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Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is preparing to return water to the Kearney Canal starting as early as next week.
NPPD is planning to start releasing water into the canal system beginning as early as Monday, April 6, and water will fill the canal over the course of several days
“As temperatures warm and Spring weather approaches, we are set to return water to the Kearney Canal. The canal provides great access to local recreational activities, and we want to ensure area residents are aware water will slowly begin to move through the system.” said NPPD Water Systems Maintenance Technician Mike Koubek.
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 around mid-April as the average temperatures begin to warm up.
The Kearney Canal is used for irrigation and feeds into the Kearney Hydro, a 1-megawatt hydro generation facility located near 15th Avenue and University Drive.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will host an open house on March 26 in Central City to gather public input for a new transmission project in the area.
NPPD plans to build an approximately 14-mile, 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the existing NPPD substation south of Central City, to the existing substation north of Aurora. The new line will provide a necessary path between the two substations to increase the system’s transmission capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in the central Nebraska area.
At the open house, NPPD will collect property information from landowners in the study area. Input from landowners and interested stakeholders will help NPPD evaluate potential routes for the 115kV transmission line.
The open house session is informal and provides the opportunity for the public to review project information and visit with project team members. The in-person meeting will be held Thursday, March 26 at the Solt-Wagner Community Room in Central City from 3 to 7 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, a self‑paced virtual open house will be available on nppd.com/Aurora-CentralCity with the same project information and an opportunity to submit feedback. The virtual open house will be available from Tuesday, March 24, through Friday, April 10, 2026.
The upcoming open house is the first of three rounds of public informational meetings NPPD plans to host for the project. This includes the first round of open houses to gather information on the study area, a second set of open houses to highlight potential routes and gain additional feedback, and a set of public hearings to announce a proposed route.
For more information and to stay involved with the project, visit nppd.com/Aurora-CentralCity.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will host open houses on March 25 in Ainsworth and Bassett to gather public input for a new transmission project in the area.
NPPD plans to build an approximately 25-mile, 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the existing Ainsworth Wind Substation, south of Ainsworth, to the existing substation south of Bassett. NPPD plans to build this line to provide a necessary path between the two substations to increase the system’s transmission capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in the north central Nebraska area.
At the open houses, NPPD will collect property information from landowners in the study area. Input from landowners and interested stakeholders will help NPPD evaluate potential routes for the 115kV transmission line.
The open house sessions are informal and provide the opportunity to review project information and visit with project team members. The in-person meetings will be held Wednesday, March 25. The first meeting will be held at the Ainsworth Community Building from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the second meeting will be held at the Rock County Community Center from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, a self‑paced virtual open house will be available on nppd.com/AinsworthWind-Bassett with the same project information and an opportunity to submit feedback. The virtual open house will be available from Tuesday, March 24, through Friday, April 10, 2026.
The upcoming open house is the first of three rounds of public informational meetings NPPD plans to host for the project. This includes the first round of open houses to gather information on the study area, a second set of open houses to highlight potential routes and gain additional feedback, and a set of public hearings to announce a proposed route.
For more information and to stay involved with the project, visit nppd.com/AinsworthWind-Bassett.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will host an open house on March 24 in Clearwater to gather public input for a new transmission project in the area.
NPPD plans to build an approximately 27-mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the existing NPPD substation in southeast Holt County, to the existing substation northeast of Neligh in Antelope County. The new line will increase the system’s transmission capacity to meet increasing demand and further enhance reliability and resiliency in the north central Nebraska area
At the open house, NPPD will collect property information from landowners in the study area. Input from landowners and interested stakeholders will help NPPD evaluate potential routes for the 345kV transmission line.
The open house session is informal and provides the opportunity to review project information and visit with project team members. The in-person meeting will be held Tuesday, March 24 at the American Legion hall in Clearwater from 3 to 7 p.m.
For those unable to attend in person, a self‑paced virtual open house will be available on nppd.com/HoltCounty-Antelope with the same project information and an opportunity to submit feedback. The virtual open house will be available from Tuesday, March 24, through Friday, April 10, 2026.
The upcoming open house is the first of three rounds of public informational meetings NPPD plans to host for the project. This includes the first round of open houses to gather information on the study area, a second set of open houses to highlight potential routes and gain additional feedback, and a set of public hearings to announce a proposed route.
For more information and to stay involved with the project, visit nppd.com/HoltCounty-Antelope.
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 will take place include Aurora, Dakota City, Lodgepole, Norfolk, Whitney, and York, as well as numerous transmission and subtransmission lines across the state.
“NPPD’s inspection program takes a proactive approach to identifying poles that show signs of decay so they can be replaced before any issues occur,” said NPPD Senior Project Coordinator Doug Meyers. “These inspections are a key part of maintaining our system, and we want customers to be aware of the work taking place, as crews begin work 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. – Water in a section of the Sutherland Canal will be lowered beginning this week, so work can be conducted near the outlet of the Sutherland Reservoir.
The canal will be lowered between the outlet of Sutherland Reservoir and Lake Maloney. Crews will be conducting maintenance activities at the Sutherland Reservoir outlet that requires flows to be shut off until the work is completed.
Access to the Sutherland Reservoir outlet will be blocked off while the maintenance is conducted. If work goes as scheduled, water will return to the canal sometime in April.
Columbus, Neb. – A brief planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Creighton Sunday, February 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. to allow for work at a substation in the area.
The outage is being conducted so crews can upgrade equipment at a local substation. “Crews will be working hard to complete the work at the substation in a safe and timely manner,” added NPPD Account Manager Brittney Koenig. “Outages are not convenient, and we appreciate our customer’s patience while the needed work is completed.”
NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions.
Kearney, Neb. – The Kearney Area United Way, Nebraska Client Assistance Program (CAP-NE), and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) are partnering to host the Kearney Area Community Assistance Fair at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds Extension Building from 2 to 6 p.m. on February 11.
This collaborative event brings together local organizations to showcase a wide range of resources designed to support individuals and families who may benefit from the various community programs. Attendees will have access to financial and social services, utility assistance programs, healthcare representatives and child services, home weatherization resources, energy saving tips, and more.
“This is a one-stop shop for connecting our local residents who may need assistance with the program services that strengthen our community. Some people may be unsure if these programs can assist them, but we encourage anyone who may be considering it, to attend and find out what resources are available to them,” said Savannah Lyon, United Way Executive Director.
This event includes support from staff members at United Way partner agencies, local nonprofits, as well as utility staff, who will be on hand to provide information about bill payment solutions and energy efficiency programs, as well as health and wellness experts who will be available to answer questions and share helpful resources.
More information can be found at https://www.uwka.org/community-assistance-fair.
Columbus, Neb. – The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) board of directors elected officers during Wednesday’s regularly scheduled meeting in Columbus.
Elected officers will serve in their roles for a two-year term. Wayne Williams of Central City was elected to serve as the chair of NPPD’s board, while Derek Rusher of Kearney was elected to serve as first vice chair, Chris Langemeier of Schuyler will serve as second vice chair, and Jerry Chlopek of Columbus was elected to serve as secretary. NPPD Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Laura Kapustka will continue to serve as treasurer.
“It is a privilege to serve as chair, and I’m looking forward to the year ahead as our board continues working to bring the best of public power to our customers,” said Williams.
Williams has served on the NPPD board since 2021 and represents Subdivision 7, which consists of all or parts of Adams, Clay, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Merrick, Nance, Nuckolls, Thayer, and Webster Counties. Previously serving as first vice chair in 2023-2025 and as secretary in 2022. Williams’ career in the power industry spans over 40 years, currently as Chief Executive Officer and founder of ISI Solar / Interconnection Systems. He also worked for NPPD in the Project Management Office, and has been heavily involved in the design, procurement, and construction of gas, wind, coal, fuel oil and solar energy facilities on three continents.
“I’m thankful for the service and guidance Director Chlopek provided during his tenure as board chair these past four years, and I look forward to working alongside Directors Williams, Rusher, and Langemeier as they step into their new roles as officers for the board,” added NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent.
The Board of Directors also appointed Cristal Menke as assistant treasurer, and Christopher Norquest as deputy assistant treasurer. Jan Modelski was re-appointed as assistant secretary, and Donna Jaixen as deputy assistant secretary. All are from Columbus.
Columbus, Neb. – Construction on Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) Norfolk-Stanton North transmission line is complete.
The eight-mile, 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line runs from the Norfolk substation on the east side of Norfolk to the Stanton North substation northwest of Stanton. The new line will accommodate current and projected future loads and provide additional reliability and enhanced resiliency for the Stanton, Cuming, and Burt County areas.
A map of the final route and additional information on the Norfolk-Stanton North Power Project can be found on nppd.com under “Current Projects”.
Columbus/Lincoln/Omaha, Neb. & Tulsa, Okla. - In a collaborative effort that marks a milestone for Nebraska’s and Oklahoma’s energy future — Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), Lincoln Electric System (LES) and Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) — have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to form the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium.
This consortium will explore the feasibility and development of deploying between 1,000 and 2,000 megawatts of new nuclear technology— including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)—within Nebraska to serve the needs of the four utilities in the Southwest Power Pool market footprint.
This early-stage collaboration reflects a shared commitment to long-term power supply planning, reliability, affordability, sustainability, diversity and innovation. The consortium will focus on feasibility studies, site evaluations and technology assessments. No construction or investment decisions have been made at this time.
“This is a smart, forward-looking step for public power,” said Javier Fernandez, president and CEO of OPPD. “We’re exploring all viable options to ensure we can continue to deliver reliable, affordable energy and we’re doing it in a way that’s transparent, collaborative and grounded in data.”
The consortium will be coordinated by a steering committee led by NPPD with representatives from each participating utility.
“Nuclear technology has long proven to be a dependable and resilient energy source,” said NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent. “Public power utilities have a strong tradition of collaboration, and this consortium strengthens that legacy as we work together to meet the region’s growing energy demands.”
Utilities across the country are facing rising demand, evolving reliability standards and the need for long-term resource planning. The consortium allows the partners to share expertise, reduce costs and evaluate how new nuclear technology could play a role in their future energy mix.
“This partnership reflects the best of public power: local utilities working together for the long-term good of our communities,” said Emeka Anyanwu, CEO of LES. “We’re committed to thoughtful planning that puts people first and ensures our customers benefit from innovation, resilience and shared value.”
“GRDA is proud to bring our generation and grid expertise to this effort,” said Dan Sullivan, president and CEO of GRDA. “This is about preparing for the future responsibly with a focus on reliability and cost-effectiveness.”
Each utility will fund its own early-stage work. Any future steps, such as investment, permitting or construction, would follow public engagement and each utility’s independent board approval process.
NPPD is currently finalizing a nuclear feasibility siting study funded through the Nebraska Legislature and the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. “While there is important work ahead, the siting feasibility study positions us proactively as the consortium begins exploring opportunities to deploy this technology within Nebraska,” added Kent.
A joint landing page with FAQs and additional information will launch at www.gpnuclearconsortium.com.
POSTPONED: Due to weather conditions the planned outage is being pushed back to December 10 from 10 PM MT until midnight. Impacted customers are being notified of the time change.
Columbus, Neb. – A planned outage is scheduled for electric customers in Hay Springs Wednesday, December 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Mountain Time, to allow for work at a substation in the area.
The outage is being conducted so crews can conduct needed maintenance at the substation. “We know outages are not convenient, and we appreciate the patience of the impacted customers while the work is completed,” said NPPD Account Manager Jennifer Branson. “The work will help ensure reliable service to area customers, and crews will be working hard to complete the work in a safe and efficient manner.”
NPPD works closely with impacted communities to schedule any planned outages. NPPD will notify impacted customers prior to the planned outage, and customers can call 1-877-ASK-NPPD if they have any questions.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) will be replacing an aging bridge that crosses the Kearney Canal on Evergreen Road west of Kearney, with work to start mid-November.
The bridge located west of Kearney and approximately one-quarter mile north of Highway 30 will be replaced with a large concrete box culvert. The work is expected to begin the week of November 24, and traffic will be rerouted to Dove Hill Avenue, 1-mile east of Evergreen Road, until installation of the box culvert is complete. The new culvert will support all legal traffic loads.
The project is estimated to take approximately two months to complete, and the road will reopen once the work is completed.
Columbus, Neb. – Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has begun the process to slowly return water to the Sutherland Canal, following a fall outage for maintenance work.
“NPPD has completed the planned work along the canal system, and we want to make sure area residents are aware water is starting to return to the canal,” said NPPD Canaday, Water, and Renewable Energy Manager Kirk Evert. “The water will be added in slowly and will remain filled heading into the winter months.”
The Sutherland Canal has been dewatered since early October, and while canal waters were lowered, crews conducted general maintenance activities. This work included inspecting gates, work to remove sediment from the canal, replacing part of a structure near Keystone, replacing some canal lining in areas along the canal, and maintenance activities at the hydro.
Columbus, Neb. - Nebraska Public Power District’s (NPPD) board of directors approved a 3% retail and 1% wholesale rate increase during November’s regularly scheduled meeting.
The average residential retail customer uses around 1,000 kilowatts of electricity a month, and based on this amount, would experience an increase of just over $5 per month.
“NPPD’s strong history of maintaining low rates has enabled existing customers to grow within the state and has attracted new industries looking to establish operations in Nebraska, driving economic growth across the communities we serve,” said NPPD President and CEO Tom Kent. “We continue to manage costs at a time when inflation, supply chain constraints, and rising material, fleet, and facility expenses present challenges. Despite these pressures, our focus remains on delivering affordable, reliable energy, and that commitment is reflected in how NPPD’s rates compare to peer utilities across the nation.”
NPPD benchmarks its retail rate using data from U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), who collected data from over 2,600 utilities across the nation. According to finalized EIA data for 2024, NPPD continues to meet the goal to maintain a total retail base rate position among the lowest 15 percent of providers, with the most recent ranking finishing in the lowest 6.5 percent.
NPPD benchmarks its wholesale rates, using a database maintained by the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation (CFC). The large group includes more than 800 electric utilities, across the nation, which purchase wholesale power. NPPD’s Board of Directors set a goal to remain in the lowest 25 percent and NPPD continues to meet that goal by finishing at the 12.5 percentile in the most recent rankings.
In addition, the NPPD Board of Directors has voted to provide approximately $30.8 million to wholesale customers, which will appear in the form of a Production Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit on wholesale customer bills. This is the eighth consecutive year that NPPD’s wholesale customers will receive a PCA credit.
