Dawson PPD’s 2023 audit report was given by Bob Beran, of the Dana F. Cole & Company accounting firm, at the June 5, board meeting. He said that the district is financially sound, consistently surpassing all required benchmarks. Dawson PPD is audited annually.
The finance committee suggested updates to the current financial standards. The board unanimously approved the changes, which will be used in the upcoming rate study and financial planning. One standard will increase the minimum equity as a percentage of assets, from 60% to 68%, which matches the District’s 2023 equity level. The standard increases to 73% by 2030. The finance committee includes Board President Dan Muhlbach, Vice President Craig Wietjes, Treasurer Page Peterson, directors Rodger White and Pat Hecox, General Manager Gwen Kautz, and Manager of Finance & Administration Carmen Ackerman.
Also discussed in the meeting:
- The District’s power quality policy states that generation must be the same voltage and nature as the electrical service. This means that a three-phase generator is required when connecting to a three-phase service. Unbalanced services can damage equipment and be a hazard for line workers.
- The line extension policy was updated to require a new or existing service to be associated with the construction project before it can be built. This change addresses projects where Dawson PPD builds a line specifically for a customer, but the customer doesn’t complete an application for service until months or years later. There is an exception for new subdivisions.
- Dawson PPD is exploring a grid resiliency grant opportunity. If awarded, the project will need to be completed within five years.
Dawson PPD Board President Dan Muhlbach presented a certificate to Liz Wroblewski for her completion of the Credentialed Cooperative Director program.
- Work continues on a new wholesale power contract with Nebraska Public Power District. New contracts are important to NPPD as they seek funding to construct additional power plants to meet growing needs.
- Director Mary “Liz” Wroblewski was recognized for completing the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Credentialed Cooperative Director program. It includes a series of classes about finance, governance, strategic planning and rural electrification.
- Two Dawson PPD substations, located in the rural Gothenburg area, will have planned upgrades in late 2024 or early 2025. One needs additional capacity to serve irrigation loads and the other will be converted to a different transmission line voltage. A sealed bid process will be used to hire contractors.
- The board also discussed the District’s policy on house moves. Dawson PPD does not allow oversized loads, that require disconnecting power lines, to move through District territory between June 1, through September 15. Power resources are at peak usage at that time, making it difficult to re-route power.
