Wheatland Electric Cooperative, Inc., has been named a regional finalist in this year’s Kansas Business Awards, earning state-level recognition for our services and programs for the second year in a row.
The annual awards program hosted by the Kansas Department of Commerce recognizes businesses across the state for the valuable contributions they make to the Kansas economy and to the well-being of their communities.
WEC was named a REGIONAL AWARD WINNER (SOUTHWEST) in the BUSINESS INNOVATION category this year, thanks to our efforts building and promoting electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across our service territory and informing our cooperative membership on the benefits of driving electric.
“WEC was nominated because you are creating job opportunities, products and services, innovating and diversifying the local marketplace, building community identity, and so much more,” according to a letter written by Kansas Gov. Laura Kelley. “You have made an impact in your community, and that impact has been noticed.”
Starting in late 2021, WEC unveiled two Level 2 public EV charging stations, located at our offices in Garden City (2005 W. Fulton St.) and Great Bend (200 10th St.) And a third public EV charging station was installed at our Harper office (906 Central) earlier this year.
All three stations boast two charging ports at each site and are available for use through the ChargePoint app on a smart phone or other internet-connected mobile device. In fact, WEC’s ChargePoint stations belong to a much larger, international network of charging stations, making it easy for drivers to locate, charge, and get back on the road.
Following the installation of our first two charging stations, WEC also introduced cooperative members to our newly launched EV programs and services in early 2022, which include assistance in purchasing and financing at-home chargers, consumer rebates (to promote EV ownership), and partnerships with local electricians to facilitate at-home charging installation.
That same year, WEC also began hosting Ride+Drive events to allow cooperative members to get behind the wheel of all-electric vehicles, including two belonging to our fleet: a 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric, and Ford F-150 Lightning, the latter of which was added to WEC’s operations fleet in 2023.
Over the years, we’ve also developed promotional materials and worked to educate our members about the benefits of EVs, including high performance and reliability and low maintenance costs. We’ve even added a digital tool which is available for free online so our members, and the public at large, can learn more about EVs on the market today, calculate EV savings, find tax credits and other incentives, and learn more about public and at-home charging.
WEC employees have also visited local civic groups and met with other community stakeholders over the years to share EV news and information, and educate and inform members using our vehicles, too. For example, local fire officials in Great Bend have worked with WEC employees to learn more about how electric vehicles work as part of their first-responder safety and training.
WEC was the first electric cooperative in Kansas to adopt an experimental commercial EV charging station tariff
(as of Jan. 1, 2021). Earlier this year, WEC trustees voted to update the existing tariff, making it more competitive and attractive to outside investors looking to install Level 2 or DC fast-charging across our service territory.
“We’re honored to receive this state award for our electric vehicle programs that directly benefit our members,” said Bruce W. Mueller, CEO/general manager. “This recognition reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and providing our members with forward-thinking solutions that meet their changing needs. By investing in EV infrastructure, we’re enhancing convenience today, while also preparing our communities for the future of transportation.”
This year’s 2024 “To the Stars: Kansas Businesses Awards” ceremony was held on Oct. 3, in Great Bend, where multiple WEC employees attended to be honored and recognized by state officials.
