energy

Some Kansans are spooked by data centers as the likelihood of the state hosting more big tech facilities is rising. One positive to all the hullabaloo? Heightened civic engagement early in local proceedings.

Missouri lawmakers express interest in job and tax revenue that the data centers could bring. However, consumer advocates expressed concerns that residents would be charged for new power plants due to the increased energy needs.

The federal government will hold the second of five nationwide public hearings in Kansas City on Thursday, May 7. Local activists want to educate residents about the dangers of increased plutonium production.

The bill would allow utility companies in Missouri to include the cost of building nuclear plants in their rates for customers. Despite opposition from Democrats who say nuclear power is dangerous and the cost too burdensome, it now heads to the Senate.

Missouri lawmakers considered a bill Tuesday that would create competitive market for energy, so customers can choose from multiple providers. Evergy pushed back against the legislation, arguing that it could cause confusion.

There aren't many details on what Monarch or NextEra envision for western Sedgwick County, in part because people selling land have been asked to sign non-disclosure agreements with the companies.

Dozens of people gathered at a meeting to hear from the company and share their opinions about the first of a new type of small nuclear reactor planned for the southeast Kansas community. The group was split, with many concerned about living near the underground reactor.

Some Missouri lawmakers say a free market for energy could curb prices by allowing customers to shop around for better rates. But the state's largest electric companies, Ameren and Evergy, both oppose the plan.

Since 2021, electricity prices have increased nearly 40%, with the average household spending more than $1,800 on their bills in 2024.

Cities are grappling with how to proceed concerning the increase in data centers in Missouri. New legislation would require water permits for large-load consumers, and make them pay for grid infrastructure upgrades needed to provide them electricity.

Kansas City adopted stricter energy conservation codes in 2023, hoping that neighboring cities would follow its lead. Instead, it may have become a competitive disadvantage, as Kansas City saw a drop in building permit applications while its neighbors saw big spikes.

Western Kansas has the potential to capitalize on our region’s growing energy demands even as rural populations shrink. There’s plenty of land, wind and sun to be a center for renewable energy production. But skepticism is bringing these projects to a halt.