Western Highlights
Byron Schonthaler
Byron Schonthaler joined Western’s Materials Department September 3rd, 2019. Byron is originally from the Hays area. His wife Diana manages the WaKeeney McDonald’s. They have two children Kelby a Junior and Ashlyn a Freshman at TCHS. Byron enjoys restoring antique cars and motorcycle rides.
Welcome to Western Cooperative Electric!
Western Cooperative Electric Association was formed in 1945 by a group of friends and neighbors to bring electricity to their homes and businesses across eight counties in Northwest Kansas: Ellis, Gove, Graham, Ness, Rooks, Rush, Trego, and Sheridan. With the Aquila purchase in 2007, Western's service territory was expanded to include five additional counties: Osborne, Russell, Barton, Lincoln, and Ellsworth. Today, Western serves more than 12,000 meters, maintains approximately 4,000 miles of line, and employs over 50 people dedicated to serving you. With headquarters located in WaKeeney and district locations in Olmitz, Plainville, and Ellsworth, Western provides its consumer-owners with reliable electricity and responsive service at an affordable price.