Welcome to SWPPD
Located in Palisade serving five counties in Southwest Nebraska including: Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, and Red Willow. Servicing 2,594 miles of line, 6,504 meters, and over 113,000 Horsepower of irrigation load.
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Our main concern is servicing you to the best of our ability and being part of this great community. Here we will keep you informed about current news and things happening at SWPPD including widespread outage situations.
Southwest Public Power District has an opening for the position of Engineering Technician. Duties include, but are not limited to, assisting in the maintenance of the District’s geographic information system (GIS), system planning and improvements, and implementing technology as required to improve the distribution systems. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. This position requires passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: jobs@swppd.com . Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Position will be open until filled.
Southwest Public Power District has an opening for the position of Journeyman power line worker. Duties include, but are not limited to, maintenance and construction of overhead and underground distribution and sub-transmission facilities. The District operating hours are a compressed work schedule with every other Friday off. After-hours and on-call duty are required. This position requires heavy lifting, pole climbing, and other strenuous activity and working well with other crew members. Must be able to complete associated written and electronic documentation. Must possess a valid Class B CDL and pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Southwest Public Power District offers an excellent wage and benefit package, including paid vacation, sick leave, paid health insurance, and funded retirement plan. Southwest Public Power District’s headquarters office is in Palisade, Nebraska. The region’s schools, small communities, and recreational opportunities make it a great place to live and raise a family. Interested individuals must email a resume, including job training and three references to: jobs@swppd.com . Southwest Public Power District is an equal opportunity employer. Applications due by June 30th, 2026.
Southwest Public Power District Rate Increase
Effective January 1, 2025, Southwest Public Power District will implement an overall 2.4% rate increase to the customers of the District. During the Southwest Public Power District board meeting held on November 20th, 2024, management with help from a third-party rate consultant, presented to the Board of Directors a current Cost of Service study. The Board of Directors reviewed the study and approved the new retail rates as recommended by management. Over the past 12 years, SWPPD customers have received safe and reliable electricity without experiencing an overall annual customer rate increase in energy usage. In fact, since 2019, a Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) credit has been passed through from our energy provider making kilowatt hour (kWh) rates even cheaper than they were twelve years ago. Aside from a customer charge increase on single phase service in 2022, this will be the first increase in kWh usage since 2013. Over this same period of time, inflation has risen by 33% with the majority of these increases coming in the past 4 years. Since 2022, we have seen an increase of between 30% to more than 100% in the costs of material items such as wire and transformers. We are also forced to keep more material on hand since it is taking longer to acquire those materials. These increases are the driving force that continues to pressure the District to maintain our financial integrity while at the same time, supporting the necessary maintenance and upgrades of the electric plant. Some projects have even been delayed in an effort to reduce costs, but that is proving to be only a short-term fix. A recent study from Cooperative Electric Energy Utility Supply Inc (CEEUS) shows that over the last 4 years, transformers are 99% more expensive today. Conductor has increased 62% while crossarms and poles cost over 103% more today. . Southwest Public Power District has been able to cope with rising inflation and expenses while still maintaining rates well below the national average. This has been accomplished by an extremely good working relationship between the employees of SWPPD and the Board of Directors keeping well informed and making sound educated business decisions in an effort to maintain the primary purpose for the establishment of SWPPD: to bring safe-dependable-affordable power to our customers. Although no one likes to see the cost of their utilities increase, it is crucial for SWPPD to continue to meet our financial goals and provide you with safe and reliable electricity. The new rates can be viewed on our website at www.swppd.com/rates-payment. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (308)285-3295.
Southwest Public Power District is proud to announce the Frank & Betty Potthoff Memorial Scholarship Program! Frank and Betty Potthoff were both formerly employed by SWPPD, and the Potthoff family has generously offered to fund this scholarship as a memorial to them. This $500 per semester scholarship will help a student attend the Utility Line Program at either Northeast Community College or Western Nebraska Community College. To qualify for the scholarship students must be a high school senior or graduate and reside in the border territory generally served by SWPPD and all towns therein. The applicant must have already applied to be admitted to the Utility Line Program at either college and have been accepted or placed on a waiting list. To apply for the scholarship, the student must submit a personal essay to SWPPD not more than 350 words in length explaining why they are interested in the Utility Line Program as their course of study. They must also provide their class rank and GPA. If the applicant has graduated high school and is attending college, they must submit college transcripts with their essay. Applicant essays will be forwarded to a selection committee. SWPPD would like to award the first scholarship for the Fall semester of 2026. Applicants must have their essays submitted by May 31, 2026 in order to be eligible. Please contact Frank Bonini at (308)285-3295, or frankb@swppd.com, with questions.
As the country continues to recover from the many recent global and national events, the supply chain issues are going to remain a challenge for at least the next 12 to 24 months. The inventory SWPPD requires to build and maintain new and existing services has been strained. Today, the current order lead time for transformers used in our industry are estimated to be approximately 52 weeks out. Unfortunately, transformers are not the only inventory item of concern. Everything from the raw materials used in our conductor wire to the poles, cross-arms and bolts used in construction have been impacted. The trade associations and organizations we belong to have been proactive in working with the federal government and with manufacturers to make sure we have what we need to serve our customers. SWPPD has adapted by ordering supplies further in advance and in larger quantities when the manufacturer allows. We also continue to recycle and reuse materials where possible. Materials ordered by SWPPD are also subject to change based on several unexpected events such as national and local storm restoration needs, transportation costs and availability, raw material interruptions and many other possible unexpected scenarios. These circumstances have been substantial enough that we can no longer guarantee that new services will be completed prior to the summer of 2023. More specifically, no new irrigation service requests that are not already in our que will be built before the summer of 2023. Therefore, any new service requests for the rest of the year will be put on a waiting list on a “first come, first serve” basis. The Board and Management at SWPPD felt strongly that it was better to communicate this delay to our customers as far in advance as possible to make the necessary adjustments in your plans if you are considering a new service in 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please reach out to SWPPD if you have any questions.
EnergyWise℠ Tips
Saving energy is something we all strive to do. Here we have a complete blog dedicated to energywise tips regarding the electric industry.
By: NPPD's Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer According to Consumer Reports , 2018 was the first automotive production year when more new models were equipped with light-emitting diode (LED) headlights than halogen or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. Today, all new electric and hybrid vehicles are equipped with LEDS, as are most internal combustion engine vehicles. However, in June of 2026, of the 297.5 million registered vehicles in the United States, more than two-thirds were manufactured before 2018. If you drive one of these earlier-model cars, you are likely to be using the older lighting technologies to see your way down the road at night. Should you upgrade your headlights? Consider these points: Brighter illumination The number of lumens a light produces is a measurement of the total perceived light emitted by a source. As an example, a standard 100-watt incandescent lightbulb produces about 1,600 lumens. LED headlights produce 3,000 to 12,000 lumens to provide impressive lighting ranges that can reach beyond 300 yards. In comparison, halogen or HID headlights only produce 1,000 to 1,500 lumens and have a shorter lighting range that only reaches up to 150 yards. Energy Efficiency Depending on which headlights are being compared, LEDs are four to ten times more efficient than halogen or HID headlights in converting electricity to light. This is one of the main reasons LEDs can produce so many more lumens on an automobile’s headlamp circuit than the older technologies. Better visual acuity and safety When describing “white” light, the term “Kelvin” (using the symbol “K”) is used to describe how “warm” or “cool” the color is; the lower the Kelvin level, the warmer and more yellowish the light is. Traditional halogen and HID headlights produce light around 3200K. LED headlights produce crisp, directional white light around 5000K to 6500K, which improves contrast and distance visibility to the human eye. Less eye fatigue Studies have shown that the sharper contrast described above allows drivers to spot road signs, lane markings and obstacles much earlier, thus reducing cognitive and visual load during extended nighttime trips. Longer lifespan and lower overall cost Drivers using halogen or HID headlights typically get about 1,000 to 2,000 hours of use before they replace them again at an average cost of $20 to $60 per pair. Even though LED headlights cost three to five times more at an average cost of $50 to $175 per pair, they will last 30,000 to 50,000 hours and save money and time through fewer future replacements. Your local public power provider, in partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, wants to help you make the most of the energy they provide. That includes helping you safely and comfortably travel from point A to point B at night. To find additional ways electrical technologies can improve efficient use of energy in our lives, contact your local utility or visit www.energywisenebraska.com.
We Value Your Opinion
Southwest Public Power District is committed to providing the best possible customer service. We value input from our customers and invite you to use the Contact Us form to share your comments, concerns, questions and suggestions. Compliments are accepted as well! Rest assured that all correspondence will be reviewed and handled with professional confidence and courtesy.
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Board of Directors
In March of 1945, the Southwest Electric Membership Corporation was born and electric light took its first steps to become an active part of life in southwest Nebraska. At the time nine men were elected to the board of directors. Many things in the electrical industry have changed over the years but one thing remains the same, continued leadership and dedication to the electrical needs of southwest Nebraska.
Meet The Board
A tour of Southwest Nebraska….our home.
We live in a very special place with proud and hard working communities. This video is a small peak into the places we call home in the southwest corner of Nebraska. Southwest Public Power District is proud to be a part of these communities. If you are not able to see our video here visit YouTube.
Stay Informed
Manager's Articles
General Manager Colyn Suda will keep you updated with monthly articles from SWPPD about industry news, safety tips, and ways to save you money. Also, this is your direct link to the Nebraska Rural Electric Association. Here you will find information about industry and political events and you can also sign-up for notifications.
Smart thermostats promise to help homeowners save energy while keeping their homes comfortable. But are they worth the investment? The short answer: They’re worth it. Unlike traditional thermostats, smart models connect to home wi-fi and can be controlled through a smartphone app. Many also “learn” a household’s schedule and automatically adjust temperatures when people are asleep or away. When a smart thermostat lowers or raises the temperature for several hours a day, it can reduce heating and cooling costs. Because smart thermostats automate these adjustments, they can help households maintain energy-saving settings without anyone having to remember to change them manually. Some models also compile energy reports that show how often the system runs and offer suggestions for reducing energy use. However, smart thermostats may not be necessary for every home. If you live in an older home, you might need an electrician to install additional wiring to support yours. And smart units are pricier than basic programmable units. Plus, you need a stable internet connection for a smart model to operate consistently well. If you already have a programmable thermostat, a smart unit might not save you much additional money. And if you work at home all day and need to keep the heat or a/c at a comfortable setting, you won’t want a thermostat that automatically makes your home colder on winter days or warmer during summertime working hours. Still, for homeowners who frequently forget to adjust the temperature or want the convenience of remote control, a smart thermostat can be a useful tool for improving comfort and managing energy use.
Summer heat can be tough on people. It can also be tough on batteries. Many of the devices we use every day contain lithium-ion batteries. That includes phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries work best when they stay within a moderate temperature range. Excessive heat can shorten battery life and, in rare cases, create safety risks. One of the worst places for a battery-powered device is a parked car. On a sunny day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly. Leaving a phone or laptop in a hot car can damage the battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge. Watch for warning signs. If a battery becomes unusually hot, starts swelling, leaks fluid or gives off a burning smell, stop using the device immediately. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous. A few simple steps can help: • Keep devices out of direct sunlight. • Do not leave them in hot vehicles. • Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. • If a battery-powered device becomes very hot while charging, unplug it and let it cool. A little heat awareness can help your devices last longer and operate more safely.
Summer heat can be tough on people. It can also be tough on batteries. Many of the devices we use every day contain lithium-ion batteries. That includes phones, laptops, tablets, power tools, e-bikes and e-scooters. These batteries work best when they stay within a moderate temperature range. Excessive heat can shorten battery life and, in rare cases, create safety risks. One of the worst places for a battery-powered device is a parked car. On a sunny day, temperatures inside a vehicle can climb quickly. Leaving a phone or laptop in a hot car can damage the battery and reduce its ability to hold a charge. Watch for warning signs. If a battery becomes unusually hot, starts swelling, leaks fluid or gives off a burning smell, stop using the device immediately. Damaged lithium-ion batteries can become dangerous. A few simple steps can help: • Keep devices out of direct sunlight. • Do not leave them in hot vehicles. • Use the charger recommended by the manufacturer. • If a battery-powered device becomes very hot while charging, unplug it and let it cool. A little heat awareness can help your devices last longer and operate more safely.
