Dawson Public Power District, Courtesy
LEXINGTON — At its November meeting, the Dawson Public Power District Board of Directors approved the 2026 budget.
This budget includes $63 million designated for wholesale power expenses and operating costs, as well as funding for the 2026 work plan and additional capital projects.
The 2026 work plan, valued at $8 million, is designed to address essential upgrades to the DPPD’s infrastructure. This includes improvements to substations as well as transmission and distribution lines. Approximately $3.5 million of the work plan budget is carryover of major projects started in 2025.
This approach aligns with the District’s strategy of starting major projects after the irrigation season and completing them before the next cycle. By scheduling these upgrades outside peak irrigation periods, DPPD minimizes disruptions to local agricultural operations and maintains reliable electric service during periods of high-water usage.
These planned infrastructure enhancements underscore DPPD’s commitment to modernizing the electrical grid and meeting the evolving needs of customers throughout its service territory.
DPPD’s total operating costs through September 2025 are reported at two percent below budget, though they are two percent higher than the previous year. Net margin is $940,000 under budget largely due to reduced irrigation revenue from above-average rainfall.
Other items of discussion:
• State Senators Stan Clouse and Dan McKeon were present to provide an overview of the upcoming Nebraska legislative session and to discuss their responsibilities and ongoing initiatives.
• Page Peterson and Alyssa Clemsen Roberts attended the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Region 7 and Region 9 meeting October 6-8.
• Molly Dixon, Dan Muhlbach, Craig Wietjes and Alyssa Clemsen Roberts attended the Nebraska Public Power District Customer Meeting on October 16.
• Molly Dixon and Alyssa Clemsen Roberts attended the Nebraska Wind and Solar Conference October 21-22.
• Molly Dixon, Joe Jeffrey and Alyssa Clemsen Roberts attended the NPPD Customer/Board Forum on October 29.
• The next board meeting will be held on Monday, December 1.
