Nebraska Public Power District has launched the emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow program to share information about upcoming generation and infrastructure projects, it said on May 9.
NPPD has been working with wholesale and retail customers to plan for continuing load growth within the state. This load growth includes the addition of new loads as well as the growing electric use of current customers.
“Because of the track record of public power districts serving Nebraska’s customers with some of the most affordable and reliable electricity in the country, we have seen growing interest in businesses wanting to plant roots within the state,” said NPPD President & CEO Tom Kent. “These new businesses will bring great opportunities to our state’s rural communities. To support this, we are expanding our already diverse generation portfolio to meet the energy needs of new and existing customers, empowering and improving the state’s quality of life while maintaining reliability, affordability, resiliency and sustainability.”
NPPD is currently in the process of pursuing a 20-year license extension for Cooper Nuclear Station, to operate through 2054.
There are 54 commercial nuclear power plants in the U.S., and NPPD is one of 21 utilities licensed to operate a nuclear generation facility. “Cooper has provided our customers with tremendous value and is an important piece of our diverse generation mix, providing reliable, around-the-clock power that is carbon free,” added Kent.
emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow includes the construction of Princeton Road Station (PRS), north of NPPD’s Sheldon Station.
NPPD first announced the construction of new generation assets in February of 2024.
PRS will have approximately 216 megawatts of Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engines and approximately 478 megawatts of Combustion Turbines. Both will utilize natural gas and have the option to use fuel oil if needed.
“To serve constantly changing electricity demands, these resources will have the flexibility to ramp up and down quickly,” noted NPPD Executive VP & COO Mick Spencer. “Nebraska's need for electricity continues to grow, and with it, NPPD's generation fleet will grow, too. We've been strategic with every facility we've added, while being mindful of current and future needs and maintaining a focus on affordability.”
To learn more about emPOWERING Nebraska’s Tomorrow and the projects associated with it, visit nppd.com.
