A center pivot irrigation system operating in Phelps County, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
LEXINGTON — At their May meeting, Dawson Public Power District’s board of directors reviewed the district’s bond debt. Bonds are used to finance large infrastructure projects.
The current bonds were issued between 2016 and 2020 and have interest rates ranging from 0.75 to 3.5%. The district is considering a new bond for upcoming construction projects.
“The district’s history of bonding shows good business practices,” said new General Manager Alyssa Clemsen Roberts. “These decisions have kept rates affordable while meeting customer needs for reliability.”
The upcoming irrigation season was discussed. The board voted to use the same load management control goal that was used in 2024.
Dawson County Sheriff Mark Montgomery asked the board to donate labor costs for a power line to a law enforcement training center near Johnson Lake. The board resolved to waive up to $10,000 of the labor cost. The sheriff’s department will be billed for the balance of the power line construction.
An executive session was called to discuss the proposed wholesale power contract.
The board also reviewed:
- In 2024, Dawson PPD customers received $363,702 in EnergyWise incentives. The most popular programs are for energy efficient heat pumps, lawn and garden equipment and irrigation pivot output upgrades. This program cost is reimbursed by Nebraska Public Power District.
- Additionally, Dawson PPD provided $32,300 in incentives for transfer switches. This program encourages customers to install a device for the safe operation of emergency generators.
- Safety Director Dean Kunkee reviewed accident statistics and talked about how they will affect insurance costs for the next year.
- Clemsen Roberts said that vendors are concerned about potential supply chain issues that could delay material shipments and affect costs.
- The Highway 83 construction project south of North Platte is on schedule.
- The next meeting will be held on June 4, at 10 a.m.
