Omaha Public Power District is laying the groundwork to provide the energy needed to power growing communities, while pursuing the goal of becoming a net-zero carbon producer by 2050. OPPD’s latest integrated resource plan (IRP) strives to meet those goals, while keeping power reliable and resilient into the future.
During this week’s all-committees meeting for the OPPD Board of Directors, utility leaders discussed resource planning work. OPPD must submit an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) every five years as part of a long-term contract to receive hydroelectric power. The utility uses comprehensive decision-support tools to evaluate resource options for the IRP, which serves as a road map for future generation and power purchases.
This latest IRP will take into account recently released findings from OPPD’s latest portfolio modeling process to move the utility toward its goal of net-zero carbon by 2050. The plan also includes the district’s Power with Purpose project to add up to 600 megawatts (MW) of solar generation with natural gas backup to power our growing communities, as well as the retirement of North Omaha Station units 1-3 and repowering of units 4-5 to run on natural gas.
Here’s a timeline for OPPD’s public engagement process surrounding the IRP:
- Jan. 21: The initial IRP draft will be published at OPPDCommunityConnect.com/IRP. The public may provide input or ask questions via that website.
- Feb. 3: OPPD will hold a public virtual presentation on the IRP, with an opportunity for the public to ask our team questions. To register and for attendance instructions, visit OPPDCommunityConnect.com/IRP.
- Feb. 20: Final day for the public to ask questions and provide feedback.
- Feb. 25: The IRP will be finalized.
Board officer positions for 2022
During today’s monthly board meeting, directors elected officer positions for the coming year, opting to retain the positions held in 2021. They also confirmed standing committee assignments for 2022.
- Amanda Bogner, who represents Subdivision 1, will remain board chair.
- Eric Williams, who represents Subdivision 6, will remain vice chair.
- Janece Mollhoff, who represents Subdivision 7, will remain secretary.
- Rick Yoder, who represents Subdivision 4 will remain treasurer.
Yoder will serve as Finance Committee chair. Mollhoff will serve as Public Information Committee chair. Williams will serve as System Management & Nuclear Oversight Committee chair. Craig Moody, who represents Subdivision 5, will serve as Governance Committee chair.
Resolution of appreciation
The board also approved a resolution of appreciation for Juli Comstock, vice president of Customer Service for OPPD. Comstock is retiring, effective Feb. 1, after 33 years of service to OPPD.
“Juli is one of the most passionate individuals I’ve ever met when it comes to caring for and representing those we serve,” said OPPD President & CEO Javier Fernandez.
The board commended Comstock’s steady, thoughtful leadership and her work to develop innovative products and services. They thanked her for her dedication to exceptional customer service. Directors also noted Comstock’s advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion, and the overall well-being of OPPD’s employees.
Other action
In other action, directors:
- Approved the November 2021 comprehensive financial and operating report, the December 2021 meeting minutes, and the Jan. 20, 2022 agenda.
- Approved and updated investment policy statement for the OPPD Retirement Plan. Based on modeling results, the changes in the investment portfolio are expected to provide higher long-term annual returns with limited additional risk.
- Awarded a contract in the amount of $545,000 to Harold K. Scholz Company for the purchase and installation of 15-kilovolt metaclad switchgear cubicles and switchgear enclosure. The equipment will be added to a Saunders County substation to support load growth and reliability in the area.
- Awarded a labor contract to Watts Electric Company, in the amount of $762,956, for construction services related to transmission system modifications. This includes the relocation of a transmission line to support a City of Omaha road project and the replacement of 14 structures for maintenance purposes. The work to take place between March and May 2022.
- Received and discussed annual Strategic Directive-6: Safety monitoring report, as well as the annual SD-8: Employee Relations monitoring report Directors accepted both reports, finding the utility to be sufficiently in compliance with the directives.
- Received the monthly President’s Report, available to view at OPPD.com/BoardMeeting.
Next board meetings
The next Board of Directors committee meetings will be held virtually, via Webex Events audio/video conference, Tuesday, Feb. 15, at approximately 10 a.m. Access the meeting link and instructions at OPPD.com/CommitteeAgenda, beginning at about 9:45 a.m., depending on the duration of a preceding, closed-session meeting, if needed.
The next monthly board meeting will be held virtually Thursday, Feb. 17, at 5 p.m., via Webex. Access the meeting link and instructions at OPPD.com/BoardAgenda, beginning at 4:45 p.m.