Lincoln Electric System secures hydropower deal with Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (CNPPID) and Lincoln Electric System (LES) have finalized a power purchase agreement for 20 megawatts of energy from Central’s Jeffrey Reservoir Hydroplant, located south of Brady.

The agreement, effective April 1, will run through the end of 2037, aligning with Central’s current Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing.

LES will use the energy to support its service areas, including Lincoln and Waverly.

“LES has a variety of generation resources in our portfolio that provide flexibility, adaptability and stability in an ever-changing energy landscape,” said LES manager of Resource and Transmission Planning, Scott Benson. “This partnership with Central boosts our portfolio and contributes to the reliable and affordable power our customers expect. It also brings LES another step closer to achieving our decarbonization goal.”

CNPPID generates electricity at four hydroplants, including one at Kingsley Dam and three on Central’s Supply Canal, which includes the Jeffrey Hydro.

The hydro division diverts water released from Lake McConaughy into the Supply Canal, routing it through several lakes and hydroelectric plants. The water is then delivered to the irrigation system during irrigation season or returned to the Platte River during non-irrigation season.

The diversion point for Central’s Supply Canal is 50 miles east of Lake McConaughy, Central’s main storage reservoir, and 75 miles west of its irrigated areas in Gosper, Phelps, and Kearney counties.

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