July / Aug. / Sept. 2009 - Nebraska Public Power District

Current news about Nebraska Public Power District 

July / August / September 2009 

Volume 2 Issue 4

2 

ENERGY INSIGHT • JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 

Energy Insight is published by 

the Nebraska Public Power District 

Corporate Communications Department 

as a service for employees, customers 

and friends of NPPD. Its purpose 

is to communicate NPPD news 

and information and to recognize 

achievements of employees, retirees 

and their families. 

Board of Directors 

Dennis Rasmussen, Chairman 

Larry Linstrom, First Vice Chairman 

Ron Larsen, Second Vice Chairman 

Mary Harding, Secretary 

Wayne Boyd 

Jerry Chlopek 

Virg Froehlich 

Ken Kunze 

Darrell Nelson 

Ed Schrock 

Gary Thompson 

Senior Manager, Government and 

Public Relations 

Beth Boesch 

Executive Editor 

Brenda Sanne 

Managing Editor 

Jill Novicki, jrnovic@nppd.com 

Photography 

Gary Pelster 

Contributors 

Evelyn Chittenden 

Mark Miller 

Graphic Design 

Bill Haack 

Dan Zastera 

Reporters 

Marjorie Allen, Chadron 

Darla Wait, Chadron 

Kathy Fadschild, Columbus 

Glenn Troester, Cooper Nuclear Station 

Kathy Nelson, Doniphan Control Center 

Lynn Phagan, Gerald Gentleman Station 

Lisa Willson, Kearney 

Bobbie Morford, Lincoln 

Kathy Eaton, McCook 

Helen Hinz, McCook 

Barb Keating, Norfolk 

Mindy Leaverton, Norfolk 

Connie Knapp, Ogallala 

Eileen Osborne, O’Neill 

Lottie Kellison, Plattsmouth 

Colleen Mathewson, Scottsbluff 

Cindy Holsing, Sheldon Station 

Kris Cross, South Sioux City 

Cindy Klein, York 

3 Halloween Safety 

It’s a ghoulish time of year. 

Learn what you can do to help 

keep little ones safe. 

4 President’s Message 

Below average temperatures 

and above average precipitation 

present challenges for the 

District. Read what President 

and CEO Ron Asche has to say 

about the situation. 

6 Transmission 

Projects in Full Swing 

Read about the importance 

of four NPPD transmission 

projects. 

8 Public Power 

Progressing Toward 

a Smart Grid 

NPPD and 13 public power 

partners seek stimulus funds to 

develop smart grid technology. 

courtesy photo 

10 A New Rate Choice 

NPPD hopes to learn more 

about customers’ energy habits 

through a “time-of-use” rate 

pilot program. 

12 Compliance and You 

Transmission Compliance and 

Planning Manager Paul Malone 

explains what you can do to 

help NPPD meet new rules and 

regulations. 

14 Tips to Save Energy 

Follow these EnergyWise SM 

tips to save money on your 

electric bill. 

16 News Briefs 

Check out these headlines and 

photos from around the state 

to learn more about NPPD’s 

recent activities. 

About the Cover: 

Nebraska City Station Unit 2 

provides electricity to NPPD and 

seven other utilities. The District’s 

participation share of the new facility 

is 157 megawatts. Other utilities 

purchasing power from the plant under 

long-term contracts are Nebraska 

City Utilities, Falls City Utilities, 

Grand Island Utilities Department, 

Independence (Missouri) Power & 

Light, Missouri Joint Electric Utilities 

Commission, and Central Minnesota 

Municipal Power Agency. Omaha 

Public Power District owns and 

operates the plant and uses half of its 

663 megawatts of electrical generation. 

The other utilities have long-term 

contracts to purchase the remaining 

portion of the plant’s generating 

capacity. The plant came on-line May 

1, 2009, and a dedication ceremony 

and facility tours were held in July.

SAFETY TIPS 

for a... 

Halloween is a cherished tradition but the 

excitement of the night can cause children to 

forget to be careful. There is no real “trick” 

to making Halloween a real treat for the 

entire family. The following tips will help keep 

everyone safe. 

The National Safety Council urges 

motorists to be especially alert on 

Halloween. 

• Watch for children darting out from between parked 

cars. 

• Watch for children walking on roadways, medians 

and curbs. 

• Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully. 

• At twilight and later in the evening, watch for chil‑ 

dren in dark clothing. 

on the 

Wayne Bruns, planner, Sheldon Station, to planner/ 

scheduler. 

Mathew Ellison, combustion turbine technician, 

Sheldon Station, to engineering specialist. 

Kirk Evert, engineer—project engineering 

department, Gerald Gentleman Station, to engineer. 

Jack Frary, water quality technician, GGS, to 

radiological protection technician, Cooper Nuclear 

Station. 

John Frum, planner, CNS, to project manager. 

Cody Hellbusch, apprentice line 

technician‑in‑training, York, to apprentice line 

construction technician. 

Gerald Horn, mechanical engineering 

supervisor (TA), CNS, to mechanical engineering 

supervisor. 

ENERGY INSIGHT • JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 3 

Before children start out on their “trick 

or treat” rounds, parents should: 

• Make sure that an adult or an older responsible 

youth will be supervising the outing for children 

under age 12. 

• Plan and discuss the route trick‑or‑treaters intend to 

follow. Know the names of older children’s com‑ 

panions. 

• Instruct your children to travel only in familiar areas 

and along an established route. 

• Teach your children to stop only at houses or apart‑ 

ment buildings that are well‑lit and never to enter a 

stranger’s home. 

• Establish a return time. 

• Tell your youngsters not to eat any treat until they 

return home. 

• Review all appropriate trick‑or‑treat safety precau‑ 

tions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules. 

• Pin a slip of paper with the child’s name, address 

and phone number inside a pocket in case the 

youngster gets separated from the group. 

To ensure a safe trick-or-treat outing, 

parents are urged to: 

• Give children an early meal before 

going out. 

• 

• 

• 

Insist that treats be brought home 

for inspection before anything 

is eaten. 

Wash fruit and slice into 

small pieces. 

When in doubt, throw it out. 

Todd Keller, journey line technician, Ainsworth, to 

local manager. 

Marlene Lentfer, operator, Kearney, to administrative 

assistant (TA), Columbus. 

Thomas Reeson, apprentice line 

technician‑in‑training, Kearney, to apprentice line 

technician, Ogallala. 

Bruce Rhodes, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, 

and refrigeration/electrical building maintenance 

technician, Doniphan, to heating, ventilation, air 

conditioning, and refrigeration/electrical building 

maintenance technician lead. 

John Walsh, asset management specialist, GGS, to 

day shift leader. 

Brandon Ware, operator, Kearney, to operator team 

leader.

4 


Not a 

TYPICAL 

from the 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

First, this summer’s mild weather resulted in 

reduced sales to our Nebraska customers. 

Our “billable” peak load this summer of 

2,181 megawatts was 365 megawatts below our 2009 

original budget, which was used to set electric rates 

for this year. In April, we revised the 2009 budget and 

lowered our forecasted billable summer peak load 

from 2,546 megawatts to 2,449 megawatts. The actual 

billable peak of 2,181 megawatts was 268 megawatts 

below that revised budget estimate. 

summer 

RON ASCHE 

As the summer draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the season. Obviously, this wasn’t 

a typical summer. We saw below average temperatures and above average precipitation. If 

you are an outdoor enthusiast, you might have enjoyed the mild temperatures; however, the 

weather indirectly brought with it several challenges for the District. 

Energy usage has also been down. As a result, we 

expect to end this year with sales to our Nebraska 

customers $24 million below our revised budget. 

A second challenge included a reduction in prices in 

the regional wholesale energy markets due primarily 

to the national economic recession and reduced 

natural gas prices. For example, through August, 

the District’s average sales price of non-firm energy 

on the wholesale energy market is about $25 per 

megawatt‑hour, a decline of 50 percent from the

average price for the same time period in 2008. 

Actual revenues from the wholesale non-firm 

energy sales are forecasted to be $33 million below 

our revised budget for the year. Projected revenue 

shortfalls from sales to our Nebraska customers— 

coupled with declining energy prices—are about 

$57 million for this year. 

Thankfully, we’re able to offset some of this 

shortfall. Earlier this year, we looked for ways 

to reduce our 2009 costs and were able to cut 

approximately $20 million from our budget. 

Because of the decrease in energy sales to our 

Nebraska customers, our fuel and purchased power 

costs are going to be less than budgeted. We’re also 

expecting our O&M expenses to be slightly less 

than budget. Between the revenue shortfall and 

the cost cuts, NPPD is currently projecting a $19 

million deficit for 2009. This deficit in 2009 will in 

part be covered by use of existing rate stabilization 

funds. 

What about 2010 electric rates? 

Our preliminary 2010 budgets indicated 

additional revenue shortfalls. To mitigate these 

shortfalls, we looked first at cutting costs. We did a 

review of our preliminary 2010 budgets. That effort 

resulted in $21 million of proposed cost reductions. 

We changed some of our short-term financing plans 

resulting in additional reductions of $11 million 

for 2010, for a total reduction of $32 million in our 

operating budget for next year. We also deferred or 

reduced our capital budget for next year by more 

than $60 million. One thing we did not cut were 

expenditures necessary to maintain safety and 

reliability of our system. 

Even with these cost reductions, we will need 

to increase both wholesale and retail rates around 

6 percent for next year. The main reason this 


Some of things we will do to reduce 

our operating budget for next year 

include: 

• freeze executive salaries at current levels for 2010 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

defer merit pay adjustments for colleagues across the 

District until the fall of 2010 (merit adjustments are 

typically made in March), and then we will look to see 

if our financial situation has improved before making a 

final determination 

defer filling vacant positions wherever possible 

defer enhancements to the 401k retirement program 

reduce employee travel and training 

reduce software enhancements and outside contractor 

services 

reduce tree trimming and pole inspections provided it 

does not impact safety and reliability 

increase is necessary is to cover the cost of new 

facility additions and improvements that have been 

made to our system, such as the new 80‑mile 345 kV 

transmission line from Columbus to Lincoln that will 

be completed later this year, improvements made at 

Cooper Nuclear Station, and payment of our share 

of the costs of OPPD’s new Nebraska City coal-fired 

plant which began operation late this spring. 

Next steps 

Our Board of Directors will consider final rate 

changes for 2010 later this year. The new proposed 

rates, if approved by the Board, would likely have an 

effective date of Jan. 1. The proposed rate adjustments 

would have been substantially higher if we had 

not been able to reduce our costs. The support of 

colleagues across the District has been tremendous. 

I thank everyone for their support in addressing our 

financial situation in these trying economic times. Our 

customers expect nothing less from all of us.

6 


Quartet of transmission 

projects... 

JACK STEINER 

Project managers Craig Holthe and Jack Steiner might not be 

wielding batons, shepherding wayward woodwinds or tempering bombastic 

brass, but the two are currently orchestrating a quartet of important 

transmission projects in northeast and central Nebraska. 

Even though they may be the “leader of the 

band,” figuratively speaking, their ultimate 

goal isn’t to ply an audience with sweet 

music. These four projects are being undertaken 

to meet growing electrical loads, ensure system 

reliability, increase the efficient use of NPPD’s 

generation resources and meet the District’s mandate 

to provide service and fulfill regional obligations. 

Briefly, the four projects are: 

1) Three 115,000‑volt [115 kV] transmission lines 

[and accompanying substation work] in support of 

TransCanada’s Keystone XL crude oil pipeline; 2) 

strikes up-tempo 

notes! 

CRAIG HOLTHE 

A 345 kV transmission line [and accompanying 

substation work] from the Axtell Substation south of 

Kearney to the Nebraska/Kansas border; 3) Two 115 

kV transmission lines [and accompanying substation 

work] in South Sioux City to support expanding 

load in that bustling community; and 4) A 115 kV 

transmission line to support a new wind farm near 

Broken Bow, contingent on NPPD being able to sell 

up to 50 percent of the output to other utilities. The 

Broken Bow wind farm will need transmission lines to 

move energy from the farm to the substation. Pending 

approvals, construction is anticipated to begin in early 

2010 and should be completed in early 2011.

In total, these projects carry an early, estimated 

price tag of approximately $180 million, with a share 

of the costs being paid by members of the Southwest 

Power Pool, wind developers and TransCanada. 

NPPD’s 115 kV transmission line 

project for the TransCanada Keystone 

XL crude oil pipeline will involve construction 

of three 115 kV transmission line segments. These 

will be built from O’Neill to near Stuart, from 

Petersburg to near Ericson and from south of Clarks to 

near Central City. The new lines will provide electric 

energy to three NPPD wholesale customers – Niobrara 

Valley EMC, Loup Valleys RPPD and Southern Power 

District, respectively. These three utilities will then 

supply power to TransCanada enabling that company 

to operate pump stations to move crude oil through 

its pipeline. TransCanada and NPPD will share in 

the cost of this project, with most being paid by 

TransCanada. Construction is set to begin in mid‑2011 

with an in service date of mid 2012. 

The Axtell to Kansas 345 kV electric 

transmission line project is part of a larger, 

multi‑entity project that encompasses a total of 

approximately 215 miles of new, 345 kV transmission 

line to be built in the states of Nebraska and Kansas. 

NPPD’s portion of the project (approximately 

45 miles) runs from the Axtell Substation to the 

Nebraska/Kansas border. There, NPPD’s new 

transmission line will link with a similar transmission 

line project being constructed by ITC Great Plains. 

This project is part of the Southwest Power Pool’s (a 

Regional Transmission Organization of which NPPD 

is a member) “Balanced Portfolio” of transmission 

projects and as such will be paid for by SPP members, 

although exact allocation formulas have not yet been 

determined. Construction on this project will begin 

in the fall of 2011 with an in‑service date of summer 

2013. 

The South Sioux City 115 kV 

transmission system expansion project 

involves design and construction of approximately 15 

miles, total, of two 115 kV transmission lines from the 

existing Twin Church Substation to a new substation 

to be constructed approximately one mile northeast of 

Dakota City. 


Why build these 

transmission lines? 

The answer differs slightly for each project. 

The TransCanada 115 kV project 

is perhaps the most straightforward: The crude 

oil pipeline needs energy to operate; NPPD is 

obligated to supply that energy. The need for 

Axtell to Kansas is more complicated. The 

new 345 kV transmission line from Axtell south to 

Kansas will do several beneficial things. First, it 

will ease transmission congestion in the area and 

allow NPPD to more efficiently operate Gerald 

Gentleman Station, the District’s largest, and 

lowest-cost power generation resource. The Axtell 

to Kansas line is a part of a larger plan proposed 

by the Southwest Power Pool. 

The two new 115 kV transmission 

lines in South Sioux City are 

necessary because of expanding industrial load 

there. The work will also help enhance South 

Sioux City’s electric system reliability. And as far 

as the lines in support of the two 

wind projects which are to begin soon, 

there is a nationwide call for renewable energy. 

Also, NPPD’s Board has approved an energy 

supply strategy of having 10 percent of NPPD’s 

generation mix be from renewable sources by 

2020. Ultimately, in many cases, when wind farms 

are built, the construction of transmission lines 

goes hand-in-hand. 

When these projects are completed, NPPD’s 

electric system will be stronger, more diverse, 

potentially more reliable, certainly more efficient. 

Now, that’s sweet music to anyone’s ears. To learn 

more about NPPD’s Grid Essential transmission 

projects, go to nppd.com and click on Grid 

Essential – Transmission Line Projects or to http:// 

www.nppd.com/grid_essential/.

8 ENERGY INSIGHT • JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 

NPPD and 13 

public power 

partners seek 

stimulus funds 

to develop 

smart grid 

technology 

Nebraska’s public power utilities 

routinely work together in and out 

of storms, but one fair‑weather 

project that has 14 different power 

districts and municipalities excited 

about the future is a potential and 

collaborative “smart grid.” 

On behalf of the partnering 

utilities, NPPD filed a grant 

application with the Department 

of Energy for approximately $32 

million to install and integrate 

smart meters communication 

systems and data management 

systems, collectively used by the 

14 utilities, for a smart grid that 

will improve system reliability, 

operations and efficiency. 

The team had six weeks to work 

on the application process which 

included reviewing more than 

400 pages of the stimulus bill to 

identify potential opportunities for 

NPPD and its customers, obtaining 

the required information from 

those involved and developing the 

joint application. The deadline to 

submit the application was Aug. 

6. The team has since heard back 

from those involved with the 

grant program that the application 

was compliant and subsequently 

forwarded on for merit review. An 

announcement should be made 

in October as to whether or not 

stimulus funds will be provided to 

the utilities. 

“Smart grid is the next 

evolutionary step to enhance electric 

utility operations by enabling new 

technologies to establish two‑way 

communications between generators 

and connected consumers,” said 

Vice President and Chief Operating 

Officer Pat Pope. “Similar to 

the introduction of electricity, 

smart grid benefits will not occur 

instantaneously, but will be 

progressive over the next generation 

as consumers and generators fully 

integrate two‑way communication 

technologies.” 

The alliance of public power 

utilities are requesting 50 percent of 

the project’s total cost, estimated to 

be more than $64 million. 

NPPD will lead the design and 

implementation of the wireless 

system. Other components of the 

project include a modern database 

architecture that allows for the 

collection of massive amounts of 

time‑based data, as well as customer 

metering data, and power plant, 

transmission, sub‑transmission and 

distribution system information. 

All of the participants want to use 

an advanced metering infrastructure 

of automated meters that enable

time‑of‑use rates, load control, and 

the use of smart appliances, smart 

thermostats, etc. The automated 

meters streamline the meter reading 

process, improve the accuracy of 

readings, reduce billing errors, 

re‑reads, and re‑bills, and enable 

remote service starts/disconnects, 

troubleshooting and outage 

management. 

“With the smart grid system we 

utilities envision our respective 

customers will be able to better 

manage their energy usage and 

we, as their service providers will 

be able to enhance our customer 

service to them,” said Pope. 

KBR General Manager Rich 

Walters is excited about the Smart 

Grid project. “The term ‘Smart 

Grid’ means different things to 

different people,” he said. “I 

personally see Smart Grid as a way 

to utilize technology to provide 

data and information which can 

be used to make quicker and more 

accurate decisions based upon time 

responsive facts. 

Cedar Knox PPD General 

Manager Dan Leise agrees. “Our 

AMI project would provide an 

abundance of information to our 


operations and customer service 

departments, thus greatly improving 

efficiency and customer service,” he 

said. 

“Customers will have more 

‘ownership’ in operating the electric 

grid, especially with load control,” 

continued Walters. “The customer 

will be able to monitor and operate 

his irrigation well with technology 

provided by the utility. Smart Grid 

also opens up new possibilities with 

irrigators, and other customers, and 

the possibility of using time‑of‑use 

rates.” (See story on pages 10‑11). 

When asked what they thought 

about the collaboration between 

the utilities to work on the grant 

application, Walters said, “This was 

an excellent example of Public Power 

at its best. By partnering with and 

using our power supplier’s leadership, 

large and small utilities along with 

power supplier and customer were 

able to work together for a common 

cause to benefit the ratepayers of 

Nebraska.” The collaboration between 

the utilities involved was typical of 

the Public Power System in Nebraska, 

echoed Leise. “NPPD did a great 

job of pulling this together in a short 

period of time,” he concluded. 

Smart Grid Alliance 

City of Beatrice 

Burt County PPD 

Cedar-Knox PPD 

Cornhusker PPD 

Custer PPD 

Dawson PPD 

Elkhorn Rural PPD 

KBR RPPD 

Loup PD 

NPPD 

Northeast Nebraska PPD 

City of Superior 

Twin Valleys PPD 

City of Wayne 

Core internal team 

members 

Annette Bailey 

Sharon Brown 

Ken Curry 

Joel Dagerman 

Jay Dring 

Steve Merrill 

Pat Pope 

Ed Wagner 

Dave Webb

10 


NEW RATE 

ANEWCHOICE 

Residential and small commercial customers enrolled in the pilot program will benefit most 

if they can significantly shift their electric usage from on-peak hours to off-peak hours. 

What does NPPD hope to 

learn from the pilot program? 

Visit http://www.nppd.com/timeofuse/ for more information. 

It took less than two weeks for NPPD to get the 

needed 200 residential customer volunteers 

signed up for a new EnergyWise SM Pricing 

Pilot Program being offered to retail residential and 

small commercial customers in the communities of 

Chadron, Milford and Plattsmouth. 

The recruitment drive, which began Aug. 3, sought 

volunteers who were willing to change the time 

they use energy and potentially save money on their 

electric bill. NPPD’s Board of Directors approved the 

pilot program, which features time‑of‑use rates, in 

July. 

How does the new rate work? 

During certain times of the day and year, NPPD 

customers require more electricity than at other 

times. Those periods with heavier usage are called 

“peak hours.” During these hours, NPPD must run 

higher‑cost generating facilities to meet consumer 

demand. 

Under this pilot time‑of‑use rate, a customer will 

have the potential to save money by shifting their 

energy use away from higher cost, on‑peak hours to 

lower cost, off‑peak hours. These pre‑determined 

hours vary based on the time of day, the day of the 

week, and the season (see charts on next page). 

Doing this ultimately helps NPPD pass on cost 

savings from these efforts to customers. 

Today, a total of six commercial customers have 

signed up for the 11‑month program, which begins 

in November 2009 and runs through October 2010. 

More than 100 residential customers are on a waiting 

list. 

“From this pilot, we hope to gain valuable input 

about customers’ pricing preferences and response to 

time-varying price signals and real-time information 

on electric usage. We also will use the data to decide 

whether to offer this rate across our entire service area.” 

--Ron Asche, NPPD President & CEO

How is the pilot program structured? 

Each month program participants will receive 

information in their monthly electric bill showing the 

cost difference between the EnergyWiseSM Pricing 

Pilot time‑of‑use rate compared to what they would be 

paying on NPPD’s standard electric rate. Customers 

who stay in the pilot program until its conclusion will 

also receive a $50 bill credit. 

Participants will be asked to complete periodic 

program surveys to aid in completion of NPPD’s cost‑ 

benefit analysis of the program. This feedback will 

help determine if and when time‑based rates should 

be offered to all NPPD residential and commercial 

customers. 

How will NPPD track the hourly data? 

Implementation of the new time‑of‑use rate option 

is made easier through the use of “smart” meters in 

NPPD’s service area. Smart meters allow utilities 

to charge different prices at different times of the 

day to more accurately reflect the cost of providing 

electricity. The locations of Chadron, Milford, and 

Plattsmouth were chosen for the pilot because smart 

meters have recently been installed in those towns. 

Each participant will also be able to track real‑time 

data through a Power Cost MonitorTM , a wireless 

energy device designed to allow electric consumers 

an opportunity to view the electricity consumption at 

their home or business. NPPD will provide each pilot 

participant with the option to try a monitor for free. 

• 

• 

Some ways a 

consumer can save 

Install a programmable thermostat 

Get a tune‑up on heating/cooling system 

Clean air filters frequently 

Use caulking and weather‑stripping 

Shut‑off unused appliances 

Use a microwave instead of a stove 

Put a time clock on water heater 

Wash clothes and dishes in off‑peak hours 

Install compact fluorescent bulbs 

Regularly clean bulbs, fixtures, lenses, lamps 

and other reflective surfaces. 

Turn off outdoor lighting during the day. 

Use the energy‑saving features on printers, 

monitors, copiers and computers, if available. 


Time of Use Periods for Commercial and Residential 

Customers in EnergyWise SM Pricing Pilot Program 

REDUCE yOUR ELECTRIC USAGE DURING ON-PEAk 

hOURS IN WINTER AND SUMMER. CENTRAL TIME ZONE* 

Winter - Weekdays 

(October - May) 

*Adjust time one hour for Mountain Time Zone 

Summer - Weekdays 

(June - September) 

Weekends and 

Holidays 

ON-PEAK OFF-PEAK 

TOU rates reflect NPPD’s costs to supply energy. It is more expensive to serve customers when demand is high 

(on-peak). Customers are charged less when the demand for electricity is lower (off-peak). 

Commercial Rates 

ShIFT ON-PEAk USAGE TO OFF-PEAk AND SAVE 

Current Rates 

Customer Charge ($/month) 

Single Phase $15.50 

Three Phase $19.00 

Summer 

1st 1,000 kWh* 9.57¢ 

Remaining kWh 8.42¢ 

Winter 

1st 1,000 kWh 7.45¢ 

Next 2,000 kWh 5.90¢ 

Remaining kWh 5.45¢ 

TOU Rates (Pilot) 

Customer Charge ($/month) 

Single Phase $15.50 

Three Phase $19.00 

Summer 

On-Peak kWh 16.55¢ 

Off-Peak kWh 6.70¢ 

Winter 


Off-Peak (1st 500 kWh) 6.11¢ 

Off-Peak (Over 500 kWh) 3.79¢ 

* kWh ‑ kilowatt‑hour 

Eighty-five percent of all time-of-use hours are off-peak so that makes 

shifting electricity use to these hours easier. 

Residential Rates 

ShIFT ON-PEAk USAGE TO OFF-PEAk AND SAVE 

Current Rates 

Customer Charge - $14.25 

($/month) 

Summer 

1st 750 kWh* 8.75¢ 

over 750 kWh 7.87¢ 

Winter 

1st 750 kWh 6.66¢ 

over 750 kWh 4.14¢ 

TOU Rates (Pilot) 

Customer Charge - $14.25 

($/month) 

Summer 


Off-Peak kWh 6.18¢ 

Winter 


Off-Peak (1st 500 kWh) 4.94¢ 

Off-Peak (Over 500 kWh) 3.08¢ 

* kWh ‑ kilowatt‑hour 

Eighty-five percent of all time-of-use hours are off-peak so that makes 

shifting electricity use to these hours easier.

12 


Meeting our 

obligations 

...counting on one 

another to maintain 

compliance 

It was six years ago when a 

massive widespread power 

outage occurred throughout 

parts of the Northeastern and 

Midwestern United States and 

Canada. According to NPPD 

Transmission Compliance and 

Planning Manager Paul Malone, 

the event was considered the 

largest electrical blackout in 

history and it has since served as 

the impetus in driving several new 

policies, rules and regulations for 

utilities. 

Response to the outage, he 

said, can be compared to what 

took place following an historic 

incident in the nuclear industry at 

Three Mile Island in 1979. While 

the event ended without a major 

release of radiation or a need to 

order a general evacuation, it 

prompted a whole new set of rules 

and regulations for nuclear power 

facilities across the country. 

Malone sat down 

recently with an 

Energy Insight reporter 

to explain the many 

changes that have 

occurred since the 

blackout and discuss 

what NPPD employees 

and customers need 

to know about this 

new, more regulated, 

environment. 

Q: What is changing and 

why? 

A: Operational compliance is not 

a new issue for NPPD. We have 

always been required to meet 

some form of industry operating 

regulations since we were formed 

in 1970. What is different now 

though is the number and type 

of regulations in place and the 

method of enforcement. A fairly 

significant shift in the structure of 

how the electric grid is managed 

and maintained has occurred over 

the past decade. Since early 2000, 

the industry has been witness 

to the creation of several new 

entities with operational control 

of the electric grid. One such 

example is the creation of regional 

transmission organizations, such 

as the Southwest Power Pool, 

which NPPD joined as a member 

this past spring. Along with new 

RTOs and similarly, independent 

system operators, the industry 

as a whole has incurred changes 

within the entities responsible for 

enforcing reliability of the electric 

grid. The combination of each 

of these factors has transformed 

the way utilities across the 

country address compliance and 

enforcement issues.

Q: Which entity does 

NPPD report to? 

A: The Federal Energy 

Regulatory Commission, or 

FERC, has ultimate responsibility 

over the reliability arm of the 

electric industry. Under FERC, 

is the North American Electric 

Reliability Corporation. NERC 

works with eight regional entities 

to improve the reliability of the 

bulk power system. NPPD is 

a NERC‑registered entity and 

currently reports to the Midwest 

Reliability Organization, one 

of the eight NERC‑based 

organizations. However, since we 

are now members of SPP, we have 

submitted a request to transfer to 

the SPP regional reliability entity. 

This request is presently under 

review. 

Q: How does the 

compliance program 

work? 

A: FERC has encouraged 

NERC‑registered entities (such 

as NPPD) to develop rigorous 

written compliance programs, 

to foster a culture of compliance 

with active involvement of 

senior management and their 

governing bodies. In addition 

to the traditional transmission 

planning, system operations and 

power plant operations functions 

that the NERC standards have 

traditionally focused on, NERC 

has also turned its attention to 

cyber security, an area that is 

demanding tremendous effort 

on the part of registered entities. 

FERC states that an effective 

compliance program is a factor 

in mitigating any fines for noncompliance. 

Compliance audits by 

NERC include an assessment of 

the registered entity’s reliability 


standards compliance program. 

NPPD is scheduled for its next 

audit in September 2010. 

Q: Why is compliance so 

important? 

A: Previously, there were 10 

general policies that NPPD 

needed to adhere to when 

addressing compliance issues. 

Today, that compliance structure 

has expanded to include more 

than 125 standards and more 

than 1,500 total requirements 

under each of the standards. 

For example, one standard on 

cyber security might have 10 

requirements. If NPPD meets 9 

of the 10 requirements, we can 

still be held accountable for not 

meeting the tenth requirement, 

meaning we would be in 

violation of this standard. Lack of 

compliance on any one standard 

can be very expensive—in 

some cases up to $1 million per 

violation. Of course, compliance 

is also important to ensure the 

safety and reliability of the 

electric grid. 

Q: What do you expect 

from NPPD employees 

and customers? 

A: Because of the significant 

growth in the number of 

compliance standards and the 

additional monitoring by NERC 

on the enforcement of each, 

NPPD needs all of its employees 

and customers to understand that 

enforcement of our program will 

require much more support than 

we needed in the past. Gone are 

the days when a utility could 

simply show it was compliant 

by reporting limited operational 

information and producing some 

records of maintenance activities. 

We need to expand our team and 

work together if we expect to 

remain compliant in the future. 

This is no small undertaking. It 

will take the efforts of many of us 

to retain our great track record. 

To help address this objective, we 

established a new organizational 

structure to achieve compliance 

with all applicable standards. 

Part of this change includes 

expanding the role of the Board’s 

Audit committee to focus on 

compliance performance, creating 

an executive level compliance 

steering committee, and naming 

Pat Pope, VP and Chief Operating 

Officer as NPPD’s Chief Electric 

Reliability Compliance Officer. 

We have also increased the 

responsibilities within my area 

by authorizing two new positions 

with responsibilities of monitoring 

compliance issues on a full‑time 

basis. Despite these changes, 

we still need the assistance of 

others. It is critical all employees 

understand the importance of 

supporting a standard, if asked. 

In some cases, we may need 

to make future investments to 

maintain compliance. Violations 

are expensive therefore anyone 

who notices a potential violation 

should report it so it can be 

addressed accordingly. It will 

take some time to accomplish 

everything we have included 

in our Compliance Program; 

however, Pat and I are counting 

on everyone to do their utmost 

to assist in any way possible to 

ensure NPPD remains NERC 

compliant. NPPD’s compliance 

program plan and related 

information will soon be available 

on the Energy Zone.

14 


Weatherize your home and use less energy. 

Properly sealing and insulating your home 

is one of the most cost‑effective ways to 

become more energy efficient. 

According to ENERGY STAR®, a nationwide 

energy efficiency program sponsored jointly by the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. 

Department of Energy, homeowners can realize a 

potential savings of up to 20 percent on heating and 

cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on their total annual 

energy bill) by improving the sealing and insulation of 

a home. 

First, help make your house weather tight. Many 

air leaks and drafts in the home are easy to find 

because they are easy to feel – like those around 

windows and doors. Other leaks may take some 

hunting to find – like holes hidden in attics, basements 

and crawl spaces. Sealing any of these leaks with 

caulk, spray foam or weather stripping will have a 

great impact on improving your comfort and reducing 

utility bills. 

Second, after any home sealing project, have a 

heating and cooling technician check to make sure 

your combustion appliances (gas- or oil-fired furnace, 

water heater and clothes dryer) are venting properly. 

Third, here’s a good EnergyWise SM rule of thumb: 

Don’t scrimp on the insulation! Insulation helps keep 

your home warm in winter and cool in summer. There 

are several common types of insulation – fiberglass 

(in both batt and blown forms), cellulose, rigid foam 

board and spray foam. When correctly installed with 

air sealing, each type of insulation can deliver comfort 

and lower energy bills throughout the majority of the 

year. 

To get the biggest savings, the easiest place to 

add insulation is usually the attic. A quick way to see 

if you need more insulation is to look across your 

uncovered attic floor. If your insulation is level with or 

below the attic floor joists, you probably need to add 

more insulation. 

For more information on steps 

homeowners can take to improve 

the energy efficiency of their 

homes, contact your local electric 

public power utility or visit the 

ENERGY STAR® Home Advisor 

at http://www.energystar.gov/ 

homeadvisor. Lots of useful energy 

efficiency information is also 

available at http://www.nppd.com.

Three letters... CFL ...lead to energy efficiency. 

Relatively new technology, the compact 

fluorescent light bulb (CFL) is an energyefficient 

emitter of light that performs 

adequately in many, but not all, situations where a 

standard incandescent light bulb has been used in the 

past. The CFL has many benefits when compared to 

its elder cousin. Chief among those, a CFL can last 

up to 10 times longer than a standard light bulb and 

uses about 75 percent less energy while producing a 

comparable amount of illumination. 

Here are some facts about CFLs: 

• CFLs are safe to use and are energy efficient. It’s 

true, each bulb contains about 5 milligrams of 

mercury, but this does not 

pose a health risk when the 

bulbs are properly used, 

handled, and disposed of. 

• If a CFL breaks, it is safe 

for you to clean the broken 


bulb yourself by following some general safety 

practices. For more information visit www.epa.gov 

• When buying a CFL, select one with an ENERGY 

STAR® on the label. This indicates the bulb has 

met strict federal specifications for quality, energy 

savings, long life, color and brightness. 

• CFLs come in all shapes and sizes making 

it possible for you to replace nearly every 

conventional light bulb in your home. When 

shopping for a CFL, check the wattage 

equivalency numbers on the package. 

• A typical 20-watt CFL costs around $3 when 

purchased as a single bulb and about $2 per bulb or 

less when purchased in multi‑packs. The CFL bulb 

will often pay for itself in energy savings and low 

electric bills in less than eight months, depending 

upon your local electric rate and hours of use. And 

the energy/cost savings don’t end then; a CFL will 

save you money throughout its long life.

16 


Record amount raised for 2009 Nebraska Open 

Continuing an 18‑year tradition of great golf for 

a great cause, the 2009 Nebraska Open raised 

a record amount of $135,000 to be split between the 

tournament purse and scholarships awarded to needy 

students attending one of five Nebraska community 

college systems throughout the state. 

Since its inception, the second‑largest golf event 

in Nebraska has provided more than $875,000 to 

the Nebraska Community College Foundation. The 

Foundation divides the proceeds among the Central, 

Mid‑Plains, Southeast, Northeast and Western 

Community College Systems. More than $65,000 will 

be split between the campuses. 

NPPD coordinates the tournament, which is 

Tyler Bishop of Longmont, Colo., studies the course at 

the Elks Country Club in Columbus, Neb. Bishop took top 

endorsed and administered by the Nebraska Section 

honors in the professional division of the Nebraska Open. 

of the PGA and the Nebraska Golf Association. 

It has been held at the Elk’s Country Club in 

The Nebraska Open for golf professionals and 

Columbus, Neb. since 1991. Approximately 50 

amateurs started on Friday, Sept. 11 and concluded 

businesses sponsored this year’s event, many of which Sunday, Sept. 13. Tyler Bishop of Longmont, Colo., 

participated in an 18‑hole scramble with some of the won top honors in the professional division, taking 

professional golfers on Thursday, Sept. 10. 

home $11,500 with a three‑day score of 195. 

Using the NPPD flash over trailer, 

GGS Unit Operator Tim Berntson, 

GGS Mechanical Technician Randy 

Jochum and North Platte Systems 

Operator Mark Tobiasson trained 

the Ainsworth Fire Department on 

flash over fires. A “flash over” is 

the near simultaneous ignition of all 

combustible material in an enclosed 

area when the majority of surfaces in 

a space are heated to the temperature 

at which the flammable gases that are 

being produced from the combustible 

materials in the space are hot enough 

to ignite. 

NPPD aids Ainsworth Fire Department 

with flash over training

Norfolk Operations Center construction on schedule 

Relatively good weather has enabled 

construction of the Norfolk Operations Center 

to proceed on schedule. Pictured above, steel 

frames the general outline of the NOC’s 

administration building. At right is another shot 

of the construction site. 

Next generation wind 

monitoring technology 

demonstrated 

Second Wind Inc., the manufacturer of mobile 

wind devices, made a stop at the Columbus 

General Office to demonstrate a next generation 

and very unique mobile wind monitoring device 

called the “Triton.” Employees were invited 

to attend the demonstration or link in through 

LiveMeeting. Those who did heard about the 

wide array of applications for which Triton can 

be used. 

Earlier this month, the United States 

Department of Agriculture approved a $100,000 

grant to be used by NPPD to obtain the Triton 

units. 

Renewable Energy Development Project 

Manager John O’Connor coordinated the 

demonstration. 

ENERGY INSIGHT • JULY / AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2009 17

18 


from around the state 

Sheldon Station / Cindy Holsing, Administrative 

Assistant / clholsi@nppd.com 

Procurement Specialist 

Brian Epp earned the status 

of Certified Professional 

in Supply Management 

from the Institute of Supply 

Management. Individuals 

earning this designation 

are required to pass three 

examinations, hold a 

Brian Epp 

Bachelor’s degree and have participated in applicable 

work experience. 

Cooper Nuclear Station / Glenn Troester, 

Communications Coordinator / grtroes@nppd.com 

Over the summer, four musicians from Auburn High 

School toured several countries in Europe with the 

Nebraska Ambassadors of Music. They performed 

in concerts and recitals for nearly three weeks. The 

musicians are: Michael Wellman, son of Nuclear 

Instructor Tami Wellman; Ben Billesbach, son of 

Fix‑It‑Now Team Superintendant Doug Billesbach; 

David Wheeler, son of Shift Technical Engineer 

Steve Wheeler; and Kendall Victor, daughter of 

Licensing Engineer William Victor. 

From left: Michael Wellman, Ben Billesbach, David Wheeler 

and Kendall Victor. The Matterhorn of Switzerland is in the 

background. 

Columbus / Kathy Fadschild, Administrative Assistant / 

klfadsc@nppd.com 

This past summer, Patrick Keep and his father, 

Chuck Keep, corporate accounting supervisor, 

completed a 100‑mile backpacking trek over 12 days 

in the rugged mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch 

near Cimarron, N.M. as part of a high‑adventure Boy 

Scout crew in which participants were required to 

carry everything needed for the trek in 40 to 50 pound 

packs. 

Philmont 

is a 

national 

training 

facility 

and High 

Adventure 

base for 

the Boy 

Scouts of 

America 

and 

Patrick and Chuck Keep 

comprises 215 square miles in the Sangre de Cristo 

range of the Rocky Mountains. Patrick and Chuck 

are pictured here on top of Baldy Mountain, elevation 

12,441 feet, the highest point in the region. Two 

weeks later, they backpacked another 45 miles in the 

Black Hills of South Dakota as part of a Medicine 

Mountain Scout Ranch trek. Patrick is a Life Scout 

with Troop 276 in Columbus. 

Kaylee 

Tonniges, 

daughter of Web 

Development 

Specialist 

Ann and Brad 

Tonniges, 

participated in 

the 2008‑09 

AYSO season. 

The team 

received 1st 

place in the U10 

division. Brad 

coached the team. 

Kaylee and Brad Tonniges

Students from St. Isidore’s 

Elementary School National 

Energy Education Development 

(NEED) group placed first in 

the nation as Junior School 

of the Year at the 29th annual 

NEED’s Youth Award for 

energy achievement in 

Keaton Swanson Washington D.C. Members 

of the team included Justina 

Wemhoff, daughter of the 

late Engineering Technician 

Kevin and Julie Wemhoff; 

Keaton Swanson, son of 

Economic Development Process 

Coordinator Tami Swanson; 

Erica Ernst, step‑daughter 

of Building Maintenance 

Technician Ted and Angie 

Erica Ernst 

Wemhoff; Adam Starzec son 

of Controller & Financial Planning Manager Donna 

and Land Management Appraiser Ron Starzec; and 

Allison Beiermann, daughter of Energy Efficiency 

Coordinator Kelly and Land Management Manager 

Alan Beiermann. 

Adam Starzec earned fifth 

in the nation for his group 

documentary, “A.J. Higgins: 

Inventor, Patriot Hero,” at the 

National History Day contest 

at the University of Maryland. 

The theme was “An Individual 

in History: Legends and 

Legacies.” Students qualify by 

competing on local and state 

levels before moving on to the Adam Starzec 

national contest. Adam and his 

team member received the U.S. Marine Corps Award 

for which they were given gold medals and $500. 

Also qualifying for the national 

competition and receiving a 

superior rating was Allison 

Beiermann for her part in the 

group performance, “Eunice 

Kennedy Shriver, Taking the 

Disabled from Despair to 

Dignity.” 

Allison Beiermann 


Parker Douglass, son of 

Sr. Workforce Development 

Specialist Jim and Rita 

Douglass recently signed 

with the New York Jets as 

a kicker. He was previously 

a kicker with the Cleveland 

Browns. Parker is a Columbus 

High School graduate and 

a graduate of South Dakota 

State University where he 

set or tied 19 records. He 

also played for the Sioux 

Parker Douglass 

Falls Storm of the Indoor 

Football League. While at South Dakota State he 

was a two‑time member of the ESPN The Magazine 

Academic All‑District First Team and Division 1 All‑ 

American Second Team, along with numerous other 

accomplishments and awards. 

Miles Putnam, 

11‑year‑old son of 

Sr. Compensation 

Specialist Chuck and 

Gerri Putnam, was 

recently recognized 

by the United States 

Chung Do Kwan Tae 

Kwon Do Association 

for earning his 1st 

degree black belt in 

Taekwondo. 

Miles Putnam 

Chadron / Darla Wait, Distribution Support Specialist / 

dkwait@nppd.com 

Haley Hanks 

Haley Hanks, daughter of 

Crawford Local Manager 

Lynn and Terri Hanks, 

was elected 7th grade class 

president. Haley attends 

Crawford Junior High 

School.

20 


Scottsbluff / Colleen Mathewson, Distribution Support 

Specialist / cmmathe@nppd.com 

Scottsbluff employees and their families participate in the 

Oregon Trail Days parade. 

The 88th edition of Oregon Trail Days took place 

in Scottsbluff and Gering the second weekend in 

July. Participating in the Saturday morning parade, 

equipped with the electric pickup from York, Louie the 

Lightning Bug and frozen popsicles, were Temporary 

Meter Reader Steve Trebilcock, Temporary Part‑ 

Time Meter Reader Lance O’Bryan, Senior Planner/ 

Scheduler Chuck, Anne, Landon and Allie Vacha, 

Account Manager Terry and Danielle Rajewich, 

Customer Services Support Specialist Sarah and 

Ashton Stretch, and Finance Analyst Lad Kocer. 

Kearney / Lisa Willson, Administrative Assistant / 

lmwills@nppd.com 

Meter Technician Todd Willers and Customer Service 

and Delivery Representative Carol Lentell completed 

CPR and First Aid Instructor training through the Fort 

Kearney Red Cross and will serve as the Kearney area 

CPR and First Aid instructors. 

From left: Carol Lentell, Executive Director of the Fort 

Kearney Red Cross Relena Meyers and Todd Willers. 

The National Craniofacial Association, also known 

as FACES, honored Kearney System Control 

Operator John 

Eckhardt with 

the 2009 Louise 

G. Best Volunteer 

of the Year Award. 

FACES is a non‑ 

profit organization 

for children and 

young adults 

with facial birth 

defects. As a 

fund‑raiser, John 

has organized 

the FACES 

motorcycle 

Rally event for 

John Eckhardt 

eight years. Based in 

Chattanooga, Tenn., FACES assists families with 

traveling and lodging expenses since many need 

to travel long distances to receive needed medical 

attention. 

York / Cindy Klein, Customer Services & Delivery 

Representative / ceklein@nppd.com 

Zack 

Packard and 

a friend won 

first place for 

walleye in 

the Father’s 

Day fishing 

tournament 

at Glen Elder 

Lake in 

north central 

Kansas. Along 

with trophies, 

the boys won 

several prizes 

Zack Packard 

including $200, a 

fish finder and a night guided fishing tour. Zack is 

the son of Planner / Scheduler Linnea and Scott 

Packard.

R E T I R E E N E W S 

Bill McBride retires after 21 years of service 

After 21 years of 

hanging baskets for their 

service, Bill McBride 

support of Bill through the 

retired from NPPD. 

years. 

Hired Jan. 4, 1988 as a 

As part of the festivities, 

precipitator performance 

a golf putting contest was 

engineer at Gerald 

held for the children in 

Gentleman Station, 

attendance. Winners were 

Bill accepted several 

Riley, Keegan and Theron 

promotions before 

Nitsch, children of GGS 

advancing to senior 

Engineer Bob and Barbara 

engineer at GGS, a 

Nitsch; Katelyn Iske, 

position he held at the 

time of his retirement. 

Bill McBride accepts his retirement documents from 

Investment Recovery Coordinator Chet Harger. 

daughter of Plant Technical 

Services Assistant Stacy and 

The lake and green 

Dan Iske; and Emma and 

fairways of the Sutherland Golf Course provided a Jamie Krab, Bill and Nancy’s grandchildren. 

beautiful setting for the June 14 reception held in his Stacy Iske and Engineering Technician Judy 

honor. Investment Recovery Coordinator Chet Harger Soell received special recognition for their efforts 

presided as Master of Ceremonies. He presented in coordinating the retirement reception and were 

Bill with his official retirement document and gifts presented with flowering baskets. 

of a new grill and griddle set from friends and GGS Bill plans to work on his farming interests, camp 

colleagues. Special guests included his wife, Nancy; and sailboat at Lake McConaughy, golf, and spend 

mother, Adeline McBride; and mother‑in‑law, Marge time with his granddaughters in Ogallala and Frisco, 

Ecklund, who were all honored with flowering Texas. 

Columbus Energizers 

will meet Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and 

Dec. 17, at 8:30 a.m. at Stack ‘N 

Steak. 

Paul Badje, (402) 564‑8863, 

tailor@neb.rr.com 

Klassy Kilowatts will meet 

Oct. 19, Nov. 16 and Dec. 21 at 

12:30 p.m. CST at the Airport Inn 

in North Platte. Cory Steinke with 

Central Nebraska Public Power 

and Irrigation District will be 

the guest speaker at the October 

meeting. 

Tom Pendelton, (308) 532‑5040 

tmpen@hamilton.net 


RETIREES 

Low Voltage Panhandlers 

will meet Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. at Sky 

Port Restaurant in Scottsbluff and 

Dec. 8 at 9 a.m. at the Country 

Kitchen, Scottsbluff‑Gering Hwy. 

Don Koralewski, (308) 783‑1851 

donaldkoralewski340@gmail.com 

Northern Lights have no 

meetings scheduled through the 

remainder of 2009. 

Jim Decker, (402) 357‑3788 

NPPD Antiques will meet 

Nov. 2 and Dec. 7 at 8:30 a.m. at 

Country Cooking in Beatrice. All 

meetings are scheduled for the 

first Monday of the month unless 

that date is a holiday. 

Dot Cornelius, (402) 228‑0494 

Retired & Rewired will 

meet next at the December 

Christmas party. 

Lois McCoy, (308) 665‑1625, 

lmccoy919@gmail.com 

Make plans to attend your 

local retiree meeting

22 


We will 

remember 

Vicky Janssen, Norfolk customer service and 

delivery representative, on the death of her mother, 

Vivian Schackneis 

Tim Piper, YOC fleet services coordinator, on the 

death of his mother, Gladys 

Mort Hough, YOC account manager, on the death of 

his brother, Don 

Ray Weller, CNS plant chemist, on the death of his 

father, Ray 

Greg Nutsch, Sheldon Station electrical and 

instrument technician, on the death of his father, 

George 

John Larson, CNS quality assurance supplier leader, 

on the death of his mother‑in‑law, Connie Drudik 

Jeff Beatty, CNS security shift supervisor, on the 

death of his grandfather, Ralph 

Roger Krumbach, YOC fleet technician, on the death 

of his sister, Jeanie Howard 

CGO Contracts Manager Rod Rinne and CGO 

Planning Analyst Sue Rinne on the death of his 

mother and her mother‑in‑law, Doloma 

Jamie Phipps, Sheldon Station shift leader, on the 

death of his father, Joel 

Robyn Sprunk, CGO desktop support specialist, on 

the death of her father, Ken Richards 

Gene Staehr, YOC materials management material 

controller, on the death of his brother, Doug 

Cindy Abernathy, CGO supply chain management 

supervisor, on the death of her husband, Jeff 

Tom Carson, CNS maintenance manager, on the 

death of his grandmother, Mary 

Shannon Georges, CNS temporary armed security 

officer, on the death of her husband, Joe 

our sympathies go out to the following families 

Retired Doniphan Senior Operations Consultant Jerry 

Hagge on the death of his son, Allan 

Marlene Lentfer, Kearney system control operator, 

on the death of her mother, Mildred Pavlish 

Terry Rajewich, Scottsbluff account manager, on the 

death of her mother‑in‑law, Mar Jean Favinger 

Lisa Willson, Kearney administrative assistant, on the 

death of her grandmother, Phyllis Cahalene 

April Tichenor, Norfolk CCCC dispatch specialist, 

on the death of her grandmother, Elanore Houdek 

YOC Materials Management Truck Driver Tim 

Wemhoff, YOC Senior Substation Construction 

Technician Gordon Wemhoff and CGO Human 

Resources Assistant Linda Wemhoff on the death of 

Tim and Gordon’s mother and Linda’s mother‑in‑law, 

Marian 

Retired Ogallala District Manager Bill Timm on the 

death of his son, Jeffrey 

Roger Guilford, CNS security officer, on the death of 

his stepfather, Dale Lee Culbertson 

Tim Stehlik, Sheldon Station instrument and control 

technician on the death of his grandfather, Crete Knox 

Michele Matteson, CGO accounting analyst, on the 

death of her grandmother, Vernetta Becher 

Traci Bender, CGO vice president and chief financial 

officer, on the death of her mother, Sandra Larsen 

CGO Water Resource Advisor Randy Zach and CGO 

Energy Efficiency Consultant Steve Zach on the death 

of their mother, Donna 

Brian Rosse, Kearney outage management system 

administrator, on the death of his stepfather, Mark 

Anderson 

Alice Kudron, CGO accounts payable analyst, on the 

death of her father, Ben Chohon

of events 

N O V E M B E R 

11 Veterans Day Holiday 

12-13 NPPD Board Meeting 

Columbus 

20 Customer Meeting 

Location to be determined 

26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday 

Retired GGS Plant Support Technician Joyce Blake, 

70, who passed away June 9. Joyce joined the District 

in 1979 and retired in 2000. Survivors include her 

husband, Dareld; sons, Rick, Randy and Brad; seven 

grandchildren, a sister and three brothers. 

Retired O’Neill Engineering Technician George 

Lang, 83, who passed away June 16. George began 

his NPPD career in 1947 and retired in 1995. 

Survivors include his wife, Orma; daughter, Brenda 

Jones; two grandchildren, one brother and two sisters. 

Retired Clay Center Journey Line Technician Wayne 

Mattison, 75, who passed away July 17. Wayne 

joined the District in 1969 and retired in 1999. He 

is survived by his wife, Eileen; sons, Dale, Michael, 

Alan and Richard; daughter, Darla Rand; and seven 

grandchildren. 

Retired YOC Journey Line Technician Adolf (J.R.) 

Kulhanek, 65, who passed away Aug. 6. J.R. 

joined NPPD in 1967 and retired in 1999. Survivors 


O C T O B E R 



D E C E M B E R 

10-11 NPPD Board Meeting 

Columbus 



25 Christmas Holiday 

include his wife, Sheila; sons, Alan and Robert; three 

grandchildren and four sisters. 

Retired CNS Electrician Jack Reeves, 70, who passed 

away Aug. 8. Jack began his NPPD career in 1984 

and retired in 1997. He is survived by his wife, Kay; 

sons, Scott and J.R.; daughter, Nita Pohlmann; four 

grandchildren, a sister and a brother. 

Retired Sheldon Station Chief Draftsman Richard 

“Dick” Buechel, 87, who passed away Aug. 12. 

Dick joined the District in 1945 and retired in 1984. 

Survivors include his wife, Doris; daughters, Kathleen 

Carmichael and Barbara Wiggins; sons, Don, John, 

Larry, Gerald and Thomas; nine grandchildren and 

two great grandchildren. 

CNS Mechanic Clinton Reeves, 63, who passed 

away Aug. 20, following a lengthy illness. Clinton 

joined the District in 1984. He is survived by his wife, 

Phyllis; sons, Chad and Chris; five grandchildren, 

three sisters and a brother. 

23

P.O. Box 499 

Columbus, NE 68602-0499 

Address Service Requested 

PRSRT STD 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

COLUMBUS NE 

PERMIT NO. 3 

I am where I want to be! 

WhERE DOES yOUR CAREER TAkE yOU? 

Corey 

Engineer 

NPPD 

Nebraska Public Power District employs 

a diverse workforce, from engineers to 

line technicians to customer service 

representatives, at a variety of power 

plant and facility locations throughout the 

state. NPPD ‑ It’s where you want to be. 

For employment opportunities, visit 

www.nppd.com 

Check us out at www.facebook.com/nppd

July / Aug. / Sept. 2009 - Nebraska Public Power District

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