The Kaw Nation Utilities Commission was established in 2001 to develop objectives, requirements, and codes for current and future facilities infrastructure and enterprise utilities for the Kaw Nation. The Utilities Commission activities operate concurrent with the entire Kaw Nation effort to enact the Integrated Resources Management Planning process through the development of a utilities use database.
The Kaw Nation has initiated a Wind-Biomass Energy Project in cooperation with the Department of Energy's NREL program for renewable energy and is involved in Kaw Nation water rights associated with the sovereignty issue of self-governance. Studies and planning for construction of a 30-megawatt wind farm to be located in Chilocco and close cooperation with the Kaw Nation Environmental Department to build a water treatment plant in Kaw City are currently progressing.
Future programs include development, planning, and implementing a resource conservation program within the Kaw Nation regarding electric, natural gas and water supply utilization at Kaw governmental facilities, enterprises and other infrastructure locations.
The Utilities Commission is committed to providing training opportunities for Kaw Nation members to enter the utilities career field through implementation of renewable energy projects, and supports the Council of Energy Resource Tribes education and intern scholarship programs.
