Center line pivot irrigation, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
LEXINGTON — Dawson Public Power District’s board of directors met on Jan. 9, 2025.
The board voted to rebalance irrigation rates by decreasing energy charges and increasing the demand portion of the rate. This better aligns Dawson PPD’s rates with the wholesale power bill from Nebraska Public Power District, which puts more emphasis on demand. The rate change is designed to be neutral. The new rate is available at DawsonPower.com. The previous irrigation rate had been in effect since 2021.
Bob Miller, Manager of Purchasing and Facilities, presented the 2024 inventory report. Inventory is up $1.3 million, compared to the previous year. Material shortages continue to cause inventory challenges. The department is currently receiving transformers ordered for delivery in 2021.
General Manager Gwen Kautz reported that total operating costs are 1.5% over budget as of the end of November. The cost of wholesale power is 56.88% of the year-to-date expenses, at $30,883,926.
Other board actions included:
- The board elected the same leadership for 2025. Dan Muhlbach of Kearney is the Board President. The Vice President is Craig Wietjes of Riverdale. Page Peterson of Gothenburg is the Treasurer and legal counsel Bronson Malcom will continue to serve as Secretary.
- Director Craig Wietjes provided an overview of the work at the Midwest Electric Consumers Association. Future regulations will depend on the new administration and those appointed to lead agencies. Midwest will lobby to protect assets like federal hydropower which helps keep Dawson PPD irrigation rates low.
- The Information Technology Manager, Robb Hanna, encouraged the use of multi-factor authentication for both business and personal accounts. He also cautioned against re-using passwords.
The next board meeting will be held on Feb. 7.
