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At 9 a.m. today, council chair Lee Allison is slated to testify before the House Utilities Committee in Room 526S in the state Capitol.
LAWRENCE -- After decades of producing more energy than it consumes, Kansas is an energy importing state, according to a new report by the state's Energy Resources Coordinating Council.
The transition from energy producer to energy consumer can bring negative consequences for the state and its economy, the report says. In 2002, the council estimates, Kansans spent about $1.6 billion importing energy from outside the state.
The 13-member council, which was appointed in September 2002, delivered its first report to Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and the Legislature this week. The council chair, Lee Allison, director of the Kansas Geological Survey at the University of Kansas, is slated to testify about the report at 9 a.m. today before the House Utilities Committee in Room 526S in the state Capitol.
John Wine, chair of the Kansas Corporation Commission, is council vice chair.
Kansas historically has been among the leading oil-producing states in the nation and has produced large amounts of natural gas from the giant Hugoton Natural Gas Field in southwestern Kansas. Oil and gas production have declined, however, and large amounts of Wyoming coal are imported to generate electricity, causing the state to consume more energy than it produces.
"If current trends continue, we estimate that by the year 2007, Kansas will be importing 650 trillion BTUs of energy per year, at a cost of $2.5 billion," said Allison.
The council noted, however, that conservation and newly developed sources of energy, such as coalbed methane, ethanol and wind energy, show great promise. Technological advances also could extend the life of the state's declining oil and gas production.
In addition to documenting changes in energy consumption and production, the council made numerous recommendations to the Legislature concerning state energy issues.
Among those recommendations are:
• improving the energy performance of state buildings
• updating energy efficiency standards for construction in Kansas
• developing legislation that would "alleviate punitive financial liabilities upon industry for actions taken to comply with state and federal regulations"
KU has signed a performance contract with CMS-Viron Energy Services that will help the university save $1.7 million annually in energy costs. "KU will experience a number of benefits from this contract including reduction in utility costs, improved operational equipment efficiencies, reduction in emissions and assistance in addressing the growing backlog of deferred maintenance needs on the campus," said James Long, vice provost for planning and facilities management.
The full text of the council's report, as well as other energy information, is available on the Kansas Energy Information Network site, www.kansasenergy.org/sercc.htm.
"In just a few months, the council has developed and reported on a great deal of energy information," said Allison.
The council will continue to meet and develop more detailed forecasts and update the state energy plan. The council also plans to:
• establish a task force to look at the state's electrical transmission network, especially in light of the recent interest in wind energy
• create a working group to identify the energy research needs in Kansas
• establish an annual energy conference to bring together researchers, decision-makers, industry representatives and the public to discuss energy issues.
"We are laying the groundwork for a long-term comprehensive addressing of the energy situation," said Allison.
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