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Kansas Schools Program Saves Districts $7 Million in Natural Gas Costs


Posted Date: 04/26/2024

Kansas Schools Program Saves Districts $7 Million in Natural Gas Costs

TOPEKA, KANSAS — The Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) and its natural gas supplier, WoodRiver Energy, proudly announce that the KASB Energy Management Program saved participating districts more than $7 million last year. Formerly known as the Kansas Joint Utility Management Pool, this program serves more than 170 school districts and organizations throughout Kansas. 

The KASB Energy Management Program originated in the mid-1990s and has been in continuous service to our members since. Developing this energy purchasing consortium has led to millions of dollars in savings for our members over the years. The dollars saved have allowed our members to keep resources locally and directly impact student success and achievement. With recent volatility within the energy marketplace, it has put a finer point of the immense value this program has to its members and local communities.

“We are excited that this program continues to provide a great deal of value to our members. All our services at KASB are designed from the direct need and support of our members,” said Dr. Brian Jordan, Executive Director, KASB. “It is exciting to see such a real impact to essential school district functions. We are thrilled to have WoodRiver Energy as our partner in this program, as their strategic guidance has elevated this program's value for our members.”

With increasing volatility in the natural gas market, KASB chose WoodRiver Energy for its market expertise and risk management strategy to secure school budgets.  In its first calendar year, this partnership has saved districts more than $7 million compared to local utility prices by securing a fixed price for the next five years.

“As energy markets continue to evolve rapidly, our team is devoted to providing budget certainty for our customers,” said Don Krattenmaker, COO, WoodRiver Energy. “Our partnership with KASB has delivered significant value and protection for Kansas schools for many years to come.”

If any KASB members would like to learn more about the value of the KASB Energy Management program, please contact Rod Spangler at 844-763-0535 or info@thekbsway.com


About Kansas Association of School Boards:

Founded in 1917, the Kansas Association of School Boards is a non-profit service organization built on a deep, abiding belief in Kansas public schools. We represent the locally elected boards that govern public education institutions across Kansas, providing the support, expertise, and resources they need to help every Kansas student succeed in school and life. For more information about KASB, visit: www.thekbsway.com

About WoodRiver Energy:
Since 2014, WoodRiver Energy has provided cost-effective solutions for commercial, industrial, and educational customers to help manage energy costs with customized natural gas solutions. Our team of experts’ partner with customers to design an energy plan that fits their operations and budget. 
To learn more about WoodRiver’s energy solutions, visit: www.woodriverenergy.com.

Contact:
Jason Van Wyk, WoodRiver Energy
888-510-9315 | Jason.vanwyk@woodriverenergy.com

Rod Spangler, KBS
844-763-0535 | rspangler@thekbsway.com