The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District (Central) along with Loup Power District (Loup) and Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) welcomed Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen to Kingsley Dam/Lake McConaughy for a proclamation signing event to declare August 24th as Nebraska Hydropower Day.
At the signing ceremony overlooking Lake McConaughy, Governor Pillen spoke on the importance of hydropower production to the state of Nebraska. Hydropower remains one of the most cost-effective energy resources, helping to keep electricity rates low, drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for all Nebraskans.
“Hydropower is a reliable source of low-cost energy and has supported communities for decades,” Pillen remarked. “We should not take it for granted. We need to appreciate it, find ways to celebrate its quiet success, and look for opportunities to build more across the state”
Within his proclamation, the Governor remarked that hydropower provides benefits far beyond electricity generation. Our dams and waterways, which form the backbone of the state’s water management systems, deliver the promise of sustainable irrigation, support power plant cooling, facilitate aquifer recharge and enhance recreational opportunities to strengthen rural communities and contribute to Nebraska’s ecological resilience.
Following Governor Pillen’s remarks, Marla Barnes, Vice President of Membership and Industry Engagement with the Nebraska Hydropower Association, thanked the Governor for the proclamation and proudly stated, “Hydropower is here and is here to stay!”
Also in attendance at the event was Nebraska State Senator Paul Strommen from District 47 representing the Lake McConaughy area. Staff from Nebraska’s federal delegation were in attendance as well as board members from Central and NPPD.
Central is the largest producer of hydropower in the state with its four hydroplants, however hydropower is not just about the turbines using water to make electricity. Hydropower represents the infrastructure that allows Central to properly manage and use our water resources in Nebraska.
Nebraska Hydropower Day was held in conjunction with National Hydropower Day that was also celebrated on August 24.
