Recognition honors WEC’s leadership in advancing electric vehicle education and access across rural Kansas
SCOTT CITY–Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (WEC) is proud to announce that it has been named the winner of the 2025 National Drive Electric Utility Award by Plug In America, a leading nonprofit dedicated to accelerating electric vehicle (EV) adoption nationwide. The prestigious award recognizes utilities that demonstrate exceptional innovation, leadership, and community impact in promoting transportation electrification.
Out of a strong field of utilities from across the country, WEC was selected as one of only four national finalists—and went on to win top honors over three major investor-owned utilities in Michigan, New York, and New Jersey. The cooperative earned recognition for its grassroots approach to EV education and outreach, bringing hands-on learning and charging infrastructure to some of the most underserved areas in Kansas. Through creative, community-centered programming—including its award-winning Dine & Drive event in 2024 and this year’s EVs & Espressos initiative during National Drive Electric Month—WEC is redefining how small-town America engages with electric mobility.
Since 2021, WEC has installed three ChargePoint® Level 2 public charging stations across its southwest and central Kansas service territory—locations previously more than 100 miles from the nearest public charger. As of October 2025, these stations have supported more than 1,500 charging sessions by nearly 670 unique drivers. The cooperative has also electrified a few of its own fleet vehicles, integrated the ChooseEV platform into its website for free public education, and hosted dozens of community Ride+Drive events where residents can experience the power of driving electric for themselves—often for the very first time.
“Winning this award is truly an honor and a testament to the power of community-driven innovation and our commitment to strengthen the communities we serve,” said Bruce W. Mueller, CEO and general manager. “As a cooperative, our goal has always been to help our members stay informed about emerging technologies and make confident, practical decisions about their energy use. This recognition shows that innovation and leadership don’t depend on size or location—they depend on people working together with purpose.”
In fact, WEC’s efforts have reached far beyond its 21,000-plus member service territory. Cooperative employees have also mentored sister cooperatives across Kansas and Oklahoma—sharing strategies, event models, and community engagement practices to help replicate its success in other rural regions.
“All of our outreach begins with a simple philosophy: meet people where they are,” said Alli Conine, Director of Member Services and Corporate Communications. “Our team has worked tirelessly to make EV education approachable—hosting Ride+Drive events throughout the year, creating opportunities for hands-on experiences, and providing clear, practical information through our publications and digital platforms. This national award validates that even in the most rural corners of Kansas, meaningful engagement and education can drive real change.”
Plug In America recognized WEC for proving that electrification isn’t just for big cities. In announcing the award—and its decision to honor WEC over three major investor-owned utilities serving millions of customers—the organization wrote: “Though small, Wheatland Electric leads with innovation—bridging the gap in rural America and proving no community is too small, too rural, or too remote to be part of the clean transportation future.”
As WEC looks ahead, we remain energized by the opportunity to continue Driving Energy for Life—empowering our members, strengthening our rural communities, and leading the charge toward a more connected future.
