English (United States)
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has launched the emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow program to share information about upcoming generation and infrastructure projects.
NPPD has been working with wholesale and retail customers to plan for continuing load growth within the state. This load growth includes the addition of new loads as well as the growing electric use of current customers.
“Because of the track record of public power districts serving Nebraska’s customers with some of the most affordable and reliable electricity in the country, we have seen growing interest in businesses wanting to plant roots within the state,” said NPPD President & CEO Tom Kent. “These new businesses will bring great opportunities to our state’s rural communities. To support this, we are expanding our already diverse generation portfolio to meet the energy needs of new and existing customers, empowering and improving the state’s quality of life while maintaining reliability, affordability, resiliency and sustainability.”
NPPD is currently in the process of pursuing a 20-year license extension for Cooper Nuclear Station, to operate through 2054. There are 54 commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S., and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear generation facility. “Cooper has provided our customers with tremendous value and is an important piece of our diverse generation mix, providing reliable, around-the-clock power that is carbon free,” added Kent.
emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow includes the construction of Princeton Road Station (PRS), north of NPPD’s Sheldon Station. NPPD first announced the construction of new generation assets in February of 2024. PRS will have approximately 216 megawatts of Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines and approximately 478 megawatts of Combustion Turbines. Both will utilize natural gas and have the option to use fuel oil if needed.
“To serve constantly changing electricity demands, these resources will have the flexibility to ramp up and down quickly,” noted NPPD Executive VP & COO Mick Spencer. “Nebraska's need for electricity continues to grow, and with it, NPPD's generation fleet will grow, too. We've been strategic with every facility we've added, while being mindful of current and future needs and maintaining a focus on affordability.”
To learn more about emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow and the projects associated with it, visit nppd.com.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is preparing to return water to the Kearney Canal early next week.
NPPD plans to start releasing water into the canal system as early as Tuesday, May 13, and water will fill the canal over the course of several days.
“The Kearney Canal is used for irrigation and feeds into the Kearney Hydro. It’s a great feature within the city and supports activities along or downstream of the canal system,” said NPPD Water Systems Maintenance Technician Mike Koubek. The Kearney Hydro is a 1-megawatt generation facility located near 15th Avenue and University Drive.
NPPD then plans to dewater the canal again in October, so Water Systems crews can conduct necessary maintenance on the system. The canal, which runs along the western and southern sides of Kearney, is emptied every year before winter so crews can conduct maintenance activities. Water is typically returned to the canal in mid-April to early May as the average temperatures begin to warm up.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants to remind large equipment and drone operators to look up and look out for powerlines.
When a large piece of equipment with tall or large attachments gets too close or touches a power line, electricity can arc from the line to the equipment. This can leave the equipment damaged and result in the operator experiencing serious or even fatal injuries.
“Spring planting season is a busy time for large equipment use, and we continue to emphasize the importance of being aware of power lines when operating ag equipment,” says NPPD Operations Program Manager Trevor Roth. “We also want to remind non-ag workers to look up and look out for power lines. Operators using large excavation equipment or any equipment with tall hoists or booms should ensure they have the proper clearance from power lines.”
If a vehicle or piece of equipment is in contact with a power line, call 911 or your local power provider and remain inside the vehicle until help can arrive and de-energize the line. When a power line touches a vehicle, it can electrify the vehicle and ground in the surrounding area. If a fire forces you to exit the vehicle, jump away, land on two feet, and shuffle as far away from the area as possible.
“In addition to large equipment, we want to encourage drone operators to be attentive to power lines. Drones are being implemented in many different industries, including for spraying crops. If operators aren’t aware of power lines, they could damage both their equipment and the line,” added Roth.
NPPD encourages farmers to review the following safety precautions before entering the fields to begin harvest operations. For more safety information, visit NPPD.com.
Columbus, Neb. - Severe spring weather in Nebraska brings many threats, including the danger of downed power lines.
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants to remind customers to be cautious of any downed power lines they see, especially following severe storms. Strong straight-line winds and tornadoes can cause power lines and poles to break or can cause other objects such as tree branches to blow into power lines, knocking them down.
“Getting too close to a power line, or trying to move a downed power line, could result in a serious or even fatal injury,” notes NPPD Operations Program Manager Trevor Roth. “If you see a power line hanging from a pole or lying on the ground, stay away from the area. You can contact your local power provider to notify them of the damage, so that they can respond and safely fix the line. Our crews are prepared and ready to respond to outages when severe weather hits.”
If a power line were to fall on top of a vehicle you are in, stay inside the vehicle and call an emergency number for help. If a fire or other issue forces you to leave the vehicle, jump away from the vehicle and land on both feet. Never touching the vehicle and ground at the same time. Then shuffle away from the area keeping both feet on the ground.
Other storm safety tips and considerations include:
Visit nppd.com/outages/outage-safety-tips for a complete list of tips.
Columbus, Neb. - A planned power outage is scheduled for the city of Creighton on April 13 from 1-5 p.m. to allow for repairs to the electrical system that serves the community.
During the planned outage, crews will be replacing power poles and making repairs to the system. “We appreciate everyone’s patience while this work is completed. Power outages are never convenient, but these repairs will ensure the system is in good operating condition heading into the spring storm season and hot summer months,” says Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) Account Manager Brittney Koenig.
NPPD worked with the city of Creighton to set the date and time for the outage, and NPPD will be contacting impacted customers prior to April 13 to notify them of the planned outage.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be contracting with Osmose Utility Services to conduct inspections on the distribution, subtransmission, and transmission system across the state.
The inspections will begin in March and last through June. This process will include wood pole inspections as well as ground line excavation, inspection, and rehabilitation treatment. Communities where distribution system inspections will take place include Gordon, Bassett, Scottsbluff, York, Ogallala, Norfolk, and Paxton.
“The inspection program is a proactive approach to finding poles with decay so that they can be replaced or repaired before the poles fail,” says NPPD Senior Project Coordinator Doug Meyers. “These inspections are an important part of our process to maintain our system, and we want customers to be aware of what’s going on as crews begin to head out across the state.”
Crews will be dressed in high-visibility vests and will be traveling from pole to pole in a UTV to conduct inspections. In addition, NPPD line crews will be using helicopters and vehicles to patrol all NPPD transmission lines.
Anyone who has questions relating to this activity, please call 1-877-ASK-NPPD (275-6773). A customer service representative will then contact the necessary NPPD personnel to address any issues.
Columbus, Neb. – A contractor will be conducting tree clearing activities along Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) Norfolk-Stanton North transmission line project beginning in February.
NPPD announced the final line route for this new eight-mile, 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line in January 2024 and has since been acquiring easements from landowners along the route. NPPD is partnering with Norfolk Tree Care, LLC of Norfolk, Nebraska to complete the tree clearing activities. The team plans to begin work in February. Construction of the line is anticipated to begin mid-2025 and be completed by late 2025.
Regarding this milestone, Project Manager Paul Brune says, “We are committed to completing this project responsibly and with careful consideration for local wildlife. By starting tree clearing early and conducting necessary surveys, we aim to minimize environmental impacts while keeping the project on schedule.”
The new transmission line will feature a combination of single-pole wood and steel structures. Drivers east of the Norfolk area will see more heavy trucks on the roads and are reminded to be safe and prepare for slower traffic.
Tree clearing activities will involve trimming or removing trees and vegetation on or just outside of the right of way only where easements and tree agreements have been obtained. These activities help to prepare the area for construction and later ensure the safe operation of the line. Crews will use specialized equipment to safely and efficiently clear the designated areas. Any debris generated during the process will be properly disposed of or recycled as appropriate. Right-of-way agents will stay in touch with landowners during and after construction of the line.
A map of the final route and additional information on the Norfolk-Stanton North Project can be found on nppd.com under “Current Projects”.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has received a national commendation from the American Public Power Association for its mutual aid support in electric power restoration efforts in Orlando, Florida.
NPPD was recognized for its efforts in early October, when crews spent approximately two weeks traveling and providing mutual aid to restore power to residents in the area of Augusta, Georgia, and then Orlando, Florida following back-to-back hurricanes. This was the final trip in what proved to be a busy year for NPPD mutual aid crews. Mutual aid was also provided three different times to Omaha Public Power District after several severe weather outbreaks impacted the Omaha area as well as to support restoration efforts in the panhandle following a severe storm.
“I’m incredibly proud and thankful for all our employees who stepped up to help, when people needed it most.” Said NPPD Distribution Manager Doug Klug. “We certainly don’t offer our assistance for the awards and accolades. We help out because that is what is right and what we’d hope others would do for us if we were in need. Regardless, NPPD is humbled and proud to receive this commendation.”
NPPD participates in both the American Public Power Association’s Mutual Aid Network and Midwest Mutual Assistance Group. These organizations coordinate with utilities and authorities across the country during widespread power outages.
Columbus, Neb. – ‘Tis the season for severe winter weather and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) wants to remind customers to be aware of the dangers caused by downed power lines.
Severe winter storms can bring heavy snow, wind, or ice that can damage power lines and cause outages. Ice and snow can weigh down tree branches causing them to break into power lines, and ice can build up on the powerlines themselves causing them to break. High winds are also a factor and when they become strong enough, they can cause lines to swing and hit each other, which can also result in a power outage.
“It’s important that if you encounter a downed power line, keep your distance. Getting too close or touching a downed line could result in serious or fatal injuries,” says NPPD Vice-President of Energy Delivery Scott Walz. “Our crews are prepared and ready to respond to power outages during winter storms and will work to restore power to customers as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Customers with access to a generator that can be used during an outage, should make sure they are never used indoors and are installed by a licensed electrician. NPPD encourages customers to assemble a few items including a flashlight, extra batteries, a portable radio, at least one gallon of water, and a small supply of food to access in case of a winter outage. It is also suggested that the refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept closed during an outage to keep food cold.
Customers can find outage information by downloading the “NPPD On the Go!” mobile app or by going to nppd.com.
