Lee and Ashley's Story of Survival

You think it will never happen to you...what if you're wrong?

Nebraska Ranked LOW ... and it's GOOD!

The EIA's State Energy Profiles provide a fascinating state-by-state accounting of how energy is produced and consumed across the nation. Taking a good look at Nebraska's energy profile, I could see why efforts were underway to curb the state's energy use. Nebraska ranks 16th in the United States in total energy consumption per capita.  And since two thirds of the electricity production in the state comes from coal-fired power plants, a reduction in electricity usage would likely translate to a reduction in fossil fuel use, too.  From the charts offered, Nebraska ranked 46th out of 49 states reporting for residential energy prices.  Hawaii topped the charts at a whopping 26 cents per kwh (Nebraska average is 7.59 cents/kwh).

If all this energy data leaves you craving even more, you might consider viewing your state's energy office Web site. Nebraska's state energy office Web site offered not only state-specific energy related data, but also links to information on state energy incentives and tips for winter/summer energy savings.

Now, if you want to get down right personal, go to http://www.dawsonpower.com/ and choose Energy Audit from the Customer Service drop down menu.  You can plug in your own home values....then see if a few tweaks (installing more CFLs, insulting and/or caulking, unplugging that 2nd fridge...) could lower your usage.  You'll be reading more about Dawson Power's energy audit option in later posts. 

This time of year, college basketball rankings are all the rage. But maybe we can all consider a different kind of ranking: when it comes to energy, how does YOUR state rate?

Dawson Public Power District
"today's energy; tomorrow's vision"

Food For Thought

Thank a farmer!

From Dawson Power to all of our farmers and ranchers....THANK YOU!
(and special thanks to Monsanto for creating the video)

JACOB BROOKS....can we say WOW!

This is Jacob Brooks of North Carolina. He was selected as the 2010 Youth Leadership Council (YLC) Spokesperson for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. Absolutely amazing speech by a young man who will one day be a leader of leaders!

Humor and wisdom.....you WILL WANT to watch it all!

On Board With Strategic Planning

As I write this, the board of directors and management for Dawson Public Power District are meeting for the 2nd day in a strategic planning session. They are looking at various issues… an improved line and equipment maintenance program, rising cost of healthcare benefits, customer satisfaction, managing financial positions, communication (internal and external), as well as board governance issues.

The first big challenge is that a majority of our infrastructure is around 50 years old. The directors will be asking for an improved upgrade or rebuild program. This is causing the most concern because this will be a sizeable on-going expense that has no rate of return.

Although DPPD has used strategic planning in the past, goals were somewhat vague – such as “increase communication” or “use technology.” Now we’re using a new process to set more specific goals. No one goes unheard and the process to determine priorities allows us to reach concensus quickly. Once those points are agreed upon, the management team will put their collective heads together and develop plans to reach the goals. The goals will be short term and long term ones.

The directors are engaged in difficult decisions but knowing that full agreement behind the issue allows all of us to sail in the same ship going the same direction. After the goals are developed, we will publish them in the Dawson Dynamo.