The City of Hugoton was recognized for 100 years of providing a quality electric service to their community. The City was presented with the Centennial Award from the Kansas Municipal
Energy Agency at their annual awards banquet October 3, 2019 in Wichita.
The Centennial Award is given out each year to honor Community Visionaries who founded the City’s Electric Utility.
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency is a member driven joint action agency with the mission of providing municipal utilities reliable and economical energy to serve their communities.
Hugoton was represented by Gary Rowden, Electric System Supervisor who accepted the award.
The City of Hugoton is a member of KMEA. Hugoton, in Stevens County in Southwest Kansas, has a population of approximately 3,900.

Gary Rowden, Electric System Supervisor for the City of Hugoton, was presented with the Max Embree “Distinguished Service Award” for his leadership role in his community and to public power. He was presented with the award from the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency at their annual awards banquet October 3, 2019 in Wichita.
The Max Embree “Distinguished Service Award” was established in honor of Max Embree of Colby who played a leading role in the early years of the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency. The award honors his memory and is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and devoted service to both the Kansas Municipal Energy Agency and Public Power.
Kansas Municipal Energy Agency is a member driven joint action agency with the mission of providing municipal utilities reliable and economical energy to serve their communities.
Gary has spent the majority of his career in a leadership role in his hometown of Hugoton. He held an elected position on the city council before taking a position on the staff. He has been in a supervisory role for the city since 1998 overseeing the distribution and production operations of the Electric Department as well as the Parks Department. Gary has served on the KMEA Board of Directors, Power Supply Committee and Awards Nominating Committee for several years.