Utilities/Telecommunications

Kansas possesses a built-in advantage over other states when it comes to meeting your energy needs. With one of the largest natural gas fields in the world, Kansas is a national natural gas exporter. Our statewide power costs are typically competitive with the national average. Contact Kathy Moellenberndt or Jo Beilman at 785.234.2644.

• Electric
• Gas
• Telecommunications
• Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Utilities

Competitive and Uninterrupted Electric Power

Kansas' competitive electricity rates are partially attributable to our close proximity to the low-sulfur coal fields of Wyoming, resulting in low transportation costs. The majority of electric power generated in Kansas comes from such coal.

A modern generation and distribution network also keeps Kansas' electric rates competitive. Within the state, three investor-owned companies produce just over one-half of the electric power. The remainder is supplied by three out-of-state investor-owned companies, two in-state investor-owned cooperatives, and 64 municipal systems. Sixty of the 64 municipal systems interconnect with investor-owned systems. A support network of 30 cooperatives and 119 municipalities enhances generating capacity and distribution.

This system connects with a multi-state power distribution grid, including most of the electric systems east of the Rocky Mountains. Kansas has not experienced a major power shortage in the past 15 years. However, should one occur, the reserve power capacity of the three major investor-owned companies alone far exceeds the national generating capacity standard.

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World-Class Supplier of Natural Gas

Kansas benefits from one of the world's largest deposits of natural gas, a resource that translates into easy access and excellent prices for natural gas consumers. The Hugoton Gas Field in southwest Kansas covers over 4,800 square miles, supplies over 90 percent of all natural gas produced in the state, and contributes to Kansas' ranking as the seventh-largest natural gas producer with 456,132 billion cubic feet of natural gas production marketed in 2002. Kansas' proven natural gas reserves, 5,682 trillion cubic feet, are also among the nation's highest.

During 2003, Kansas natural gas companies and municipal gas systems supplied the state's 95,935 industrial and commercial users with over 130 billion cubic feet of product. Two major pipelines, operated by Southern Star Natural Gas Company and Northern Natural Gas Company, transport over 50 percent of that consumption and connect with a wide distribution network. In the areas not served by distributors, direct hook-ups from transmission lines can accommodate most businesses. In addition, municipal distribution lines may be able to use existing taps and transport gas to larger customers at a lower cost.

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Kansas Deregulation

A national movement is afoot for deregulation of the retail electric and gas utility industry. In an effort to lower utility prices, many states across the country now offer their citizens "retail choice," or the opportunity to select an energy supply company. Although the retail electricity market remains regulated, Kansas has enacted incentives to encourage the construction of "merchant power plants" -- facilities that generate electricity for sale to retail providers (see State Incentives, Renewable Energy incentives).

Other options, such as the development of renewable energy, are supported by Kansas leaders interested in maintaining a healthy and competitive energy market.

Kansas Telecommunications

SONET based fiber optic services, as well as Frame Relay, ISDN, ATM, ADSL, Ethernet, MPLS, VOIP, IP-based services, VPN, and high speed Internet access, are common throughout the Greater Topeka area. Digital, wireless, IP services, and long distance service is provided by a number of carriers.

Kansas enjoys one of the most sophisticated and reasonably priced telecommunications systems in the nation, thanks to our state-of-the-art technology and the competitive advantage of our central location. In order to maintain this leading-edge position, well over $200 million is being invested annually in new technologies and related infrastructure development.

Connectivity Advantage

Topeka has the infrastructure today for the business of tomorrow. Look around Topeka and you'll notice our central geographic location, availability of land, excellent highway, rail and air systems, and the accessibility and reliability of power. Look under Topeka and find more fiber optics per square mile than New York or San Francisco.

Topeka is wired for business and enjoys one of the most sophisticated and reasonably priced telecommunications systems in the nation. We are an access point host for four leading carriers and three regional long line carriers. SONET-based fiber optic service, as well as Frame Relay, ISDN, ATM, ADSL, Ethernet, MPLS, VOIP, IP-based services and VPN.  High-speed Internet and Broadband and wireless Broadband access are common throughout the greater Topeka area. Digital, wireless and long-distance services are provided by a number of major and regional carriers.

Service Providers:

The following members of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce provide telecommunication services:

• AT&T
• CenturyTel
• Cox

Water, Wastewater and Stormwater

The following services are supplied by the City of Topeka.

Water
The Public Works Water Division supplies water to over 54,000 retail and wholesale accounts in and around Topeka, as well as several rural water districts in Northeast Kansas. Approximately 160,000 people are served water daily from the Topeka Water Treatment Plant. Water is supplied from the Kansas River and highly drought tolerant through purchased water storage in surrounding lakes. Water from the Kansas River is processed in one of three treatment systems with a combined pumping capacity of 63 mgd. The average daily use is 25 mgd with a peak demand to date of 45 mgd.
www.topeka.org/publicworks/utility_rates.shtml

Wastewater/Stormwater
The Water Pollution Control Division operates and maintains two city owned waste treatment plants: The Oakland Wastewater Treatment Plant and the North Topeka Wastewater Treatment Plant. The wastewater treatment plants have the combined capacity to treat, on the average, 28 million gallons of wastewater daily. Associated with the wastewater treatment plants are over 70 pump stations, 13,000 manholes and 760 miles of sewers.

In addition, the Division operates and maintains the storm-water system. The Division is responsible for the operation and maintenance of approximately 15,000 storm drains, 200 miles of storm sewers, 35 miles of channels, and 12 miles of river levees within the City of Topeka.

The water, wastewater, stormwater, and refuse utilities are supported through user fees. Stormwater rates are based on the square feet of hard surface. For water, wastewater, and refuse rates or services, call the City of Topeka Call Center at 785-368-3818, or online at www.topeka.org/publicworks/utility_rates.shtml#

City of Topeka Rates and Application Process
The water, wastewater, stormwater, and refuse utilities are supported through user fees. Stormwater rates are based on the square feet of hard surface. For water, wastewater, and refuse rates or service, call the City of Topeka Call Center at 785-368-3818, or on line at: www.topeka.org/publicworks/utility_rates.shtml#