Challengers say NPPD's (public power) proposed rate hike is unfair, discriminatory

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.omaha.com/news/nebraska/challengers-say-nppd-s-proposed-rate-hike-is-unfair-discriminatory/article_4b30cc4a-85b3-5525-ae30-b21b422354eb.html

POSTED: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 12:30 AM
By Henry J. Cordes / World-Herald staff writer

At least 10 Nebraska utilities and towns are challenging a proposed electricity rate increase by the Nebraska Public Power District, with some saying that it punishes wholesale customers like them if they don’t sign a new long-term contract with NPPD.

NPPD has set a hearing for Oct. 8 in Columbus to listen to the objections filed by the cities of Beatrice, Auburn, South Sioux City, Wayne, Wakefield and Superior and by the Southern Power District in Grand Island, Northeast Nebraska Public Power District in Wayne, Butler Public Power District in David City and Perennial Public Power District in York.

Under a rate proposal recently adopted by NPPD’s board, wholesale power customers that sign a new 20-year contract with NPPD would see a 0.6 percent rate increase in 2016, while those that choose not to sign a new contract would pay 3.8 percent more.

In letters to NPPD, those challenging the proposal describe it as unfair, discriminatory and even punitive toward their ratepayers.

FULL story at link.


Pictured is the NPPD Operations Center.