Special to the Leader & Times

Southern Pioneer Electric Company (Southern Pioneer) announced the expansion of its Board of Directors to include four additional at-large seats. The addition of new board seats follows the company’s recent transition to self-regulated status after the passing of Senate Bill 348 by the Kansas Legislature earlier this year. These additional four seats will be selected through an application and interview process.

Consumers interested in applying must hold primary residence in Southern Pioneer’s service territory and meet all required qualifications outlined on the company’s website. Application packets are available digitally online or by reaching out to Southern Pioneer’s administrative team. Complete packet must include: a completed application form; a biography (limit of 500 words) submitted digitally at www.southernpioneer.net, or typed, printed and included with the submission of the completed packet; a photo (headshot) submitted digitally; resume including relevant experience and information outline the candidate’s expertise; and a statement of application (with a 250 word limit) expressing the candidate’s interest in serving on the Southern Pioneer Board of Directors.

Application materials may be submitted to Southern Pioneer by mail, in person, or digitally (instructions at www.southernpioneer.ne.

Mailed submissions may be addressed to: Southern Pioneer Electric Company, Attn: Board Nomination, PO Box 430, Ulysses, KS 67880. In-person submissions may be returned to our Liberal office (1490 General Welch Blvd. or Medicine Lodge office (3997 NE Well Rd.) or corporate office in Ulysses (1850 W. Oklahoma Ave.). Applications open August 15, 2026, and must be received no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Following the application period, the current Board of Directors will review submissions and select candidates to interview. Questions regarding the Southern Pioneer Board of Directors or application process may be directed to the company’s corporate office by calling 620-424-5209 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

Southern Pioneer Electric Company, a not-for-profit electric distribution utility and wholly- owned subsidiary of Pioneer Electric Cooperative, Inc., is headquartered in Ulysses. Southern Pioneer has local offices in Liberal and Medicine Lodge. Southern Pioneer serves approximately 17,200 customers and operates in 10 counties and 34 communities across Southwest and South-Central Kansas. Southern Pioneer’s service territory stretches east from Liberal to Medicine Lodge, north to Sublette, Satanta and Kingman, and back west to Greensburg. Southern Pioneer Electric Company is dedicated to providing customers with safe and reliable electric service.