Photo cutline: KPUB lineman Michael Martinez gives Reno family participants a bucket truck ride during Public Power Week 2024
September 19, 2025—Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) will join more than 2,000 community-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities across the nation in celebrating Public Power Week, October 5–11, 2025. Public Power Week shines a spotlight on the benefits of public power: local decision-making, reliable service, affordable rates, and reinvestment in our community.
“Public Power Week is a reminder that KPUB exists to serve our neighbors, not shareholders. Every decision we make is rooted in what’s best for our community. As we look to the future with projects like our upcoming natural gas plant, our priority remains protecting our customers from the uncertainties of the energy market and continuing to provide some of the lowest electric rates in Texas. That’s the true value of being powered by the people, for the people,” said Mike Wittler, KPUB General Manager & CEO.
Our Public Power Story
KPUB’s public power story began in 1987, when the City of Kerrville purchased the electric distribution system from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), bringing control back to the citizens. Since then, KPUB has grown to serve more than 24,000 customers with 9 substations, six community solar systems, and 684 miles of power lines, delivering electricity across a 146-square-mile service area.
Looking ahead, KPUB is also powering forward with a new natural gas-fired power generation plant, scheduled to come online in June 2027. This strategic move has been a long-term consideration for the electric utility company for several decades. The energy market has become increasingly volatile with market scarcity, rising power demand, and extreme weather events. This project strengthens KPUB’s ability to protect our ratepayers and continue offering some of the lowest electric rates in Texas for decades to come.
Bucket Truck Ride Event
On Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., the 5th Annual Bucket Truck Ride Event will take place at Louise Hays Park, Upper Pavilion. The park will be open with access limited to certain areas, including the Upper Pavilion, where our celebration will be held. Special directional signs will be posted throughout the park to help guide attendees to the event location.
This free, family-friendly event gives participants the chance to experience Kerrville from above in a KPUB bucket truck, meet line workers, enjoy tool demonstrations, face painting, photo opportunities, and interactive energy education activities for kids. Free hot dogs, chips, snow cones, refreshments, and event t-shirts will be available while supplies last.
KPUB will also unveil the official name of its brand-new squirrel mascot, chosen by our community. Families won’t want to miss the big reveal when our new bushy-tailed ambassador officially takes the stage as the face of KPUB’s outreach and education efforts.
Children’s Coloring Contest
KPUB is also hosting its annual coloring contest for 1st–5th grade students, with submissions due by Wednesday, October 1. This year, all coloring sheets are mascot-themed, giving students the chance to bring KPUB’s new friend to life with their creativity.
One winner from each grade will receive a $50 Amazon gift card, KPUB gift basket, and Public Power Week t-shirt, with winning entries displayed at the Bucket Truck Ride Event and featured in KPUB’s publications. The mascot will be a centerpiece of the contest and will play a starring role in connecting with local children and families for years to come.
Coloring sheets are available online at kpub.com/publicpowerweek.
Power Hour Presentation: Powering Forward
On Thursday, October 9, from 9–10 a.m., KPUB will host a special Power Hour Presentation in the KPUB Board Room. Attendance is free, but RSVP is required due to limited space. This session will highlight KPUB’s storied history, how we’ve grown and served the Hill Country since 1987, and how we’re writing the next chapter in our history book—by stepping into power generation ownership for the first time. Coffee and refreshments will be served. To reserve your spot, please email [email protected]
Drawings & Giveaways
Throughout Public Power Week, customers are encouraged to stop by the KPUB lobby to enjoy cookies, pick up LED light bulbs (limit of four per customer), and grab a 2026 KPUB calendar. Customers can also take home a Hill Country Strong sticker and enter a drawing to win a smart thermostat package, which includes free installation and an HVAC system tune-up. The winner will be announced at the Bucket Truck Ride Event on October 11, and you do not need to be present to win.
About KPUB
The Kerrville Public Utility Board (KPUB) serves Kerrville, Center Point, Ingram, Hunt, and surrounding Kerr County areas across a 146-square-mile service area. Since 1987, KPUB has been locally owned, governed by a five-member board of trustees, and committed to providing safe, reliable service at the lowest responsible price. For more details about Public Power Week 2025 events, visit kpub.com/publicpowerweek or call 830.257.3050.