Broken Bow council adopts Ordinance 1304 to accept updated MEAN power agreement and OK reporting aid

The Broken Bow City Council voted unanimously Nov. 25 to adopt Ordinance 1304, which authorizes the city to execute an amended and restated total power requirements power purchase agreement with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) and approves a separate Master Agreement for assistance with Department of Energy reporting and compliance services.

Mayor Rod Sonnichsen introduced the ordinance and opened a public hearing. Electric Superintendent Blake Waldow told the council MEAN has updated its Service Schedule M to modernize defined terms, transmission planning and long-term planning language; he said the proposal does not change current supply pricing. Waldow added the new schedule includes a provision allowing communities to withdraw from the agreement, but that a withdrawal would require long lead time to avoid harmful impacts to remaining participants.

Administrator David Schmidt said the city has reviewed the schedule over the last two years and does not plan to leave MEAN; he described the changes as administrative and "invisible to our customers." Waldow noted there are few alternative providers in Nebraska and that finding another supplier would be a lengthy process if the city chose to leave.

The council also approved a separate Master Agreement that allows MEAN to assist the city with annual generation and power history reporting. Schmidt said the Board of Public Works reviewed both items and recommended approval. The council voted to suspend the statutory three-readings requirement and then adopted the ordinance by unanimous roll call.

Ordinance 1304 will be filed with the city clerk and is effective per the ordinance language. The council did not indicate any immediate change to customer billing or rates as a result of the update.