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Gardner hears KMEA briefing on power supply; NextEra solar PPA proposed to shore up 2026 capacity shortfall
Summary
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency told the City of Gardner that a NextEra large-scale solar PPA and a possible GRDA extension are the leading options to address an anticipated 2026–27 capacity shortfall; KMEA said the PPA would provide energy without upfront owner capital and targets commercial operation in January 2027.
Neil Damien, who handles power supply for the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency, told the City of Gardner City Council that the city’s current portfolio — including Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), Dogwood combined cycle, Marshall Wind, WAPA hydro and purchases from the SPP market — will likely leave the city capacity-constrained by 2026.
"So in '26, when we lose GRDA...you might be a little capacity deficient," Damien said, directing the council to a modeled short position and to a set of options staff has prepared.
KMEA presented two broad approaches: continued reliance on purchase-power agreements and ownership…
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