When Summer Turns Up the Heat

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER/CEO

DENNIS SVANES

AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY PREDICTABLE: summer in Kansas. 

June 1 marks the beginning of our summer peak season, when air conditioners run steadily, demand climbs, and our electric system works harder than any other point in the year. 

This should not come as a surprise. Summer arrives on schedule every year — UNLIKE THE SPANISH INQUISITION. 

When temperatures rise, electricity use also rises. Air conditioning is the largest driver of summer demand, and during peak hours, the system carries significantly more load than in milder months. That isn’t cause for alarm. It just means preparation matters. 

Heat affects equipment just as it affects people. Transformers, lines and substations operate under greater stress when the mercury climbs. Add in June thunderstorms — lightning, wind, heavy rain — and you have what is typically one of our busiest months for system damage. When Kansas winds push sideways across an open field, even a fence post might consider shouting, “RUN AWAY.” Fortunately, our infrastructure is built with more resolve than that. 

Agricultural activity increases this time of year as well. Large equipment moves through fields and along roadways. Most of the time everything works exactly as intended. Occasionally, it does not. When that happens, poles and lines tend to lose the argument. 

None of this catches us off guard. Throughout the year, our crews inspect poles, maintain rightsof-way, upgrade aging equipment and prepare for peak conditions. 

We coordinate with our power supplier, monitor system performance as demand rises, and are ready to respond when storms move through the area. In short, we prepare for summer long before summer arrives. 

Members can help, too. Report outages promptly. Keep a safe distance from downed lines and contact us immediately if you see one. Be mindful around poles and guy wires. A little awareness can prevent significant inconvenience — and occasionally prevent what might otherwise be described as “JUST A FLESH WOUND” to the system. 

Summer in Kansas is rarely quiet. But reliability during the busiest season of the year doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because preparation, maintenance and experience come together when they’re needed most. 

We’ll continue doing our part to keep the system strong and ready. And if a storm does pass through, we appreciate your patience as our crews restore service safely and as quickly as possible. REMAIN CALM. CARRY ON. We’re ready for summer.

(Originally printed in June's KCL Centerspread)