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Augusta honors utilities director; KPP Energy outlines solar, generator and repair-fund plans
Summary
Council recognized Public Utilities Director Tim Johnson for a national leadership award. Colin Hansen of KPP Energy updated the council on an 18 MW USDA-funded solar build, new emergency generators for members and a generator repair fund to support local power plants.
The Augusta City Council formally recognized Tim Johnson, the city's public utilities director, for receiving a national leadership award from the American Public Power Association.
"Tim received his honor at the national conference in Boston on June 30," Colin Hansen, CEO and general manager of KPP Energy, told the council as he presented the award. Hansen said the honor acknowledges managerial and organizational improvements and praised Augusta's investments in local electric infrastructure.
Hansen also gave a brief update on KPP programs that affect Augusta. He said a USDA-funded "Powering Affordable Clean Energy" award will finance seven community solar facilities totaling about 18 megawatts and that the projects were in construction and expected to be powered up by the end of the year. "By the time you look at the cost of the power and some of the tax credits and the program through the USDA, it'll be a very affordable addition to our portfolio," Hansen said.
KPP has also purchased four diesel generators to add short-term capacity for members; the units have been awarded to several cities in the region and will provide "some steel on the ground," Hansen said. He described a new generator repair fund that offers grants and loans to member cities undertaking major plant improvements.
Tim Johnson accepted the recognition and credited the city's staff, saying the award reflected the work of more than 40 dedicated employees across utilities and public works. The council did not take formal action on KPP programs during the recognition; the item was presented for information and acknowledgement.
