Protect Affordable Electricity: What does affordable mean to you?

Affordable electricity has different meanings for different end-use customers.  Some businesses use low-cost electricity as a competitive advantage in a highly competitive global market.  Some retirees may look at low-cost electricity as a necessity to balance a tight budget.  The farming community may choose electricity to perform several tasks on the farm that increase production and reduce the burden of labor intense tasks. These different applications are important to us regardless of the end-use of the electricity.

Nebraskans have enjoyed the benefits of low-cost electricity for many years through the Public Power model.  There are no profit margins “tacked on” to electric rates to satisfy the investors.  Any margins collected are returned through lower rates or used to build infrastructure offsetting future rate increases.  We also maintain a cash balance adequate to handle any unexpected emergencies we may encounter.

The SCPPD Board of Directors and management understand the importance of reliable and low-cost energy.  Low-cost energy has been a competitive advantage for the farming and ranching industry for years here in Nebraska.   Businesses are locating in the Midwest, including Nebraska, to escape the high energy costs of both coasts.  We understand this and will continue to provide that advantage to our customers the best way we can.  Currently we are returning a 10% reduction on wholesale power costs to our customers through a credit on your electric bill.  This credit is a line item on your bill labeled PCA that shows your monthly credit.  SCPPD has returned over $1 million to its customers since February of 2020 and that will continue through the next couple years.

One of the contributing factors for low-cost energy in Nebraska is the generation fleet, which includes the assests that generate the electricity, and are owned by the rate payers of Nebraska.  The NPPD fleet consist of one of the lowest cost, environmentally friendly coal generation facilities in the world.  The fleet has a diverse fuel mix as well allowing NPPD to capitalize on the market.  If one fuel source increases in cost or is unavailable such as renewable, then others can pick up the slack and serve native load or be sold into the market when there is excess generation. The SPP market has also allowed Nebraskans to sell excess energy into the market when we have more generation than we need.

Here at Stanton County PPD, we will continue to balance reliability and affordability.  These are the two of the three pillars of Public Power in Nebraska.  We will continue to do our part keep your lights on and keeping that affordable.

General Manager, Chad Waldow

How can you save on heating cost this winter?

Some answers to that question are basic: turn down the thermostat a few degrees from where you would normally keep it and dress in layers. Keep your feet warm and have plenty of extra blankets around.

 Most people like to pull up the covers at night when it’s cold outside. Add extra blankets, use flannel sheets and a thick comforter so that you can turn down your thermostat while you sleep. It also helps to use insulated or lined curtains to keep the cold air out; not only in your bedroom, but throughout your home.

Other energy saving tips include:

•  Get your heating system regularly maintained
• Seal uncontrolled air leaks – ex: window, doors, attics, outlets, & chimneys
• Close window coverings after dusk to reduce heat loss
• Regularly vacuum or clean vents
• Keep fireplace dampers closed
• Run your ceiling fan in a clockwise direction to push down warm air
• When the time comes to replace your furnace, consider replacing with a high efficiency heat pump

 

 

SCPPD & Safe Electricity recommend sharing these outdoor safety tips with children of all ages:

• Do not touch or go near a sagging or downed power line.
• Never climb trees near power lines.
• Fly kites, model airplanes, remote-control flying toys and drones in large, open areas, such as parks or fields, far away from power lines. If any of these items (or any item or object) gets caught in a power line, never try to retrieve it.
• Never fly kites or other toys when a thunderstorm may be approaching.
• Never climb a utility pole or tower. The electricity carried through this equipment could kill you.
• Never go into an electric substation for any reason. Electric substations contain high-voltage equipment, which can kill you. Never rescue a pet or retrieve a ball or toy that goes inside the fenced area surrounding a substation.
• Always stay away from outdoor electrical equipment marked “keep out,” “high voltage” or “danger.”
• Do not play, sit or climb on a padmount transformer, a.k.a. green box.

Additionally, share the following indoor safety tips with children:

• Do not play with electrical cords or plugs.
• Younger children should ask an adult before plugging in or unplugging something. In addition, never pull or tug on cords. Instead, gently pull the plug out of the wall by grasping the plug (and not the cord).
• Do not touch or use cords that appear damaged.
• Keep cords away from heat and water.
• Never stick fingers, tongues, toys or other body parts or objects into electrical outlets or light sockets.
• Never sleep with phones, tablets or other electronics in the bed or under a pillow. The electronic device can overheat or experience a short in the charging cable, causing bedding to catch on fire, burns to the skin or electric shock.
• Never play with electronic toys or gadgets in the bathtub or other water.

Never touch appliances, switches, outlets, sockets

In celebration of Public Power Month, we reflect on the benefits we all receive from Public Power Districts. Our reliability, affordability, local control and safety all keep us working together for dependable electricity.