As we prepare the budget for the upcoming year, it is important to review the 2023 budget year for the Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District.
A breakdown of expenses shows the District spent $26,039,400 in the hydro division in 2023. Among the capital investments that make up 37% of the total was the purchase of land in Keith County near Lake McConaughy for $5.1 million as part of the District’s FERC boundary review project
Central had $18,970,000 in revenue during the 2023 budget year. The largest revenue producer was the sale of energy accounting for around 50% at $9,388,700. Of note, 2023 was the final year of a 10-year contract to sell energy to Evergy. A new power contract began on Jan.1, 2024 for the sale of power generated at the Johnson No. 1 and No. 2 hydroplants to the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska.
While the sale of energy has varied based on water supply, the income from water delivery services and lake lot lease fees has remained steady over the past decade.
The board has a goal to provide sound financial management while preparing for major maintenance and improvement to the District’s aging infrastructure. That is highlighted in Central’s dedicated reserve funds totaling $88,563,000. A little over $1 million of the interest revenue came from funds held on behalf of Central’s groundwater recharge partners with Nebraska Department of Natural
