RENEWABLE ENERGY
Thank you for your interest in renewable generation.
While Dawson PPD does not generate power, we are interested in renewable energy resources and the benefits they offer our customers.
Dawson PPD purchases power from Nebraska Public Power District. NPPD uses renewable resources such as wind and hydro to provide power to the state’s farms, homes and businesses. To obtain more information about their generating resources and their plans for renewable energy in the future, visit NPPD’s website.
In addition, Dawson PPD has a Net Metering Policy that allows customers to generate power for their own use on their own property to offset their power usage and any net excess power can be credited to a customer’s account. Information on distributed generation systems size 25 kW and under can be found below or by calling Dawson PPD for details. For anything larger than 25 kW, please contact Dawson PPD for more information at 308-324-2386.
Renewable generation process for 25 kW and under
#1 Become informed
Learn about private renewable generation systems and Nebraska legislative requirements. Visit our Helpful Links section and the buttons below to get started.
Renewable generation law in Nebraska
Nebraska Legislature Chapter 70 Sections 2001-2005
#2 Conduct an initial sizing and cost evaluation
Acquire a 2-3 year billing history from Dawson PPD to calculate how much of your annual electrical consumption you would like to replace with renewable generation. Use Dawson PPD’s online payment and account management tool, SmartHub, to see your energy usage online or contact Dawson PPD for assistance at 308-324-2386.
View your account via SmartHub
Perform an economic analysis to calculate the investment rate of return or simple payback period, including any incentives, for installing a renewable generation system.
Customer Owned Solar Calculator
#3 Collect quotes from contractors
Request quotes from contractors including information on:
- Generation equipment and mounting hardware
- Electrical wiring, panels and conduit
- Safety mechanisms
- Installation and electrical wiring labor
Questions to ask a prospective renewable generation system vendor
#4 Complete and submit the Dawson PPD Net Metering Generation Application for Interconnection
Complete Dawson PPD’s Net Metering Generation Application for Interconnection. A sample of the form is available for viewing in the link below.
Sample Dawson PPD Net Metering Generation Application for Interconnection
According to Nebraska Legislature Chapter 70, Section 2004; (2), “A customer-generator is responsible for notifying the local distribution utility of its intent to install a qualified facility AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR to its installation and is responsible for all costs associated with the qualified facility.”
For an official copy of the form, please call Dawson PPD at 800-752-8305 or 308-324-2386.
#5 Receive approval of the Dawson PPD Net Metering Generation Application for Interconnection
After you have completed the Net Metering Generation Application for Interconnection, please submit the application for approval from Dawson PPD’s Engineering Department.
Submit the form to:
Bobby Johnson
bjohnson (at) dawsonpower.com
OR
Dawson PPD
Attn: Bobby Johnson
PO Box 777
Lexington NE 68850
308-324-2386
#6 Review financial assistance opportunities
If low-interest financing is desired, complete the Nebraska Energy Office Dollar and Energy Savings Loan application.
Nebraska Energy Office Dollar and Energy Savings Loan
If you are a small business or an agricultural producer, you may qualify for a USDA Rural Development REAP grant and/or loan.
USDA Rural Development REAP grant/loan
#7 Install the system
Hire a qualified person to install the renewable generation system and a licensed electrician to install the AC components of the system. Without proper installation, the renewable generation system may not pass inspection by the Nebraska State Electrical Division (see Step #8).
#8 Request an electrical inspection (required by law)
Request a Nebraska State Electrical Division Inspection. This is required by state law.
WHEN REQUESTING AN ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, please be sure that the application indicates that you wish to receive an Approval Notice. Having a copy of the Electrical Inspection Approval Notice will help avoid delays with connecting your renewable generation system. A copy of the Approval Notice must be provided to Dawson PPD.
Nebraska State Electrical Division Inspection
#9 Request final approval for connection to Dawson PPD by signing an Interconnection and Service Agreement
Submit copies of the Electrical Inspection Approval Notice and any other applicable inspections to Dawson PPD.
Next, sign a Dawson PPD Interconnection and Service Agreement and then Dawson PPD will perform a system Verification Test Procedure. Upon successful completion of this test, approval will be given for the connection of the renewable generation system to your electrical service. After approval, the customer will move onto Dawson PPD’s Net Metering Rider Rate.
View Dawson PPD’s Net Metering Rider Rate
Copies of the Net Metering Rider Rate may also be requested by calling 308-324-2386.
#10 Apply for tax credits
If applicable, apply for available federal and state tax credits.
IRS Credits & Deductions
Helpful Links
Renewable Generation Law in Nebraska
Nebraska State Electrical Division
Distributed Generation Tips & FAQ
View Your Account's Energy Usage
Nebraska Power Association
Dawson PPD Net Metering Rider Rate
Dawson PPD Net Metering Policy
Financial Assistance
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- Nebraska Energy Office Dollar and Energy Savings Loan
- USDA Rural Development REAP grant/loan *For a small business or an agricultural producer
Federal and State Tax Credits
Dawson PPD’s net metering report as of March 1, 2024:
Dawson Public Power District has 57 net metering qualified facilities.
The total estimated rated generating capacity of qualified facilities is 860 kW AC.
The total estimated net kilowatt-hours received from customer-generators is 645,000 kWh.
The total estimated amount of energy produced by customer-generators is 1,600,00 kWh.
Location
75191 Rd. 433
PO Box 777
Lexington, NE 68850
Call
(308) 324-2386
(800) 752-8305
Hours
Monday – Friday
7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.