Loup Generator — Winter 2022

GENERA OR
a publication of Loup Power District WINTER 2022
INVASIVE
SPECIES
Where did they come from
and how are they affecting
Nebraska?

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ross Knott
Chairman
Alan Drozd
First Vice Chairman
Steve Heesacker
Second Vice Chairman
Robert Cerv
Secretary
Dick Tooley
Treasurer
Rich Aerni
Jim Donoghue
Mike Fleming
Chris Langemeier
Larry Zach
HOW DO WE SET
ELECTRICITY RATES?
Loup Power District identifies electricity rates based on cost of service
while keeping our customers and our communities front and center. As a
not-for-profit company, Loup does not answer to remote shareholders and
is not driven by a profit motive. Revenues are invested right back into the
company and communities.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Neal Suess
President/CEO
Walt Williams
Vice President,
Accounting & Finance/CFO
Todd Duren
Vice President,
Corporate Services
Korey Hobza
Vice President, Engineering
Dan Hellbusch
Vice President, Operations
The Loup Generator is
published quarterly
as a service for Loup
employees, families,
friends, and associates.
For feedback, story ideas
and submissions, contact:
Stacy Wemhoff
Communications Coordinator
402-562-5711
swemhoff@loup.com
ADD UP ALL THE COSTS. Loup conducts a cost-of-service study to
determine the revenue requirement — how much revenue is required
to maintain financial stability. The costs are separated into three areas:
power supply and transmission, distribution, and customers.
DIVIDE REVENUE REQUIREMENTS by customer class — commercial,
industrial, residential. The cost-of-service study identifies how and when
each class uses energy, and how the utility incurs costs from each class.
The study identifies the amount to recover through customer, demand,
and energy charges for each customer class, and how costs vary by time of
day or season. This amount is then compared with the rates for each class.
FACTOR a rate adjustment strategy into a financial plan. The plan takes input
from management and the Board of Directors and lays out a strategy for
how rates should be implemented in the future. The plan ensures adequate
revenues are recovered for each class of customer and explains how each
rate component (customer, energy, demand) should vary over time.
BALANCE the recommended rates with the governing body’s input and
community objectives. Loup’s managers present the rate study to the Board
of Directors. The Board decides whether the proposed rate structure meets
the needs of the community and the utility’s revenue requirements.
FINAL RATE. The newly set rates go into effect on
customers’ monthly bills. Loup’s residential rates have
not changed since 2018.
2 | GENERATOR
COVER PHOTO: Musk thistles. Photo by Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

president’s message
Loup working to bring
broadband to rural areas
Over the past several months, many of you have
possibly read the articles linking Loup Power
District to studies associated with rural broadband.
After thinking about this for a while, you
might ask yourself, “Why is Loup doing this, and
what is the benefit?”
To start, there is a substantial amount of money
available from various government resources
to bring high speed broadband access to rural
areas of the country. That funding prompted us
to consider how we could assist with this effort.
So, Loup, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD),
Platte County, and Cornhusker Public Power
District worked together to enlist the services of the
National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative.
The NRTC — which serves more than 1,500 utilities
in 48 states — is conducting a study on bringing
high speed broadband service to Loup’s fourcounty
area.
Loup and NPPD have been discussing how access
to high speed broadband can help with economic
development in the rural areas of Loup’s service
area. NPPD has been looking at numerous precision
agricultural developments, and this type of
service could enhance that activity, as well as other
economic development services. Additionally,
high speed broadband might entice some young
adults to stay in our smaller towns rather than
migrating to larger cities in the Midwest.
As you can see, the benefit is real and tangible —
especially if this can be done in the right manner.
One impediment to this, however, is a State of
Nebraska law that prohibits Loup from providing
broadband service to end-use customers. State law
does not, however, prohibit Loup from developing
a backbone for service that can be leased
to a company that provides the service. Loup has
a vast amount of infrastructure (such as power
poles) already in place that can be used to string
fiber optic cable that can be used for high speed
broadband service.
This process draws similarities to the electrification
of rural Nebraska in the 1930s and ’40s. The
foresight for stringing wire to rural America along
with federal programs helped bring electricity to
area homes. This enhanced the quality of life for
everyone in the rural areas of the United States.
Broadband can have the same effect on rural
residents today.
With the Covid-19 pandemic of the past 18 months,
it has become even more important to bring
high speed broadband access to the rural areas
of Nebraska. It is imperative that schools and
students have this access in the event that they
need to conduct remote learning.
All these factors persuaded Loup Power District’s
Board of Directors and management that this
project was worth pursuing. It is definitely not a
done deal, but at least the process has started,
allowing the District to better determine the project’s
feasibility and economics.
As we move forward, you can keep up to date by
following Loup on social media, looking at our
website, and watching the news. We look forward
to it.
NEAL SUESS
President/CEO
WINTER 2022 | 3

are you
Check out these energy-saving incentives!
Smart Thermostat Program
If you have a home Wi-Fi connection and a central
air-conditioning or heat pump system, you
may qualify for an incentive of up to $100 for a
qualifying smart thermostat.
Smart thermostat technology is most beneficial
for households that have extended periods during
the day when no one is home. It is also a great
option for homes that have irregular occupancy
through the week, month or year.
Attic Insulation
Residential customers who have 6"
or less of attic insulation and electric
heating systems are eligible for an
incentive of 15¢ per square foot if they
add at least 6" (or an additional R-19)
of insulation to their attic space.
The maximum incentive amount is $300
per dwelling.
SYSTEM TYPE
INCENTIVE
Primarily Electric Heat (Professionally Installed) $100
Primarily Electric Heat (Customer Installed) up to $75
Primarily Fossil-Fuel Heat (Professionally Installed) $50
Primarily Fossil-Fuel Heat (Customer Installed) up to $25
Induction Cooktop
The Induction Cooking Program
offers a 20% incentive to those
who purchase an induction
cooktop or range with a minimum
width of 30".
Electric Vehicle & Charging Station
• $4,000 for the purchase of a new electric vehicle
• $500 for installation of a residential ChargePoint 32-amp, Wi-Fi-enabled vehicle
charging station.
• Up to $400 for in-home pre-wiring for future installation of an electric vehicle
charging station.
• Commercial Conduit — 100% reimbursement incentive (maximum of $1,000)
for new commercial construction for the installation of conduit to be used for a
future public electric vehicle charging station.
• Commercial Charger — 50% reimbursement
incentive for eligible costs for the
installation of an electric vehicle
public charging station.
4 | GENERATOR

High Efficiency Heat Pumps
Option 1: Direct incentive
SYSTEM TYPE CRITERIA INCENTIVE
Ductless Mini-Split 15+ SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF $400
Ductless Mini-Split
Air Source
Air Source
Variable Capacity (inverter
driven)
15-15.9 SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5
HSPF
16-17.9 SEER, 12.5 EER,
8.5 HSPF
$600
$400
$800
Air Source 18+ SEER, 12.5 EER, 8.5 HSPF $1,200
Air Source Variable Capacity $1,200
Ductless Mini Splits
(Multi Heads, 3 ton or greater)
Geothermal — water-to-air
or water-to-water
{1 or 2 stages)
Geothermal — water-to-air
or water-to-water
(Variable capacity)
Option 2: Low-Interest Loan Program
Variable Capacity (inverter
driven)
$1,200
Any EER $2,400
35+ EER, 5.0+ COP in GLHP -
partial load column of AHRI
or Energy Star certificate
$3,300
You can finance your new heat pump system at a low interest rate
through a partnership with the Nebraska Energy Office and about 600
financial institutions throughout the state as an alternative to a direct
incentive.
Customers cannot proceed with the installation until the Nebraska Energy
Office has processed the loan paperwork (this can take as many as 10
business days). Homes built within the last five years are ineligible for the
loan, but owners can apply for the incentive.
Electric Lawn Mower
Advances in battery technology have come
a long way in recent years.
More power is being packed into batteries
so your mower can speedily deliver a
knock-out punch to your lawn.
• 20% incentive on any new batterypowered
or corded electric lawn mower.
• Electric riding, walk-behind, and robotic
mowers are eligible.
• Incentive amount is based on purchase
price (installation, taxes, delivery/
shipping, and setup costs are NOT
eligible).
• Chargers and additional battery
purchases are eligible for the incentive
if they are purchased at the same time
as the mower.
Heat Pump Water Heater
SYSTEM TYPE CRITERIA INCENTIVE
Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater EF > 1.9 $400
Water or Ground Source
Heat Pump Water Heater
COP > 2.8 $650
Cooling System Tune Up
Residential customers are eligible for a
$30 yearly incentive when they have their
cooling system tuned up by an HVAC
contractor.
Air conditioners and heat pumps are
eligible.
Industrial & Agricultural Incentives
Industrial customers can receive incentives for a variety
of energy-saving projects including prescriptive and
custom lighting, commercial HVAC and HVAC system
optimization, industrial processes, variable frequency drives,
and heat pump water heaters.
Incentives are available to ag customers who replace
irrigation outlet components or install a corner pivot
VFD. The Custom Agriculture Incentive Program helps
offset the costs of energy efficiency improvements for
unique programs including grain conditioning, animal
husbandry, building upgrades, and more.
Learn more about these
programs at loup.com
or by calling Greg Badstieber
at 402-562-5718.
This program is offered in
partnership with Nebraska
Public Power District.
WINTER 2022 | 5

INVASIVE SPECIES
& their economic and environmental impact
Their colors brighten the prairies and
fields. Vibrant purples and pinks and
yellows. Tall and elegant or uniquely spiked.
Despite their beauty, some of these plants
are aggressive and dangerous, smothering
surrounding vegetation and taking over.
There are some aquatic species that are
harmful, too, threatening Nebraska’s lakes
and rivers.
These species have one thing in common:
they don’t belong here.
“The economic and social impacts of
invasive species include both direct effects
of a species on property values, agricultural
productivity, public utility operations, native
fisheries, tourism, and outdoor recreation,
as well as costs associated with invasive
species control efforts,” according to the
United States Department of Agriculture.
A 2021 study estimated that invasive
species have cost North America more
than $26 billion per year since 2010.
WHAT ARE INVASIVE SPECIES
AND WHERE DID THEY COME FROM?
An invasive species can be any kind of
non-native living organism — an amphibian,
plant, insect, fish, fungus, bacteria, or even
an organism’s seeds or eggs.
These species are given the
“invasive” label when they grow
and reproduce quickly, or spread
aggressively, outcompeting
native flora and fauna.
Aquatic Invasive Species are introduced
to new environments in a variety of ways
— sometimes intentionally and sometimes
by mistake. Some species, such as common
carp, were introduced intentionally because
immigrants desired them as a food source,
according to the Nebraska Game and Parks
Commission (NE G&PC).
Plant species were often introduced for
landscaping or brought into the country by
immigrants.
The pet trade also introduces new species
unintentionally. Snakehead, Asian clams,
and mystery snails were introduced in the
United States when pet owners disposed of
them in public waters. Exotic species such
as pacu and piranha have been collected in
Nebraska waters, though fortunately neither
species can survive our winters.
Unintentional introduction through
transport accounts for many invasive species
introductions.
These organisms usually hitchhike on
materials shipped from other countries or in
the ballast waters of ships in the Great Lakes
or ports along our coasts.
The Great Lakes have been a major introduction
location for many organisms such as
zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and round
goby, according to the NE G&PC.
LOUP REQUIRED TO MONITOR
AND CONTROL INVASIVE SPECIES
Loup’s hydroelectric license from the
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
(FERC) requires the District to monitor
invasive species throughout its territory.
New Century Environmental (NCE) of
Columbus serves as an environmental
contractor for Loup. The company’s
employees complete rigorous surveys to
ensure that invasive species are not
establishing themselves and causing
damage to District infrastructure.
Invasive species could also harm land
conservation efforts. Invasive species can
change community structure, composition,
and ecosystem processes on these lands in
ways that may not be anticipated.
In addition to making sure new species
aren’t making their way into the Loup area,
NCE biologists also monitor invasive species
that already established. Careful management
can minimize negative impacts to Loup
and the land.
Michael Gutzmer, principal of New
Century Environmental, said invasive
species encroachment will be a challenge
for Loup and other large landowners in the
coming years. He said agencies and citizens
should realize the benefits Loup’s monitoring
efforts provide for the environment.
He said it is no small task to generate
electricity while maintaining environmental
compliance.
“Loup Power District has been a reliable
and affordable provider for almost a
century,” he said. “There is no doubt Loup is
aware of those new and coming species that
could impact our local natural resources.”
Purple loosestrife
is a common invasive
plant in Nebraska
waterways.
6 | GENERATOR

A new aquatic invasive — creeping water primrose (Ludwigia peploides) was
found just off the Loup bypass reach in summer 2021. Photo by Michael Gutzmer.
INVASIVE FLORA
Nearly 400 species of non-native
plants now grow in Nebraska. Most
of these do not cause ecological or
economic damage.
Some species, however, are
destructively invasive — infesting
native prairies, woodlands, and
wetlands; displacing native vegetation
and degrading wildlife habitat; and
harming cropland, yards, and gardens.
Loup has numerous locations with
aquatic species of plants that can be
vulnerable to invasion from non-native
species.
New Century Environmental biologists
have documented more than 200
plant species on Loup lands since 2018.
Invasive species in these areas include
leafy spurge, Canada thistle, musk
thistle, reed grass, common buckthorn,
and purple loosestrife.
The primary consequence of
established invasive plants is that
they displace native or more desirable
plant communities. Invasive plants
change the food web in an ecosystem
by destroying or replacing native food
sources. The invasive species may
provide little to no food value for wildlife
or livestock. Invasive species can
also alter the abundance or diversity of
species that are important habitat for
native wildlife.
“The grasslands of the Northern
Great Plains are in the midst of extensive
alteration and redistribution of
important species,” Gutzmer said.
“Invasive plants contribute to the
degradation of these ecosystems and
present monumental challenges for
natural resource managers.”
Widespread decreases in populations
of grassland-dependent wildlife,
particularly birds, have been documented,
he said.
Seth Gutzmer holds a silver carp found
in a Loup River bypass backwater.
Special thanks to New Century Environmental
and Michael Gutzmer for information in this
story. The company’s scientists and engineers
assess and manage a variety of compliance
and natural resources issues throughout the
Great Plains.
INVASIVE FAUNA
Aquatic invasive species can cause
lasting damage in water systems. Once
established, these species may introduce
disease, push out native species,
drastically change food chains and
physical characteristics, and damage
equipment and water delivery systems.
Silver carp, an invasive fish species,
are found in the Loup canal, the Loup
River bypass, and the lower Platte River.
Invasive species of concern in
Nebraska include the zebra mussel,
quagga mussels, New Zealand mud
snail, Asian clam, and Chinese mystery
snail. Active monitoring has become
necessary in preventing the spread of
these species and minimizing damage
to our aquatic resources.
Other invasive species of concern
include Eurasian collared-dove, European
starling, house sparrow, and rock
dove. These species are well established
in Loup’s service territory and controlling
them would be very difficult. There
is potential for various invasive insects
and feral hogs to become a concern in
the future as well.
stop the spread
Here are some tips to help stop the spread
of invasive species. Keep these in mind
anytime you visit any Loup park as well as
state and national parks.
Don’t let it loose! Do not release pets
into the wild or dump aquariums or bait
buckets into waterways. Unused bait
should be discarded into trash cans.
Clean, Drain, Dry. Thoroughly rinse your
gear and pressure wash your boats, skis,
and other recreation vehicles on site.
Plants and aquatic organisms can get
into any place water can get into. Use hot
water if available.
Don’t keep invasive species as pets
and don’t choose invasive species for your
landscaping.
Wash your vehicle, especially if you
have been driving on unpaved roads or off
road. Plant materials can get stuck in your
tires and undercarriage. This includes
cars, bikes, and ATVs.
Shake out your tent, camp chairs,
sleeping bags, and other camp
accessories before leaving the campsite
to remove any plant or seed materials.
Brush off or wash your pets.
Sticky seeds can hitchhike on their fur.
Clean your shoes or boots by knocking
dirt and plant materials out of the treads.
Consider carrying a boot brush in your car
or pack. Rinse the soles if possible.
Don’t move firewood. Use local
firewood. Do not bring in firewood
from outside the immediate area.
— from the National Park Service
have you spotted an invasive species?
• Report your sighting at neinvasives.com
• Report aquatic invasive species (AIS)
to the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission
at ngpc.AIS@Nebraska.gov or 402-471-7602
WINTER 2022 | 7

MOST
UNWANTED
INVASIVE SPECIES ON LOUP PROPERTY
CANADA THISTLE
Cirsium arvense
Height: up to 4'
Flowers: June to August
Identification: Irregular, sharply lobed
foliage; margins with short spines;
compound pink to purple flowers
in clusters; smaller than other thistles
Known locations: a wide variety of habitats
— rangeland, cropland, roadsides, and
edges of waterways throughout Nebraska
Birthplace: Eurasia and North Africa
Crimes: Spreads up to a half a mile by
wind, water, and wildlife; multi-million
dollar losses in crop production due to
competition; releases toxic substances
into the soil which inhibits growth of some
plants; competes with native vegetation
LEAFY SPURGE
Euphorbia esula
Height: usually 1–2' (can grow to 3')
Flowers: May to September
Identification: Green to yellow bracts
surround non-showy flowers; oblong
leaves with one noteworthy vein; three
lobed capsule fruits
Known locations: Cropland, woodlands,
shelter belts, and rangeland; roadsides
and disturbed sites throughout most
Nebraska counties
Birthplace: Eurasia
Crimes: Spreads by seeds and shoots from
crown and roots; costs millions of dollars
annually due to lost production; toxic to
cattle; establishes quickly and easily and
out-competes native vegetation
MUSK THISTLE
Carduus nutans
Height: 10'
Flowers: May to August
Alias: Nodding Thistle
Identification: Compound pink-purple
flowers; serrated leaves; white spines at
the end of each lobe
Known locations: Widespread in most
Nebraska counties
Birthplace: Eurasia and North Africa
Crimes: Prolific seed production; forms
dense colonies that reduce yield in forage
crops; competes with native vegetation
INVASIVE CARP
Birthplace: China & Eastern Asia;
brought to Arkansas aquaculture
farms in the 1970s
Through flooding and accidental releases, black, grass,
bighead and silver carps found their way into the Mississippi
River system. This gave them access to many of the
country’s rivers and streams.
Silver Carp
Grass Carp
8 | GENERATOR

PURPLE
LOOSESTRIFE
Lythrum salicaria
Height: up to 8'
Blooms: July through September
Identification: Pink-purple flowers; heartshaped
leaves
Known locations: Widespread throughout
Nebraska, especially in the east along the
Platte and Niobrara Rivers
Birthplace: Introduced from Europe as an
ornamental for landscaping
Crimes: Spreads by resprouting from stem
cuttings and pieces of root stock; longliving
seeds disperse by wind and water,
and can adhere to wildlife, livestock,
people, tires, boats, etc.; forms dense
stands over very large areas, restricting
water movement, trapping sediment and
causing changes in water quality; adapts
to many environments and competes with
native vegetation
PLUMELESS
THISTLE
Carduus acanthoides
Height: up to 4'
Flowers: June to August
Identification: Purple clustered
or solitary flowers; spiny stem (unlike
musk thistle which has a spineless stem
area); spiny leaves; hairs at the tip
Known locations: Widespread in pastures,
rangeland, non-crop areas, and roadsides
— especially in Northeast Nebraska
Birthplace: Eurasia
Crimes: Serves as a food source for butterflies
and songbirds; spreads primarily by
wind-driven seed distribution; thousands
of dollars lost in Nebraska agricultural
production annually; competes with native
vegetation
COMMON REED
GRASS
Phragmites australis
Height: up to 20'
Seeds: July through September
Identification: yellow-green leaves
contrast with gray-green foliage of many
native reed grasses
Known locations: Marshes, floodplains,
ditches, ponds, waterways throughout
Nebraska, especially along the Platte River
Birthplace: Introduced from Europe for
erosion control
Crimes: Spreads by extensive rhizomes
and seed dispersal; inadvertently transported
by boats and other recreational
equipment such as duck blinds and
decoys; forms dense stands over very
large areas, restricting water movement,
trapping sediment and causing changes
in water quality; severe infestations
will dominate waters; adapts to many
environments and competes with native
vegetation
Bighead Carp
Crimes: These invasive carp are aggressive,
fast-growing, and prolific feeders that
out-compete native fish and leave a trail
of environmental destruction in their wake
Black Carp
For more information about invasive
carp, visit neinvasives.com and
outdoor nebraska.gov.
Fish photos by Ryan Hagerty/USFWS.
Thanks to MIke Gutzmer for information.
WINTER 2022 | 9

Ductless Mini-Splits 101:
an introduction for homeowners
Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature
can be expensive. A typical household’s energy bill
is around $1,900 annually, and almost half of that
goes to heating and cooling!
To cut these costs, an increasingly popular and
highly versatile system called a mini-split heat
pump can be professionally installed to comfortably
heat and cool your home.
Mini-split heat pumps that earn the ENERGY STAR
label are independently certified to save energy,
save money, and protect the climate.
WHAT IS A MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP?
Ductless heat pumps, or mini-split heat pumps, are
an alternative to radiator or baseboard heating, as
well as a replacement for window units for cooling.
No duct work is needed.
Instead, a head unit (or multiple head units),
are mounted on an interior wall or ceiling, with
an accompanying unit outside. The outside unit
extracts heat from the air, even when it’s cold.
Refrigerant carries the heat directly to the head(s)
inside, which then delivers heated air to a space.
In warmer months, the system works in reverse for
efficient air conditioning.
indoor unit
refrigerant lines
outdoor unit
10 | GENERATOR
Graphic courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric

BENEFTS OF A MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP
• Cut heating costs in half compared to conventional
electric heating systems. Because they transfer rather
than generate heat, ENERGY STAR certified mini-splits
use up to 60% less energy than standard home electric
radiators.
• Provide quiet, high-efficiency cooling. ENERGY STAR
certified mini-splits use more sophisticated compressors
and fans that can adjust speeds to save energy and
money. They also cool directly from the unit, rather
than passing through a network of fabricated ductwork.
This eliminates energy losses from ductwork which can
account for more than 30% of a home’s energy use for
space conditioning.
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A mini-split is good
for your home and good for the planet. ENERGY STAR
certified systems used in a whole house setting avoid
more than 4,500 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions,
on average, over the course of their lifespan compared to
standard systems.
• Heating and cooling in one device. Mini-split heat pumps
offer highly efficient heating and cooling in one integrated
system.
• Easy, ductwork-free installation. Mini-splits use narrow
refrigerant lines positioned outside your home to deliver
heating and cooling instead of conventional central
heating and cooling which requires bulky — and often
expensive — ductwork. A small, three-inch hole in an
outdoor wall is all that is needed for the refrigeration lines
to connect the outdoor unit to the indoor unit.
• Custom comfort anywhere in your home. Mini-splits can
maintain different customized temperatures in each room
through control consoles (either wall-mounted or ceilinginserted),
remote controls, and smart phone apps.
DISADVANTAGES
The primary disadvantage of mini-splits is their cost. Such
systems cost about $1,500 to $2,000 per ton (12,000 Btu
per hour) of cooling capacity. This is about 30% more than
central systems (not including ductwork) and may cost twice
as much as window units of similar capacity.
The installer must also correctly size each indoor unit and
judge the best location for its installation. Oversized or
incorrectly located air-handlers often result in short-cycling,
which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature
or humidity control. A system that is too large is also
more expensive to buy and operate.
Some people may not like the appearance of the indoor part
of the system. While less obtrusive than a window room air
conditioner, they seldom have the built-in look of a central
system. There must also be a place to drain condensate
water near the outdoor unit.
IS A MINI-SPLIT HEAT PUMP RIGHT FOR YOU?
Mini-splits are often used in the following situations:
• Homes with costly electric heat (e.g., baseboard, furnace,
wall heaters, electric radiant) that will also benefit from
cooling.
• Older homes with no existing ductwork (e.g., radiators
or baseboard heat) that have never had central air
conditioning before.
• Existing homes with high fuel costs.
• Additions or outbuildings (e.g., shed, barn, garage)
where extending ductwork or heating/cooling capacity is
difficult.
• Spaces adjacent to unconditioned spaces where ductwork
would be exposed to harsher temperatures (e.g., a guest
room above a garage).
• New high-efficiency homes, including ENERGY STAR
certified homes.
• Older commercial buildings with no existing ductwork for
air conditioning or expansions.
• Where hot or cold spots exist within homes including
spaces which serve as home offices.
Mini-splits come in a variety of styles to meet the unique
heating and cooling applications and customer preferences
to provide efficient comfort that traditional systems cannot
provide. Styles include wall mounts, floor mounts, ceiling
cassettes, and ducted options that can be concealed.
Check out the ENERGY STAR Heating and Cooling Guide at
energystar.gov/HVACguide to see if a mini-split is right
for you. Learn the symptoms of aging heating and cooling
equipment and find product and rebate information.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF INCENTIVES
Loup customers are eligible for a direct incentive of $400
to $1,200 when they install qualifying ductless mini-split
systems.
As an alternative to the direct incentive, customers can
apply for a low-interest loan to purchase a mini-split system.
Nebraska Dollar and Energy Saving Loans are offered
statewide by the Nebraska Department of Environment and
Energy (NDEE) and the state’s lending institutions. (New
homes are eligible for the incentive, but not the loan).
To learn more about these incentives and qualifications,
visit bit.ly/EW-Loup
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
ENERGY STAR program; energy.gov.
WINTER 2022 | 11

No change to 2022 retail rates
Retail rates for Loup Power District’s
retail customers will remain the same in
2022 for the fifth consecutive year.
The Loup Power District Board of Directors
reviewed current rate levels as well
as budgeted revenue and expenses at
the November and December board
meetings. This also included a review of
a retail cost of service study performed
by management.
As part of this review, the board
analyzed the purchased power costs
from Nebraska Public Power District
(NPPD), the District’s wholesale power
supplier.
NPPD’s overall costs to Loup are not
expected to change for 2022, even
though some wholesale rates did
change between the summer and winter
season. Therefore, the District’s Board
of Directors felt there was no need to
change retail rates at this time.
“Prior to the recent run of consistent
retail rates, the District has reacted
to changes in wholesale power and
operational costs by making changes
to the retail rates,” said Jim Donoghue,
chairman of Loup’s Rates Committee.
“However, the District Board has
worked with management to keep retail
rate levels steady, even given the effects
of the damages from the 2019 storm to
the District’s hydroelectric system and
the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on District customers in 2020 and 2021.”
Donoghue added that Loup’s board
has implemented a long-term strategy
to maintain its reserve margin at
reasonable levels and keep retail rates
competitive.
Loup Power District’s overall rates are
24.8 percent below the national average
and 8.1 percent below the Nebraska
average based on data from a 2020
American Public Power Association
survey.
“Loup’s rates remain among the lowest
in Nebraska and the nation,” said Loup
Board Chairman Ross Knott.
Average Prices for Residential Electricity
2020 figures, in cents per kWh
CA
20.5¢
WA
9.9¢
OR
11.2¢
NV
11.3¢
AK
22.6¢
ID
10¢
UT
10.4¢
AZ
12.3¢
MT
11.2¢
WY
11.1¢
CO
12.4¢
NM
12.9¢
HI
30.3¢
Overall, Loup Power District’s rates are
in the lowest tenth percentile both statewide
and nationally.
Energy or kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage
is always the determining factor in a
customer’s bill.
Customers in all rate classifications
continue to have opportunities to
reduce their costs by taking advantage
of numerous programs offered by the
District.
These programs include energy incentives
and home energy audits. For more
information on rates and the Energy-
Wise program, visit loup.com.
ND
10.4¢
SD
11.8¢
NE
10.8¢
KS
12.9¢
TX
11.7¢
OK
10.1¢
MN
13.2¢
IA
12.5¢
MO
11.2¢
AR
10.4¢
WI
14.3¢
LA
9.7¢
IL
13¢
MS
11.2¢
U.S. Average: 13.2¢ per kWh
MI
16.3¢
IN OH
12.8¢ 12.3¢
KY
10.9¢
TN
10.8¢
AL
12.6¢
VT: 19.5¢
NH: 19¢
MA: 22¢
RI: 22¢
CT: 22.7¢
WV
11.8¢
Under 10 ¢
10¢ to 12.5¢
PA
13.6¢
12.8¢
GA
12¢
FL
11.3¢
NY
18.4¢
VA
12¢
NC
11.4¢
SC
Residential Average Price
(cents per kilowatt-hour)
Over 12.5¢
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration
Numbers rounded to nearest tenth of a cent
Loup’s retail rates
are 24.8% below
the national average
and 8.1% below
Nebraska’s average.
ME
16.8¢
NJ: 16¢
DE: 12.6¢
MD: 13¢
DC: 12.6¢
For more information on the District’s retail rates and energy-saving programs,
visit the District’s website at www.loup.com.
12 | GENERATOR

WINTER 2022 | 13

employee notes
BO OLSON
Maintenance Technician
Casey “Bo” Olson
of Genoa has joined
Loup Power District
as a Maintenance
Technician at the
Genoa Headworks.
In his new role,
Olson is responsible
for maintaining District
parks, facilities,
and equipment
WELCOME
in the hydraulic
operations of the
District. He will also assist the Dredge/
Maintenance Canal Technicians and
serve on the dredge during the dredging
season.
Olson is a graduate of Genoa High
School. He has been self-employed for
the past 26 years. He and his wife, Jill,
have one son, Colby.
ROY BABB
St. Edward Local Superintendent
Babb joined Loup in
1991 as a Lineman
at the Fullerton
Retail Operation.
He was promoted
to Journeyman
Lineman in 1993
and was named to
his current position
of St. Edward Local
Superintendent in
1994.
Babb is responsible
for overseeing the maintenance and
construction of Loup’s electric power
transmission and distribution system in
the St. Edward areas. He also directs
customer service in the area.
Babb is a graduate of Fullerton High
School. He attended Northeast
Community College in Norfolk where
he earned an Associate of Applied
Science Degree in Utility Line.
Babb and his wife, Shelly, are the parents
of four children — Dustin, Clarissa,
Alex, and Griffin.
14 | GENERATOR
30 YEARS
SAGE PENNY
Lineman
Sage Penny joined
Loup in 2020 as a
Lineman in Fullerton.
He is member of
the crew that is
responsible for the
construction, tree
trimming, operation,
1 YEAR
and maintenance
of electric transmission
and distribution systems and
substations in the Fullerton Division.
Penny is originally from Decatur and
graduated from Tekamah-Herman High
School. He earned a degree in Utility
Line from Mitchell Technical College in
Mitchell, SD.
DAVE MEYER
Line Foreman
Dave Meyer joined
Loup in 1976 as an
Apprentice Lineman
at Albion. He
was promoted to
Lineman in 1977
and to Journeyman
Lineman in 1980. He
transferred to Journeyman
Lineman/
Serviceman in 1984
and became Journeyman Lineman at
the Albion Retail Operation in 1986.
45 YEARS
In 1995, Meyer transferred to Columbus
and was promoted to Line Foreman
at Fullerton in 2001. He transferred to
Albion as a Journeyman Lineman in
2005 before being named Line Foreman
for the Albion line crew in 2014.
In his role as Line Foreman, Meyer's
duties include heading up the line crew
in charge of construction and maintenance
of Loup’s electrical transmission
and distribution system in the Albion
Division.
Meyer is a graduate of Sheldon High
School in Sheldon, Iowa. He attended
Northwest Iowa Technical College
in Sheldon, Iowa, where he earned a
degree in Utility Line.
He has three children — Patrick, Amy,
and Shannon.
TIM RAMAEKERS
Meter/Maintenance Superintendent
Tim Ramaekers
joined Loup in 2001
as a Lineman. He
was promoted
to Journeyman
Lineman in 2006
and was promoted
to Meter Relay &
Equipment Technician
in 2008. He
was named Meter/
Maintenance Superintendent
in 2019.
Ramaekers oversees the Meter and
Maintenance Department. The Meter
and Maintenance crew performs high
voltage switching, maintenance, and
inspections of distribution and transmission
substations throughout the District.
The department also operates and
maintains Loup’s SCADA (Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition) system
and irrigation load control.
Ramaekers is a graduate of Norfolk
Catholic High School. He has an
Associate of Applied Science Degree
in Utility Line from Northeast Community
College and an Associate Degree
in Business Administration from Central
Community College.
He and his wife, Michelle, are the
parents of a daughter, Garyn, and a
son, Kai.
CONNOR NEAL
Lineman
Connor Neal joined
Loup as a Lineman
based in Albion in
2020.
As a Lineman, Neal
is member of the
crew that is responsible
for the construction,
operation,
and maintenance
of electric transmission
and distribution
systems and substations
in the Albion Division.
20 YEARS
1 YEAR
He is a graduate of Norfolk School and
a degree in Utility Line from Northeast
Community College.

DAN STRONG
Maintenance Technician
Dan Strong of Genoa has retired from Loup Power District after 35 years of service.
He joined Loup in 1986 as a Maintenance Man at the Genoa Headworks. He was promoted to Maintenance
Technician in 1988 and remained in that position until his retirement.
As a Maintenance Technician, Strong’s responsibilities included maintaining and servicing vehicles and equipment
at the Genoa Headworks. He also worked on the electrical and mechanical components of the District’s
dredge, the Pawnee II.
Strong is a graduate of Genoa High School. He and his wife, Janice, are the parents of two children: Brandy
and Brian. He also has five grandchildren — Hannah, Garrison, Marshall, Grady, and Grant.
RETIRED
around the district
DECEMBER 15 STORM DAMAGE
Wind and tornadoes tore through the District’s service area on Dec. 15. Some of the worst damage was west of Humphrey
along Highway 91 where the storm snapped about 20 poles and downed about a mile of subtransmission and distribution
lines. Photos by Mike Brabec and Dave Meyer.
WINTER 2022 | 15

2404 15th Street | PO Box 988
Columbus, NE 68602-0988
HEAT
PUMP
& AC
$
$
$
SMART
THERMOSTAT
$
ATTIC
INSULATION
WATER
HEATER
$
INDUCTION
COOKTOP
IT PAYS TO BE
ENERGY EFFICIENT!
Learn more about our incentives and rebates for
energy-efficient home improvements on pages 4-5.
$ ELECTRIC
VEHICLE
& CHARGER
$ ELECTRIC
LAWN
MOWER