[1][2] MGE can trace its roots back to 1867 with the formation of the Kansas City Gas Light & Coke Company.
Following this discovery, many small companies organized to build pipelines to deliver natural gas to nearby urban areas.
McGowan and then Kansas City, Missouri mayor Jay H. Neff didn’t agree on the details of the franchise agreement and a bitter political and legal fight ensued.
The conflict was finally settled after Mayor Neff left office and a franchise agreement was awarded to the company in 1906.
Mr. Doherty used these companies to acquire many natural gas distribution and pipeline operations throughout Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska.
In 1992, KPL merged with the Kansas Gas & Electric company to become Western Resources (formerly known as Westar Energy).