Gwen Kautz
General Manager
We think the public power difference sets us apart from the other utilities you do business with. We’re accountable to you, our customers, who own Dawson Public Power District.
Public power is different because…
- We are customer motivated. Ratepayers and end-use customers are considered throughout our decision making. For example, we encourage the use of energy saving appliances and equipment through rebates. This means you purchase less power from us, getting more done with every dollar you spend on electricity. This is good for our customers. Likewise, we believe investments in maintenance and upgrades for improved reliability are a positive benefit for our customers.
- You are welcome at our board meetings. Share your thoughts during the customer comment period. See the financial reports. Hear board member discussions. Learn about current projects and industry meetings. Our monthly meeting is normally held on the first Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. at our Lexington Headquarters. The agenda is published on our website prior to the meeting. Approved minutes are available on the website and a summary of each meeting is published as a press release.
- Our workforce focuses on safety, ongoing training, maintenance, and careful planning to keep operations reliable. The board’s financial guidelines help management responsibly use ratepayer funds, ensuring reliable and affordable service.
- You choose board members as your representative. Simply register to vote and select a candidate on the ballot. Board members approve rates, financial plans, policies and budgets. Their goal is to use ratepayer funds in a responsible way. Directors serve six-year terms. Terms are staggered to ensure stability.
- Margins are reinvested in Dawson PPD, not paid out to stockholders. Because we are owned by the people we serve, our rates are designed to cover expenses and keep the business stable. If there are excess margins, they are used for paying down debt, investing in system improvements or held in a rate stabilization fund. All of those investments ensure we stay affordable, reliable, safe and financially stable for years to come.
We’re local. We live and work in the area we serve. We’re your neighbors. We care.
OTHER NEWS
Rate study is underway
While it may seem like rates are changed by ‘a percentage here and there,’ there is a great deal of number-crunching done before any rates are proposed or approved.
Dawson PPD plans substation work
Two rural Dawson Public Power District substations will be getting upgrades after the 2024 irrigation season. Sub 26, located southwest of Gothenburg, will be upgraded as part of a voltage conversion. Sub 35, located northeast of Gothenburg, is being improved to...
Dawson PPD’s board considers contract, load growth
Dawson Public Power District’s regular board meeting was held on July 3, 2024. Darin Bloomquist, General Manager of the Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission Cooperative, gave an update on the organization’s work....