At July’s board meeting, Dawson Public Power District discussed plans for the Nebraska International Port of the Plains at the Hershey Rail Park. A request for bids will be issued for a substation transformer.

The North Platte Area Chamber and Development has paid a $4 million deposit for the project, funded through a Nebraska Rural Projects Act matching grant that combines state and local funds.

The transformer that is required to serve the initial load at the port will take 2-3 years to assemble.

The Port of the Plains is following Nebraska Public Power District’s large load process, which requires studies of the impact on NPPD’s electrical system, as well as transmission.

Darin Bloomquist of the Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission Cooperative, a purchasing group, attended the meeting. NEG&T buys power from the Nebraska Public Power District. Dawson PPD is the largest of the 17-member utilities of NPPD.

Bloomquist said a $200 million new ERA grant that will be used to purchase wind and solar energy generated at proposed locations in Greeley and Burt counties. The group plans to use these resources to reduce energy costs for members.

Increase in rate expected

NPPD is projecting wholesale power cost increases through 2032. Early estimates include a 5.9% wholesale power rate increase in 2027. This increase will occur at the same time as the production cost adjustment credit is expected to end.

Together, these changes mean Dawson PPD’s wholesale power costs will increase next year. Historically, wholesale power represents about 58% of Dawson PPD’s expenses.

“NPPD’s rate increases and plans for adding generation are designed to meet current customer needs as they grow over time. This takes care of existing customers and helps ensure the reliability Nebraskans expect from public power” said CEO Alyssa Clemsen Roberts.

Also at the July board meeting:

• In May, the cost of power was 18% over budget because dry weather brought an early start of the irrigation season. The year-to-date revenue is 10% over budget. The year-to-date investment in new system plant was $6.6 million, or 50% of the annual budget.
• The board approved the strategic plan. It focuses on reliability and resiliency, safety, financial security, facilities, fleet, and inventory, and workforce excellence. A series of goals have been set, ensuring that the plan’s objectives are met. All employees will have a part in reaching the goals.
• Board members summarized recent customer feedback, thanking Dawson PPD employees for efficient power restoration following June storms.
• The next meeting will be held on Aug. 4.

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