News Release

For more information contact: Linda Berry, (785) 271-3269 or Samir Arif, (785) 271-3188

September 10, 2015

Kansas Corporation Commission Kicks off Second Annual Kansas Energy Expo

Topeka, KS - At 11 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015, in conjunction with the opening of the 2015 Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson, the Kansas Corporation Commission will open the second annual Kansas Energy Expo. The Energy Expo is held in partnership with Kansas' Largest Classroom - Kansas State Fair, various Kansas educators, and numerous stakeholder groups.

"The Energy Expo is a wonderful way for Kansans of all ages to learn more about Kansas' vast energy resources," said Kansas Corporation Commission Chair Shari Feist Albrecht. "We hope this year's expo will provide a fun, hands-on experience to fairgoers. The other commissioners and I are thankful to the Kansas State Fair board, and we're pleased to be able to host this event."

The Kansas Energy Expo will occupy nearly 14,000 square feet in the Ad Astra Pavilion. The Expo will be organized into five sectors: Transportation, Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency, Utilities, and Oil and Gas. Each sector will offer interactive experiences including:

  • American Ethanol Show Car
  • Energy Efficiency House
  • Model Wind Turbine
  • Decoding Your Utility Bill Display
  • Well Construction Display

Altogether, there will be a total of more than 30 interactive displays that make up the Kansas Energy Expo. The Expo will provide an opportunity for Kansans of all ages to learn about the state's vast energy resources and how those resources are harnessed.

The Kansas Energy Expo is part of the Kansas' Largest Classroom program offered through the Kansas State Fair. As part of the program, teachers can sign their class up to make wind turbine blades, and participate in hands on experiments related to energy generation. The Energy Lab does require advance sign-up and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please plan to be at the Energy Lab for about 1 hour. The Expo will accommodate as many classes as possible. To sign-up please visit http://kcc.ks.gov/energyexpo/ or call 1-800-662-0027. In addition, there is an Energy Lab, led by an instructor, that correlates with each of the Energy Sectors covered at the Expo.

The Expo will also feature a new mascot: Energy Expert Professor Max Powers. Professor Powers will appear throughout the Expo to help navigate students through the many learning opportunities available.

The Kansas Energy Expo will also focus on available jobs in the Energy sector. KansasWorks with the Kansas Department of Commerce will have the Mobile Workforce RV at the Expo with information on available job openings in the energy sector.

Presentations will also be offered at various times throughout the fair on energy related topics. During the Expo, there will also be a safety-themed magic show called "Making Accidents Disappear", as well as a presentation on high-voltage safety. Ticket information is available by visiting http://kansasstatefair.com/.

Fairgoers can participate in a scavenger hunt with clues at each of sectors at the Expo. Participants will visit five stops to complete a phrase and upon completion receive a hand-crank flashlight.

The Kansas Energy Expo is made possible through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy.