2023 in review
The District recognized adequate margin to cover expenses and fund planned investments in the power system that reliably serves our customers. We reduced long-term debt by $4.6 million and invested $9 million in system assets. The District is dedicated to providing reliable, dependable and affordable energy to its customers. Our strong financial position today will support these goals into the future.
Dawson PPD continued a trend of robust financial performance in 2023. A specific notable achievement was the upgrade of our bond rating by Standard & Poor’s, which has improved from an A to A+. This upgrade reflects confidence in the district’s finances, marked by consistent improvements in several key financial focus areas.
Service territory and revenue
We served an average of 23,400 customers, up from 23,279 in 2022. The irrigation segment recognized the largest percentage increase in customers served.
Irrigation sales were strong in 2023. The sale of 180 million irrigation kilowatt hours was the second highest of the last ten years. The residential segment contributed the highest percentage to total revenue at 43%. Total revenue among all rate classes was $68.4 million on the sale of 595.4 million kWh.
Cost of Power and Operating Expenses
The cost of purchased power accounted for 51% of total revenue. We continued to receive a power cost adjustment (PCA) which has helped to keep this number relatively consistent since 2020. Operating and maintenance expenses (non-purchased power) of $15,282,000 accounted for 22% of total revenue. This percentage is unchanged from the previous two years.
Electric Power Distribution System Investment
Dawson PPD is committed to the quality and reliability of our electric power system. We maintain a working plan of investment several years into the future. Over the last decade we have invested $97 million back into our system. We invested $8 million and $9 million in 2022 and 2023 respectively. Our strong financial position allowed us to make these recent investments without issuing new debt. In addition, we were able to invest cash reserves to take advantage of higher market interest rates.
![Dawson PPD 2023 kWh sales by rate class Dawson PPD 2023 kWh sales by rate class](https://dawsonpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/kWh-rate-class-sales-graphic-2023.png)
![Carmen Ackerman](https://dawsonpower.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Carmen-Ackerman-2022-web.jpg)
Carmen Ackerman
Manager of Finance & Administration
OTHER NEWS
Between the lines: Technology, the grid and Dawson PPD (Part 2)
the pros and cons of introducing new technology to the grid
Central and Dawson PPD to vote second time on consolidation documents at July 17 meetings
The boards of The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and Dawson Public Power District plan to vote again on the documents required for their consolidation next month. The boards will each hold a special Board Meeting on July 17 at each districts’ respective headquarters.
Three youth selected to attend Youth Energy Leadership Camp
Dawson PPD is sponsoring three local students to attend the Nebraska Rural Electric Association Youth Energy Leadership Camp. The camp will be held at Camp Comeca near Cozad July 9-13, 2023.