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Electric utility seeks generation study, adds staff proposals and spare‑parts plan for reliability
Summary
Electric staff proposed two studies (a generation study and a transmission/NITS study), new training and lead‑tech positions, and a multi‑year capital plan including spare parts for turbines and transformer/relay upgrades to improve reliability.
Ryan Schmitz, electric utilities director, presented the FY2026 electric capital and operating requests on Aug. 12 and said the division is seeking funding for a generation‑study RFP and a separate transmission (NITS) study to explore tariff and transmission options.
Schmitz said the budget includes proposals to repurpose two vacant FTEs for a power‑plant training coordinator (to capture retiring operators' institutional knowledge and provide training for new staff) and an electric instrumentation & controls lead technician; both positions are intended to support an anticipated generation buildout and workforce transition. He told council the proposed generation study is budgeted at $2.2 million and an associated NITS study at $175,000.
On capital, the utility asked for spare‑parts sets and overhaul components for gas turbines to reduce outage durations, replacement of end‑of‑life data controllers on pollution control equipment, distribution breaker and relay upgrades and continued underground and overhead rebuilds. Schmitz said acquiring spare turbine parts allows shorter outages because repairs can be performed while spares return from machining. He noted insurance and equipment replacement costs are rising and that electric's recent rate increase has helped stabilize reserves.
Council members praised the training‑coordinator proposal and discussed small modular reactor developments nationally; Schmitz said Nebraska may see prototypes in this decade but counseled realistic timelines into the 2030s for deployment in the state. No action was taken; items will be considered in the FY2026 budget process.
