News

CNPPID Board of Directors don't approve charter amendment - Rural Radio Network

Rural Radio Network · last updated

KRVN 880 - KRVN 93.1 - KAMI - CNPPID Board of Directors don’t approve charter amendment

(July 28, 2023) Holdrege, Neb. – The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District Board of Directors held a special meeting to authorize the filing of a charter amendment required to merge with Dawson Public Power District at Central’s headquarters in Holdrege.

Central board voted 7-5 in favor of the filing. Under state law, eight votes in favor were required.

The two districts announced plans to study a potential merger in November 2020. A consultant was hired to review finances, assets, board governance and the benefits for the customers. The study process was divided into four levels, with each one being more detailed. Both Central and Dawson PPD’s boards voted on each stage of review, having the opportunity to end the process at any time. In addition to press releases and newsletter articles, public open house events were held to share information and listen to concerns. The expenses for the study and legal consultation have been shared by Central and Dawson PPD.

Central provides surface water delivery service for irrigation, wholesale hydroelectric power generation, groundwater recharge, recreational opportunities at District-owned lakes and reservoirs, and wildlife habitat enhancement. Dawson PPD supplies electric power to farms, homes and businesses. Both are political subdivisions of the State of Nebraska. Central’s customers are represented by a 12-member board of directors. Dawson PPD’s customers are represented by an 11-member board of directors.

Related Knowledge Center: ENERGY BASICS: renewables

State of Play

Renewable energy sources — once the fuel of the future, then practical in specific, narrow applications — are increasingly economic mainstream sources of power generation. Hydropower was long the mainstay of U.S. renewable electricity generation, although wind power surpassed hydro for the first time in 2019, and solar continues its rapid growth. The continued growth of wind and solar, with their fluctuations, is tied in part to improvements in storage technology: batteries.

More informationabout ENERGY BASICS: renewables