Dawson PPD board members preview experiments that were used at a STEM Camp for local youth in March 2024.
Dawson Public Power District’s board held their regular meeting on March 12.
During the financial report, Carmen Ackerman, Manager of Finance and Administration, reviewed the 2023 margins. She suggested the district keep the money in an unrestricted account, maintaining the district’s financial standard for available cash. The board discussed short-term investments, the rate stabilization fund, and upcoming projects. The directors voted to follow the recommendation.
Board members signed a commitment to provide a safe work environment for Dawson PPD employees. It acknowledges the board’s role in approving necessary safety equipment purchases. It also says that a board member will attend regular employee safety meetings.
Also discussed:
- In 2023, Dawson PPD customers received $362,330 in energy efficiency incentives through Nebraska Public Power District’s EnergyWise program. Heat pump installations accounted for $272,000 of the total. The program also offers rebates for commercial lighting, irrigation upgrades, smart thermostats, and attic insulation.
- General Manager Gwen Kautz reported that economic development and large-scale projects requiring additional power will be put on a list. While NPPD plans to add generation resources, some projects may be delayed until there is capacity to serve the load. Cole Brodine, Manager of Engineering, gave an overview of the process for adding large electrical loads. There are no restrictions on adding homes, small businesses, or individual irrigation services.
- Directors and staff members attended the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual meeting. Kautz relayed artificial intelligence information shared at the meeting. Director David Pieper of North Platte talked about case studies on board function, ethics and decision making. Staff members attended a vendor show at the conference. Manufacturers say that supply chains will resume normal function by 2025.
- The board reviewed the status of a proposed agreement to buy power from Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District’s Jeffrey Hydro.
- Staff provided updates. Transformers ordered in 2021 are being delivered. A road upgrade on Highway 83 south of North Platte will require the district to move power lines. Construction crews are completing projects and upcoming electrical safety demonstrations are scheduled.