City of Pittsburg engages team to continue public power initiative

PITTSBURG, KS – Following commission meetings held earlier this year, the City of Pittsburg has been given approval by commissioners to continue to move forward with creating a public power utility for Pittsburg.

The City commission wants to continue to explore the economic viability, benefits and risks of public power and outline the steps that will be necessary if a public power utility is to be established. As such, the City has engaged a qualified, experienced team to conduct negotiations and a detailed analysis of the technical, legal and financial aspects of creating a public power utility for Pittsburg. This expert team consists of:

Duncan & Allen: Legal consultants who will represent the City in negotiations, contract work, and regulatory discussions.

GE Warren Associates: GE Warren Associates will act as client representative and review the public power analysis on an ongoing basis and use their expertise to support a power purchase agreement.

Baker Tilly: Accounting consultants with deep experience in utility work, and a particular focus on electricity. Baker Tilly will provide overall project management, conduct financial analysis, work on rate-setting, provide support for regulatory and power purchase work, and provide specialist asset-purchase advice.

Gilmore & Bell: As the City’s funding council, Gilmore & Bell will consult on how to fund the electric utility purchase and acquisition.

Daron Hall, Pittsburg City Manager, says, “We are following an expert recommendation on behalf of the citizens, businesses and industries of Pittsburg. The team we have engaged are specialists in their respective fields and we look forward to working closely with Evergy to create a win-win for everyone.”

Daron leads the team at the City working with these external partners. The City team also includes Jay Byers – Deputy City Manager; Henry Menghini – City Attorney; Jamie Clarkson – City Finance Director; and Dr. John Bailey – Special Projects Engineer.

Bringing a public power utility to Pittsburg is a crucial decision that could positively impact the whole community in both the short and long term, which is why this effort is such a critical part of the process and a worthwhile investment.

Even if the result of the analysis shows that public power is not a feasible option, the information uncovered will still be valuable. The City will then have the facts needed to make the best decision for the community, as well as potential alternative solutions and the negotiating advantage needed with the City’s electricity partner.

To find out more, visit http://www.pittks.org/economic-development/public-power/ and follow the City of Pittsburg on Facebook and on Twitter @PittsburgKS.

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The mission of the City of Pittsburg is to provide exceptional services, facilities and activities with integrity, professionalism, excellent customer service and a commitment to economic vitality.