NPPD studies more wind power

NEBRASKA - The Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is investigating the possibility of more than doubling its wind energy generation.

Ron Asche, NPPD chief executive officer, said that the utility would consider adding 100 megawatts in wind energy through a partnership with one or more private developers.

After that, it would consider incrementally adding to its wind portfolio. The utility currently generates about 60 megawatts from wind power.

The utility will take requests for proposals from developers so that all can compete fairly and be comparably evaluated.

NPPD also will study the state's transmission system to see which areas can best handle the added electrical load. That study may take three months.

The utility will examine the feasibility of moderately expanding its existing wind farm near Ainsworth.