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April 2013

Speakers Series: Tips & Tools for Saving Energy - 4/22/13
OPPD Joins Earth Day Celebration at Elmwood Park - 4/18/13
OPPD Continues its Commitment to Economic Development - 4/15/13
OPPD Board Approves Selling up to $60 Million in Bonds - 4/11/13
Going Once, Going Twice, Going Online - 4/10/13
OPPD Stronger Despite Challenges Says 2012 Annual Report - 4/8/13
OPPD Refrigerator Recycling Program Returns - 4/4/13
OPPD In-Lieu-of Tax Payments Exceed $29 Million - 4/1/13
 

March 2013

Successful Air Conditioning Management Program Back for 2013 - 03/28/13
Storms & Power Restoration Opens 2013 Speakers Series - 3/25/13
OPPD’s Pilot Energy-Saving Trees Program a Big Success - 03/21/13
OPPD Board Holds Its March Monthly Meeting - 03/21/13
Save Energy with Free Trees from OPPD - 03/15/13

February 2013

OPPD Warns Customers of Latest Phony Billing Scam - 02/26/13
OPPD Board Approves Next Step in New Offutt Stratcom Headquarters - 02/14/12

January 2013

OPPD Board Elects New Officers to lead in 2013 - 01/17/13
Southeast Nebraska Buildings Earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Certification - 01/11/13
 

Speakers Series: Tips & Tools for Saving Energy

Thursday Event Will Share Low- and No-Cost Solutions

April 22, 2013

Taking measures like sealing cracks around the home or adjusting the thermostat are just a couple of small steps that can make a big impact on energy usage. Omaha Public Power District wants to help customers find other simple ways to save. That’s the topic of the second Speakers Series event for 2013.

OPPD experts will present Tips & Tools for Saving Energy on Thursday, April 25, at Abrahams Branch Library, 5111 N. 90th St. The free event, open to the public, goes from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

OPPD created the speakers series in collaboration with Omaha Public Library to share expertise on a number of energy-related topics.

Thursday’s session will discuss energy efficiency and the many low-cost solutions to help customers save money on their utility bills. The first 50 attendees will receive free weatherization kits.

The next event, Electricity 101, takes place Sept. 17, at the Florence Branch, 2920 Bondesson St.

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OPPD Joins Earth Day Celebration at Elmwood Park

Providing environmentally conscious energy strategies for customers

April 18, 2013

Earth Day is celebrated worldwide April 22 to raise awareness of the earth’s precious resources and the importance of protecting them. It’s an effort in which Omaha Public Power District proudly participates.

OPPD is joining in the 23rd Annual Earth Day Omaha Celebration which takes place Saturday, April 20, at Elmwood Park from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The park is located at 808 So. 60th St. The utility will be among more than a hundred businesses and organizations with booths, demonstrations and activities designed to promote a sustainable lifestyle.

At its booth, OPPD will show environmentally friendly products and services such as the Air Conditioning Management Program, Refrigerator Recycling and Green Power. Company representatives also will take to the main stage during the day to provide more information about the programs.

Earth Day Omaha is the city’s largest ecological showcase and celebration, and it is the largest ecologically focused event in Nebraska.

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OPPD Continues its Commitment to Economic Development

Tim O'Brien joins OPPD

April 15, 2013

Omaha Public Power District’s latest hire supports its mission to provide affordable, reliable, environmentally sensitive services to customers. The District has announced the appointment of Timothy O’Brien to the position of Manager of Economic Development, beginning April 15.

Mr. O’Brien comes to OPPD from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development where he spent the last 10 years in numerous positions including infrastructure support analyst, business consultant and in business development. Most recently, he served as the department’s business recruitment manager. In that capacity, he provided oversight for programs and staff, working closely with economic development partners to bring new business and industry to Nebraska. He also helped create communications, research and marketing strategies, and financial packaging for new projects with state interests in mind.

In addition, Mr. O’Brien has worked as an adjunct professor for Doane College, teaching Electronic Commerce Strategies in the Masters of Arts in Management program. He holds a master’s degree in Management, with an emphasis in Leadership, from Doane College and a bachelor’s in Business Administration and Management Information Systems from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“OPPD has always been a strong advocate in promoting and supporting economic development in our state,” said Tim Burke, vice president of Customer Service and Public Affairs. “Tim will lead the dedicated and talented economic development team at OPPD and will help continue the strong tradition of ensuring we have affordable and reliable electricity for our current customers and prospects thinking about locating in Nebraska.

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OPPD Board Approves Selling up to $60 Million in Bonds

April 11, 2013

Many financial advisors say current interest rates are as low as they have ever been. That has prompted the Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors to approve a measure to take advantage of current market interest rates and to reduce the District’s debt service.

At its regular monthly meeting, the Board authorized management to sell up to $60 million of authorized bonds to refund existing debt upon acceptable debt service savings and market conditions. The new bonds to be known as the 2013 Series AA Subordinated Electric System Revenue Bonds (Authorized Bonds) will be traditional tax-exempt bonds. Due to the size of the refinancing and the limited maturity structure, the District intends to pursue a competitively bid bond issue which will provide an opportunity for local and regional underwriters to bid on the bond issue along with the larger, national underwriters. In discussing the issue, the Board was told refinancing could allow substantial savings for OPPD’s customer-owners.

The Board will receive quarterly updates on the status of Authorized Bonds. Final pricing of the bonds will be presented at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting immediately following acceptance of the competitive bids for the Authorized Bonds.

In other action, the Board also:

… authorized a contract to be awarded to Grunwald Mechanical Contractors & Engineers of Omaha for $750,779 for installation of new natural gas piping and equipment to Nebraska City Station Unit 2.

… received the monthly President’s Report for April from OPPD President/CEO Gary Gates.

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Going Once, Going Twice, Going Online

April 10, 2013

The auctioneer’s familiar, rapid-fire calling of numbers and words isn’t ready to fade into history, but the auction process itself is increasingly going online. Reflecting the trend, OPPD has one online auction scheduled, with several potential online auctions in 2013, replacing the on-site auctions it has conducted since 1989 as a part of its investment recovery process.

"We are changing the process with the intent of gaining a more rapid return on assets," said Sherrye Hutcherson, OPPD Vice President of Corporate Services & Chief Administrative Officer.

The first auction is scheduled Wednesday, April 24, when construction equipment will be up for bids on the Big Iron auction site. Go to keywords at the top of the page, type OPPD and click Go. Items for sale can be viewed online prior to bidding. Interested bidders also can view equipment on-site Tuesday, April 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Elkhorn Service Center, 1101 N 180th Street, Elkhorn, Neb. Please contact Sky Svevad at 402-889-7279 for on-site viewing.

The joint fall auction, held in conjunction with MUD and the City of Papillion in recent years, won’t be conducted this year.

"Liquidating assets online is faster and will result in better value for us," Hutcherson said. "We will save money by not having to store equipment for a long period of the year, and OPPD also will save on the cost of an on-site auction."

It’s likely there will be additional online auctions this year as OPPD seeks to raise income from surplus or obsolete equipment. OPPD will evaluate the success of the online auctions to determine if it will use the format in future years.

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OPPD Stronger Despite Challenges Says 2012 Annual Report

April 8, 2013

"Recharged," that is the major theme marking the 2012 Omaha Public Power District Annual Report. The new report describes 2012 as a year of great uncertainty and significant challenges for OPPD. However, the report states the District emerged recharged as an organization and recommitted to customers, employees and the communities it serves due to the safe, diligent and creative efforts of employees.

"Our resourceful employees give us confidence to move forward in an industry that is in the midst of a dramatic evolution," wrote OPPD President and CEO Gary Gates and Chairman of the Board Frederick J. Ulrich in their report message. "During 2012, OPPD senior management took a hard look at OPPD’s future. Working with strategic planning experts, we created a new Corporate Strategic Plan. In developing the plan, we reviewed every aspect of what OPPD should and could become."

The report, available on oppd.com, shares how the plan addresses the concerns of the District’s various stakeholders and moves OPPD forward. It also focuses on continuing efforts to solve major challenges, such as the successful restart of Fort Calhoun Station and improving system reliability while controlling costs.

A separate section contains the financial report for 2012, including the financial statements, independent auditors’ report and management’s discussion and analysis (MD&A) of activities. The MD&A describes actions taken by OPPD to address increased operating costs and effectively manage risks to maintain a strong financial position. Among the highlights are total operating revenues of $1,048 million and net income of $55 million for 2012. Total assets and deferred outflows were $4,870 million as of December 31, 2012.

The new annual report shows that OPPD residential customers paid an average of 10.12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2012, compared to the national average of 11.88 cents per kWh, according to the Energy Information Administration.* OPPD retail customers paid an average of 7.94 cents per kWh in 2012, compared to 9.87 cents per kWh for the national average.* The residential rates are almost 15 percent below the national average, and the retail rates are nearly 20 percent below the national average.

At oppd.com, find the document under the Investors & Finance tab.

*EIA stats for national average are preliminary year-to-date December 2012.

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OPPD Refrigerator Recycling Program Returns

April 4, 2013

One of Omaha Public Power District’s most successful recycling programs has returned for its fourth year. OPPD’s refrigerator recycling program for 2013 officially kicked off in March. Under the program, OPPD will haul away your old refrigerator or freezer, recycle it and, in the meantime, pay you $35. This year is anticipated to be the last year for the program, so customers are encouraged to sign up now.

OPPD started the program four years ago to remove older, inefficient appliances from the electric grid and responsibly recycle the materials inside those appliances. Since 2009, over 6,000 older inefficient units have been hauled away and recycled. 2,044 units were recycled in 2012, exceeding the goal of 2,000 refrigerators and freezers.

"Old refrigerators can use up to four times more electricity than new ones. Operating in spaces that aren’t temperature-controlled, like a garage, makes them work even harder, especially in the hot days of summer," said OPPD Vice President Tim Burke.

"This is a program in which everyone wins," Burke said. "Retiring your old, inefficient second refrigerator or freezer is good for the environment in that 95 percent of the materials are recycled. Plus, it could save you up to $150 a year on your energy bill. That is why this program has been successful and why we strongly encourage our customers to take advantage of it."

Here is how you can participate in the program:

• Customers can arrange an appointment to have their refrigerators picked up by calling 1-866-444-9160 or visiting www.jacoinc.net.
• The information can also be accessed by visiting the OPPD website at www.oppd.com/fridge.

Customers should be aware that there are some basic requirements to qualify for the program.

• The refrigerator/freezer must still be in working condition.
• The refrigerator/freezer must have an inside measurement between 10 and 32 cubic feet.
• There is a limit of two refrigerator/freezer units per household.

OPPD contracts with JACO Environmental to remove the appliances from the homes of participating customers and to dismantle and recycle those appliances. Funding for the program comes from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive Grants Program which is co-sponsoring the program with OPPD.

More information is available at the OPPD website including frequently asked questions.

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OPPD In-Lieu-of Tax Payments Exceed $29 Million

April 1, 2013

The Omaha Public Power District contributed significantly to the treasuries of the communities it serves today, distributing more than $29 million in 2012 in-lieu-of-tax payments. The payments to 11 counties in the utility’s service territory represent a new record, surpassing last year’s amount of $27,156,042 by nearly $1.88 million.

The payments are based on 5 percent of OPPD’s gross revenues from retail sales of electricity in incorporated cities and towns during the previous year.

The payments take the place of property taxes, as well as some other taxes. In addition to the in-lieu-of-tax payments, the District pays general sales taxes, gasoline taxes, wheel taxes, motor vehicle license fees and permit fees like any other business.

The in-lieu-of-tax payments will be distributed by the county treasurers to school districts, cities and other entities.

"The past year presented significant challenges; however, OPPD employees responded by taking extra measures to maintain its reliable operations, plan for the future and keep rates below the national average," said OPPD Board Chairman Fred J. Ulrich.

"Lingering economic challenges continue to affect many in our community. The OPPD in-lieu-of-tax payments will greatly benefit local communities, as the monies contributed to the various local treasuries will help them fund needed services and make improvements," Chairman Ulrich said.

The payments to each county follow:

County treasurers distribute the funds to various taxing bodies.

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Successful Air Conditioning Management Program Back for 2013

March 28, 2013

As spring gets underway and temperatures begin to rise, OPPD is reminding customers of the benefits of signing up for the Air Conditioning Management Program.

The program has surpassed expectations since it was launched last year, with more than 11,500 customers signing up to date. This reduced peak demand by 17.2 megawatts in 2012, 2.2 megawatts above and beyond OPPD’s goal for the program. Reducing this demand helps delay the need for a new power plant and the cost of building it, keeping OPPD rates low.

When customers sign up for AC management, they receive a $30 credit after installation is complete, plus another $20 credit in September and each year thereafter, for participating in the program. An OPPD electrical contractor installs a free outdoor device to the customer’s home on the siding or brick nearest to the AC or heat pump. It requires the use of hardware, such as screws, but no appointments are necessary and nobody goes into the home.

On hot summer days, when demand for electricity is at its highest, the device will run the AC or heat pump in approximately 15-minute intervals (on for 15, off for 15) for two and a half hours between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. It’s important to note, this does not cause increased wear-and-tear to the cooling system. Management events are limited to 12 days a year at most.

The majority of customers surveyed since having the device installed report they never even realized when a management event was happening.

Of those who did notice, most were not bothered. "There was no discomfort. The house didn’t get real hot," said one customer. Another said, "There was a slight temperature increase on very hot days inside the house, but well worth the credit on my electric bill."

To sign up for the program or to learn more, visit oppd.com/acmgmt or call OPPD at 402-536-4131 or 1-877-536-4131 outside of the Omaha metro area.

Please see the "Fact Sheet" e-mail attachment for more details and a photograph of the AC Management device.

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Storms & Power Restoration Opens 2013 Speakers Series
OPPD Shares Strategies Heading into Severe Weather Season

March 25, 2013

After weathering several winter snow storms, Omaha Public Power District is turning its attention toward the spring severe weather season. Like heavy snow fall, driving rain, wind and lightning can also cause service disruptions.

Thursday, March 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Millard Branch Library, 13214 Westwood Ln., OPPD representatives will explore the topic of Power Restoration. It’s the first Speaker Series event of 2013. These informational sessions are free and open to the public, the result of collaboration with the Omaha Public Library to educate the public on a number of energy-related topics.

OPPD experts will talk about the effects of severe weather on the power grid and how the utility works to provide reliable service before, during and after a storm. Speakers also will explain how OPPD partners with emergency response organizations and media outlets to keep the public informed during storm-induced outages – whether short-lived or prolonged. Representatives from American Red Cross, Douglas County Emergency Management Agency and the Omaha/Douglas Citizen Corps Programs will be on-hand, as well, providing their insight into storm preparation and response.

A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Community members in attendance will be entered into drawings to win free weatherization kits. There will be an interpreter present for hearing-impaired customers.

The next scheduled session is April 25, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Abrahams Branch Library, 5111 N. 90th St. The topic will be Tips & Tools for Saving Energy.

OPPD is one of the largest customer-owned electric utilities in the United States, serving more than 352,000 customers in 13 counties in southeast Nebraska.

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OPPD’s Pilot Energy-Saving Trees Program a Big Success
All 2,000 trees are spoken for, as Utility Plans Next Event

March 21, 2013

The response to OPPD’s brand new Energy-Saving Trees program has been so overwhelming that it took less than a week for customers to claim 2,000 free trees. The utility made online reservations available starting Friday, March 15.

The program was launched in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to help educate customers about the benefits of trees and how to properly plant them. Strategically planted trees can block cold winter winds and hot summer sun from homes and buildings, reducing energy usage.

The "Energy-Saving Trees" online tool allowed customers to figure out the best and safest place to plant. The tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute. Customers who made reservations will receive a tree, sized between two and four-feet tall, within two or three weeks.

"We are grateful to the Arbor Day Foundation for their support," said Tim Burke, vice president of Customer Service and Public Affairs, "and we want to thank our customer-owners for taking part in this very worthwhile project."

"This program is a win-win," he added. "It gives OPPD the chance to educate the public about proper tree-planting practices, reducing the need for costly tree-trimming and removal down the road. And it gives customers the opportunity to cut back on their energy consumption for years to come."

Due to its success, OPPD is evaluating the program in hopes of expanding the program next year. In the meantime, customers can learn more about safe and strategic tree planting by visiting oppd.com/trees.

Customers are also invited to visit OPPD’s 26-acre arboretum at 108th & Blondo, open from dawn to dusk. There, they can learn more about more than 200 species of trees and shrubs, as well as planting with regards to power line safety.

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OPPD Board Holds Its March Monthly Meeting

March 21, 2013

The Board of Directors for the Omaha Public Power District took action on several important items during its regular monthly meeting held in March.

The board approved a resolution directing the District’s legal counsel, along with the Governance Committee, to evaluate and develop for review proposed revisions to the District’s charter for election to the board. Presently, the District’s 13-county service territory is divided into four subdivisions represented by eight board members. The subdivisions include the Metropolitan subdivision, the Suburban subdivision, the North rural subdivision and the South rural subdivision. The resolution proposes changing the number of election subdivisions from four to eight.

Board members said they are committed to equal representation throughout the District and plan to closely study the matter before any final actions are taken. The board scheduled further action on the matter at its April 11, 2013, meeting.

In other action, the board authorized management to sell eight small parcels of property located near the Missouri River, between Poppleton Avenue and Center Street, and to determine the market-based value of a portion of property near the District’s old Jones Street Station in order to facilitate the sale of that property.

The board also approved a compensation adjustment for Vice President Timothy J. Burke.

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Save Energy with Free Trees from OPPD

March 15, 2013

Plant a tree now and shrink energy use in the future. That’s the goal behind Omaha Public Power District’s new Energy-Saving Trees program, a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation. OPPD is giving away 2,000 trees this spring in its ongoing support of energy management.

Starting March 15, customers can visit www.oppd.com/freetree to reserve a tree on a first-come, first-serve basis. There, they can enter a home or business address, pulling up an aerial property view. An online tool will alert customers to overhead power line hazards, while allowing them to navigate the landscape to see how the placement of a tree would improve upon energy efficiency. It calculates the anticipated monthly savings now, in the near future, and in 20 years as the tree matures – by providing windbreaks during the winter and shade during the summer. The tool is not a replacement for the Digger’s Hotline. Customers are still urged to call the hotline at 1-800-331-5666 or 811 before planting.

"The Energy-Saving Trees program is really innovative in how it shows us a savings breakdown from a simple tree planting," said OPPD Vice President Tim Burke. "The benefits are broad-reaching. Homeowners reap rewards, plus these trees will help reduce the carbon footprint and storm water runoff, while improving air quality."

Customers will be able to reserve one tree through May 15, or as long as they last. The types of trees offered include Norway Spruce, Ohio Buckeye, Swamp White Oak and Eastern Redbud. The trees will be available for two months or as long as supplies last. After an order is placed, a tree measuring between two-feet and four-feet tall will be shipped to the customer at no charge.

The "Energy-Saving Trees" online tool was created by the Arbor Day Foundation and the Davey Institute, a division of Davey Tree Expert Co. It uses peer-reviewed scientific research from the USDA Forest Service’s i-Tree software to calculate estimated benefits from energy savings to environmental impacts.

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OPPD Warns Customers of Latest Phony Billing Scam

February 26, 2013

Scam artists are trying to bilk Omaha Public Power District customers out of money by falsely claiming to represent the District’s billing department. A number of customers have reported receiving fraudulent calls over the past few days.

The callers tell customers their payment is overdue and that in order to avoid having their power shut off, they must pay up. In some instances, they claim they need payment for installation of new equipment like meters. They demand money, a credit card number or other financial or personal information. Similar scams involving other utilities have been reported in various parts of the country.

In some recent local cases, scammers even used a phone number similar to the District’s Call Center number in an attempt to appear legitimate.

The thieves aren’t just trying to get money over the phone. A couple of intended victims report being instructed to take cash to Wal-Mart, Walgreens or CVS to make the payment. In the past, scammers have also asked customers to turn off home or business security systems, to “help the utility save energy,” falsely claiming it’s a good way for the customer to “reduce the energy bill.”

OPPD stresses that none of these individuals demanding cash payments or financial information work for the District. It also advises:

• Residential or business customers should never give personal or financial information to a stranger during an unsolicited telephone call.
• If such a person should appear unannounced at one’s door claiming to work for the utility, do not allow them entrance and always ask for identification or verification. OPPD employees always carry identification. Failure to produce identification should always be a tip-off to the customer that something is wrong.
• They should also refuse to turn off their security systems simply because a stranger asks them to do so. Any customer who receives such a call is advised to call local law enforcement.

OPPD has notified the Omaha Police Department of the latest scam and is working with police to help protect our customers. Meanwhile, if a customer has a particular question about payment or their account, that customer is advised to always call OPPD, 402-536-4131 within Omaha or 1-877-536-4131 outside of Omaha, if they have any questions.

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OPPD Board Approves Next Step in New Offutt Stratcom Headquarters

February 14, 2013

The Board of Directors of the Omaha Public Power District cleared the way Thursday for the next phase in new utility work at Offutt Air Force Base.

Board members voted to approve a $1,358,510 contract with General Excavation for ductline installation for two substations at the base. General Excavation, of Lincoln, was the lowest of five bidders for the one-year project. Work is slated to begin April 1.

OPPD is in the early stages of a multi-year program to serve the new building substation and update other infrastructure. The new Stratcom facility is designed to meet military security and communications needs for the next 50 years.

OPPD also distributed its 2012 Sustainability Report, which notes the many steps the utility has taken to become a leader in this area, including its recent wind purchase. The purchase allowed OPPD to reach its self-imposed renewable energy goal. The full report can be accessed at oppd.com.

In other action:
… The board approved the sale of property at two substations located at 114th and Cornhusker Rd.
… Board members also voted to approve 2013 Standing Committee Assignments.
… The board approved compensation adjustments for Vice Presidents Jon Hansen and Sherrye Hutcherson.

OPPD is one of the largest customer-owned electric utilities in the United States, serving more than 352,000 customers in 13 counties in southeast Nebraska.

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OPPD Board Elects New Officers to lead in 2013

January 17, 2013

The Board of Directors of the Omaha Public Power District has selected a new slate of officers to lead the board in 2013. The board elected Fred J. Ulrich as its new chairman, Anne L. McGuire as vice chairman, Michael J. Cavanaugh as treasurer and John K. Green as board secretary. The elections were held during January’s regular monthly meeting.

Fred J. Ulrich, who represents the South Subdivision, was first appointed to the Board of Directors in February 1986 and was then elected to the board the following November. He previously served as Chairman of the Board in 1990, 1991, 2008 and 2009. He has also served previously as Vice Chairman, Board Secretary and Treasurer.

Mr. Ulrich is a farmer and cattle feeder based near Louisville, Nebraska. He holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. He is a former member of the Cass County Planning and Zoning Commission. Mr. Ulrich has served on the Parish Council of the Church of the Holy Spirit and is on the boards of directors of the Producers Livestock Marketing Association and Producers Livestock Credit Corporation. He is a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, and he is the 4-H Leader for the Bridle and Saddle 4-H Club.

In 1982, Mr. Ulrich was honored as the Jaycee Farmer of the Year and received the Young Farmer Conservation Award from the Lower Platte South Natural Resource District and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in 1983.

In 1995, the Fred and Diane Ulrich family was named the Farm Family of the Year at the Cass County King Korn Carnival. In 1999, the Plattsmouth Kiwanis named the Ulrich family the Farm Family of the Year.

Mr. Ulrich and his wife Diane have four children and eight grandchildren.

Anne L. McGuire was first elected to the Board in 1996 to represent customers in the Metropolitan Subdivision. Mrs. McGuire holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Creighton University and a master's degree in nursing from St. Louis University, as well as a Business in Brief certificate from Creighton University. She is a former nurse educator, clinician and researcher. She is also an editor and co-author of two university textbooks.

Mrs. McGuire is President of the Creighton University Jaybackers, a member of the Board of Directors of GESU Housing, Inc., Children’s Physician Board of Directors and recipient of the Spirit of Creighton Award in 1973.

Michael J. Cavanaugh was first elected to the board in1994. He represents the Metropolitan Subdivision.

Mr. Cavanaugh is a retired police lieutenant for the City of Omaha who holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also a real estate investor – manager and a former licensed Nebraska realtor, involved in residential property management.

A lifetime resident of Omaha, Mr. Cavanaugh is a former Rotary member and former member of the Omaha Jaycees. He has served as a member of various City of Omaha committees dealing with job training for underprivileged teens and with enforcing housing code violations within the city.

John K. Green, who represents the Metropolitan Subdivision, was first elected to the Board in 1986. Mr. Green has previously served as Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary.

Mr. Green holds bachelor's and law degrees from Creighton University. He once also served as an administrative assistant to Congressman John Cavanaugh. He is currently an attorney at law with Pickens & Green, LLP. Mr. Green is a member of the Omaha, Nebraska, and American Bar Associations and the Nebraska and American Trial Lawyers Associations.

In other action at its monthly meeting, the board held a public hearing to receive customer input on the District’s decision to purchase 200 megawatts of wind energy from the Prairie Breeze Wind project beginning in January 2014. Because the purchase is comparable in cost to other OPPD generation, there is no impact on OPPD rates. The hearing allows an application for the wind farm to be built by developers near Elgin, Nebraska, west of Norfolk to move forward before the Nebraska Power Review Board, which must still approve the project. Directors last month authorized management to enter into a long-term purchase agreement with Prairie Breeze Wind Energy, LCC for the additional generation.

The board also approved revisions to the Board of Directors Standing Committee Charters and approved a compensation adjustment for Vice President Mohamad I. Doghman.

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Southeast Nebraska Buildings Earn EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Certification

January 11, 2013

OPPD worked with owners of 21 buildings, including 12 Omaha Public School buildings, to help them earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR certification in 2012. They had to meet strict energy-efficiency levels set by the EPA to earn that designation, putting them in the top 25 percent of similar facilities nationwide.

OPPD offers products and services that can help customers achieve ENERGY STAR status because the outcome benefits everyone – the customer saves on energy bills, the utility demand goes down, and the customer-owners defer having to pay for additional generating units. The EPA introduced ENERGY STAR in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency.

In addition to the 12 OPS buildings, Millard Horizon High School, Ford Motor Credit, Blue Cross Blue Shield Centre, Crescent Electric, Kiewit Plaza, Edward Zorinsky Federal Building, two Lincoln Financial Group buildings, the State of Nebraska’s Omaha State office building and Target (72nd and Dodge), achieved the ENERGY STAR certification.

Commercial buildings that earn ENERGY STAR certification use an average of 35 percent less energy than typical buildings and also release 35 percent less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These buildings improved their performance by managing energy strategically and making cost-effective improvements.

For example, Ford Motor Credit improved its energy performance by managing energy strategically across the entire organization and by making cost-effective improvements to its building. By utilizing OPPD’s ECO 24/7 program and retrofitting its eight rooftop units with new energy-efficient Digi-RTU Optimizer technology (which is now incented through OPPD’s RTU Incentive Pilot Program and through the City of Omaha’s reEnergize Program), the building reduced its electricity usage by nearly 30 percent for the last three years. It’s also estimated that carbon dioxide emissions were reduced by 744,800 pounds per year.

The EPA’s ENERGY STAR energy performance scale helps organizations assess how efficiently their buildings use energy relative to similar buildings nationwide. A building that scores a 75 or higher on the EPA’s 1-100 scale may be eligible for ENERGY STAR certification. Commercial buildings that can earn ENERGY STAR status include offices, bank branches, data centers, financial centers, retail stores, courthouses, hospitals, hotels, K-12 schools, medical offices, supermarkets, dormitories, houses of worship, and warehouses.

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