NPPD to share strategic issues with local customers

Columbus, Nebraska -- After four months of research, discussion, and input from its retail and wholesale customers, the Nebraska Public Power District has begun to put a frame around what will be a picture of its future.

Last fall, NPPD launched a project to update its strategic plan for the next 10-20 years. The utility invited approximately 40 individuals to participate in the process. Some are from retail communities like McCook; others represent wholesale utilities that buy the electricity NPPD generates for resale to its end-use customers.

The individuals served on eight, different teams researching such issues as future generation technologies, potential changes in NPPD's customer base, energy efficiency and consumers' use of innovative technologies, legislative and regulatory impacts, as well as the industry's changing energy markets, expected transmission growth, workforce needs, and financial requirements. The teams have helped develop four scenarios of what NPPD and its customers' energy future could look like.

On Feb. 17, NPPD representatives will share these scenarios with key community and utility representatives in the area. The meeting will be take place from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at NPPD's McCook Office, 1901 N. Hwy. 83.

"This has been a major undertaking for NPPD and the customers who volunteered to help us. And we aren't done yet," said NPPD Interim President and CEO John McClure. "The purpose of this meeting is to share what we have learned and get even more customer feedback. We plan to ask, 'Are we on the right track? What else should we consider? Do these scenarios seem plausible for Nebraska?'"

Drivers behind the various scenarios include such game changers as technological breakthroughs, increased environmental regulations, distributed generation, and high, volatile commodity prices.

NPPD sent invitations to local utility and municipal representatives. Members of the public who have an interest in NPPD's strategic planning process are welcome to contact NPPD at (402) .563.5327 to inquire about available seating.

Information about the Strategic Planning process is also accessible from the front page of www.nppd.com.

Team meeting summaries provide overviews of team progress and videos give insight into the process itself. Opportunities to offer ideas, suggestions or feedback to team sponsors through email or Facebook are also available.