Page 3 - 2023 Summer BPU Connection-WQR FINAL v10 PDF

BPU | general manager’s report BPU’s Summer

Youth Program

25 years of making a difference!

Every year, BPU helps hundreds of area
youth receive summer employment,
BILL JOHNSON development, and training opportunities

General Manager right here in Wyandotte County. First
launched in 1998, this popular program has
transitioned in form over the years, though
As a publicly-owned utility, BPU is take for granted the fact that water is so its objective has always remained the same
constantly evaluating how to best meet readily available. But this critical public – assisting thousands of area young people
the electric and water needs of the service wouldn’t be available without the by helping them find employment over the
community – both today and in the future. men and women of BPU who work 24/7/365 summer and preparing them for the future.
We are continually working to improve to ensure access to public water whenever
customer service, identify new efficiencies, and wherever it is needed.
reduce costs, support community partners, With an aging water infrastructure, some
offer new products and technologies, of it 60-90 years old, BPU is undertaking
and expand community outreach and significant capital improvements to replace
engagement efforts. older water lines and prepare for future
Today, BPU is regarded as one of the customer demand and growth needs across
top municipal utilities in the nation – with its entire service area. Studies show that
customers enjoying the unique benefits more than $135 million will be needed
that being a public vs. privately-owned over the next five years to keep the water
utility offers. Moreover, BPU has been system running, and to meet regulatory "This program provides a tremendous
recognized nationally on numerous requirements as well as future customer service to the community, helping
occasions for being best-in-class in the demand. At the same time, external studies prepare our youth for future careers."
services it offers, most recently when its show that BPU’s aging electrical system - The Armourdale Renewal Assoc.
website BPU.com received the “Gold Stevie” will need more than $180 million in capital Today, BPU partners with local
at the American Business Awards for its improvements to maintain its integrity, nonprofits to connect youth with the
functionality, ease-of-use, and helpful ensure reliable service, and meet future business community, helping these kids
customer content. demand requirements. learn the skills they’ll need for college
In May, BPU celebrated National Drinking In coming weeks, BPU will hold or their first job. In coordination with
Water Week to promote and highlight the meetings and hearings to discuss revenue the UG’s designated Neighborhood
importance of safe, reliable, and potable requirements, potential rate adjustments, Business Revitalization (NBR) groups,
water in our daily lives – and to highlight billing processes, capital improvement the emphasis is at-risk and lower income
conservation of this natural resource. From projects, reserve requirements, and more. youth. In 2023, BPU is helping 9 area
hygiene and health needs, to keeping For more information and resources about non-profits assist hundreds of local
businesses and the economy running, to this process, go to www.bpu.com or see youth in the community.
public safety fighting fires, we sometimes pages 4-6 in the BPU Connection.

THE BENEFITS OF A PUBLIC UTILITY What is the PILOT and

As a not-for-profit municipal 2023 BPU Charity Golf Tourney why is it on my BPU Bill?
utility, BPU functions differently Registration Now Open! Under the Unified BPU Residential Customer Billing Statement Public Utilities Board of contact
A NEW & EASY-TO-READ
Second sheet breakdown of individual charges and usage information
than private or investor-owned Government (UG) Charter BPU Call Center hours (current & historic) Electric Use Graph with temperature data A NEW & EASY-TO-READ (current & historic) Water Use Graph with temperature information data usage details Electric
BPU Residential Customer Billing Statement
utilities – which can make a The BPU Employee Charity Golf Corp. will host ordinance, the UG can Itemized electric charges water charges Itemized Details of tax charges BPU and UG charges Graph of all usage details Water Breakdown of BPU charges Summary activity of utility bill
difference in your life. It means its Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, assess a payment-in-lieu information Payment Additional messages information for general Breakdown of all taxes and Breakdown of UG charges fees
that BPU operates as a “community September 9, 2023, at Dub’s Dread Golf Course in KCK. of taxes (PILOT) of between If you have questions regarding the new billing statement, please contact the BPU | 3 you about upcoming events or Payment due information
Take a look at the back page
Updated Message Center to notify
important information
Customer Service Department at 913-573-9190.
enterprise”, which holds down This popular event has raised $728,000 to date for local 5-15% on BPU gross If you have questions regarding the new billing statement, please contact the BPU | 1
Take a look at the back page
Customer Service Department at 913-573-9190.
costs and allows all citizens to take revenues due to its tax-exempt status,
part in making decisions about children’s nonprofits in WyCo. This year’s event kicks as BPU doesn’t pay property taxes or
utility services. For more than 100 off with registration and a continental breakfast at 7:00 franchise fees as an agency of the UG.
years, BPU has provided reliable, a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. The team The PILOT is added on to and collected
safe, and dependable electric entry fee is $500.00, which includes greens fees, cart, via BPU’s monthly utility bill as a rate
and water service to the people continental breakfast, refreshments on the course, and rider, as are several other UG charges
of Wyandotte County, reflecting awards and prizes after the tournament. To register for things like wastewater, storm water,
the public service nature of our or help sponsor the fundraiser, contact trash, etc., which are then transferred
mission. As a public utility, BPU charitygolf.corp@bpu.com. The deadline to the UG each month. The PILOT rate
answers to Main Street not Wall is August 28th. is determined by the UG as part of its
Street – and will continue to do annual budget, currently set at 11.9%
what’s best for its customers and which totals around $37 million annually.
the local community, just as it SUMMER 2023 | 3
always has.