, are expected to be in place this summer.
Learn more at ugra.org/floodwarning
KPUB Awards $18,000
in Scholarships to Local Seniors
KPUB is proud to power the future by awarding $18,000 in scholarships to five Tivy High School seniors.
This year’s recipients are Paige Cowen, Tonantzi Prado, Luke Trevino, Hudson Huffman, and Jesse Rose Jr. Paige and Tonantzi each received undergraduate scholarships valued at $1,500 per year, renewable for up to four years ($6,000 total). Luke, Hudson, and Jesse were awarded trade and technical scholarships valued at $1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years. KPUB congratulates these outstanding seniors and wishes them continued success in their educational and career journeys.
KPUB Recognized for Flood Response & Safety
KPUB’s Operations Team received a Good Samaritan Award from Texas Electric Cooperatives at their March conference for their actions during the Hill Country flood, stepping up to help protect and serve the community in a time of need. KPUB General Manager and CEO Mike Wittler was also honored with a Lifesaving Award after assisting an elderly resident trapped in rising floodwaters.
KPUB also earned the American Public Power Association Safety Award of Excellence (Diamond Level, 2025), the highest level of national recognition. In addition, Texas Electric Cooperatives recognized KPUB for more than five years without a lost-time work injury.
Replanting Along the River Trail
KPUB adopted a section of the River Trail at Lowry Park and is supporting recovery efforts led by the Kerr County River Foundation, with help from Townsend Tree Service. During the first volunteer workday, 72 trees were planted to replace those lost to flooding.
This effort marks the beginning of a long-term project to replant and restore trees along the Guadalupe River.
830.257.3050 | KPUB.COM
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Community Energy
Savings & Bingo Event
Friday, June 12, 2026
Doyle Community Center
Power Up to Eat, Play & Save!
Join KPUB and AACOG from 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (come and go!)
for a fun, informative community event. Learn how to lower your electric bill with energy-saving tips, KPUB programs, bill discounts, and free weatherization funding (eligibility required)
Enjoy free lunch, bingo, and live music from 12–1:30 p.m., plus prizes, LED bulbs, and a free box fan (while supplies last). You can also enter to win a smart thermostat package!
Learn more at kpub.com/weatherization
2250 Memorial Blvd
Kerrville, Texas 78028
June 2026 Food Drive
June 1–30, 2026
Help Us Stock the Shelves!
KPUB is hosting a community food pantry drive to support the Doyle Community Center’s Food Pantry, which serves over 3,000 local families each year.
We’re collecting canned goods, dry goods, and household essentials like toilet paper and shampoo.
Drop off donations at KPUB’s Main Office (2250 Memorial Blvd.) from June 1-30, 2026.
KPUB Community Blood Drive
Thursday, June 25, 2026
9 a.m.–2 p.m.
By appointment only. Sign up now to help save lives! Learn more at kpub.com/blooddrive
Energy Efficiency KPUB Rebate Program
KPUB makes it easier than ever to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Reduce your energy use and help lower your monthly bill with qualifying upgrades.
Rebates are available for:
Attic insulation
Smart thermostats
Window replacements
Window units
Central AC, heat pumps, and ductless mini-splits
Heat pump water heaters
Start saving energy and money today. Learn more at kpub.com/saveenergy.