(KLZA)--Omaha Public Power District- 13-county service territory is experiencing unprecedented growth in demand for energy, the result of a thriving regional economy. However, with such growth comes the need to power it.
During recent committee meetings the OPPD Board of Directors, utility leaders made a recommendation to meet the near-future generation needs of our communities. The need for additional generation was identified in resource planning work, which was guided by the district- mission of providing affordable, reliable and environmentally sensitive energy services. OPPD leaders have also publicly discussed the need for additional generation during opens sessions of the past several board meetings. In addition, a growth messaging campaign to keep our customers informed began April 1 and is ongoing.
OPPD expects peak energy load to the system will increase at a rate of approximately 100 megawatts (MW) per year for the foreseeable future. That- the equivalent of adding about 65 metro area high schools or mid-size hospitals - in just one year. To put the growth in context, OPPD was only adding 4 MW per year just a few years ago.
OPPD has been analyzing several resource options for this added generation, which will keep costs low and reliability high, while continue to reduce emissions over time as we diversify our resource mix even further. Generation solutions must be feasible to engineer, procure, construct and interconnect to the regional electric system in the time frame needed to reliably serve our customers. The utility remains committed to its goal of net-zero carbon by 2050.
Recommended proposals included adding:
· 1 ,000 to 1,500 MW of renewables including wind and solar.
·Up to 125 MW of battery storage
·600 to 950 MW of thermal power (such as natural gas
·32 MW or more of demand response which includes shifting or shedding electricity.
Approximately 320 MW of added fuel capacity and fuel oil storage at existing generation facilities - essentially upgrading current facilities to allow for additional winter capacity and resiliency.
Board members will consider the recommendation at an upcoming meeting.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Missouri River flood warning update
Ex-Pawnee City School para sentenced for sex abuse
Four arrested after Jackson Co traffic stop
BB guns, fireworks, all off limits in Atchison
Sunday wreck injures one in Atchison
Convicted baby biter sentenced to prison
New Hiawatha City Adminstrator hired
Morrill welfare check ends with drug arrests, children removed
Housing to expand through Atchison Main Street funds
Tax credits awarded to two local non-profits
Flood dangers realized by Falls City driver
Pilgrims arrive in Atchison Tuesday; KDOT closes lane for arrival
Ribbon cutting ceremony held for new Seneca fitness court
Monet's Garden comes to life in Atchison
Outgoing Holton USD 336 Supt. recognized
Jefferson Co's squatting ban moves forward
At risk teen missing in Atchison; public asked for help
Flooding expected along Missouri River
LATEST STORIES
Commission discusses KDOT letter on street lights
At risk teen missing in Atchison; public asked for help
IDOT recommends detour from I-29 if flooding occurrs
Pilgrims arrive in Atchison Tuesday; KDOT closes lane for arrival
Flood dangers realized by Falls City driver
Autopsy awaited in inmate's death
Morrill welfare check ends with drug arrests, children removed
Jefferson Co RWD#10 under boil advisory