The Omaha area is running low on power capacity. That could harm Nebraska’s ability to grow
The Omaha Public Power District has less than 100 megawatts of available capacity for new or expanding large customers, creating concerns about the region’s ability to attract data centers, manufacturers and other economic development. OPPD is evaluating major investments in new generation through 2036, while local leaders debate how much growth the utility should plan to support.
The Omaha Public Power District is facing a shortage of available power capacity as data centers, manufacturers and other large electricity users expand in the region. OPPD projects it has less than 100 megawatts available for new or expanding large customers over the next several years, while its queue includes nearly 2,000 megawatts of economic development projects through 2031 and thousands more potential projects.
OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez said the utility is planning how much generation to add through 2036, with possibilities ranging from about 1,000 megawatts to more than 7,000 megawatts. Greater Omaha Chamber leaders, including President and CEO Heath Mello and board chair Paul West, urged the utility to plan for more growth, while energy experts cautioned that building too much capacity could leave ratepayers with unnecessary costs. OPPD is considering natural gas, renewable energy and potentially nuclear power as it manages aging infrastructure, reserve requirements and local resistance to some renewable projects.