Welcome to SWPPD
Located in Palisade serving five counties in Southwest Nebraska including: Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, and Red Willow. Servicing 2,585 miles of line, 6,452 meters, and over 109,000 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 Are you looking for a quick and easy way to keep a small area comfortable during a heat wave or cold snap? Using electric space heaters can be expensive to run and window air conditioners can be difficult to install. Instead, consider purchasing a portable heat pump and accomplish heating and cooling with one single unit. Portable heat pumps work by using electricity and refrigerant to move heat rather than generating it directly. During the heating season, heat is extracted from outside air and transferred indoors through one or two hoses mounted in a window opening. Single-hose units will pull in air from inside the room and exhaust it outside. Dual-hose portable heat pumps will have one hose for pulling air from outside, and a separate hose for expelling air. Dual-hose units recycle indoor air and do not exhaust it outdoors. For this reason, dual-hose units are typically more efficient than single-hose units. When temperatures climb outside, portable heat pumps can reverse this process to provide cooling. Though they are not the perfect solution for all space conditioning needs, portable heat pumps offer advantages. They are: Mobility Unlike window air conditioners, ductless mini split or central air-cooling systems, portable heat pumps are easy to move from room to room. Most have wheels to make one-person relocation simple. Easy to Install Nearly all portable heat pumps come with a window kit that their one or two hoses attach to. By closing the window around the kit’s frame, making provisions for water condensing out of the air and plugging the unit into a standard wall socket, it is ready to heat or cool. No professional installation is required. Inexpensive While comparable in price to a window air conditioner, portable heat pumps are more affordable than ductless mini split or central air-cooling systems. Efficient When it comes to heating, portable heat pumps are two to three times more efficient electric space heaters. While permanently installed cooling systems tend to be more efficient, portable heat pumps are just as, if not more efficient, than window air conditioners, especially when selecting an Energy Star®-certified model. While a portable heat pump is an excellent, energy-efficient choice for renters, temporary use or small-space climate control (approximately 300 to 600 square feet) where installing a permanent unit is not allowed, they do come with some disadvantages: Noise Because the operating components are housed inside the unit, they tend to be louder than ductless mini split or central air-cooling systems. However, they are usually quieter than window air conditioners while operating around 45 to 55 decibels, which is comparable to a quiet-to-normal conversation. Limited Heating Capacity As the temperature drops outside, the amount of heat required to keep the indoor area comfortable increases. Portable heat pumps also do not have the ability to defrost themselves during freezing weather. Therefore, most stop operating when outdoor temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Though that covers about half of the annual hours when heating is needed in our homes, Additional heat sources are necessary when the mercury dips lower. Window Compatibility While hose kits quickly mount into the openings of single-hung, double-hung and sliding glass windows, modifications to the kit’s frame must be made to fit into casement-style windows. Humidity Control Because single-hose units create a negative pressure inside, they pull in unconditioned air from outside through cracks and openings throughout the home. Therefore, a double-hose model is necessary to provide dehumidification. Condensation When operating, condensation (water vapor) collects in a reservoir. This must be manually dumped every few hours or drained through a line. If not, the unit will shut off. To address this, some units have an internal pump to push the condensate through a drain line that exits through the window kit. Limited Capacity Portable heat pumps can only heat or cool a single room at a time. Depending on the size of the room, they may struggle to do so. Larger rooms are more likely to have hot and cold spots that create a less-than-comfortable environment. While portable heat pumps provide a great solution to temporary heating and cooling needs in a single room, other types of heat pump systems bring greater efficiency and comfort when a longer-term solution is desired. In partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, your local public power provider wants to help you gain the most value from the energy needed to keep comfortable inside. For more energy-saving ideas, including EnergyWiseSM energy efficiency financial incentives, 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.
Summer grilling season brings people outdoors, but it also introduces electrical safety risks that are easy to overlook. · If you’re using an electric grill, make sure it’s plugged into a properly rated outdoor outlet. Ground fault circuit interrupter outlets, or GFCIs, are especially important in outdoor spaces, as they help prevent shocks during wet weather. · Avoid using indoor extension cords outside. Outdoor-rated cords are designed to handle heat and moisture. Even then, try locating your outdoor appliances and lights as close as possible to outlets. And if you must use extension cords, place them where people won’t trip over them. · Be mindful of lighting and additional appliances on decks and patios. Plugging too many devices into a single outlet can overload the circuit, increasing the risk of overheating. · Keep all electrical connections away from water sources, including pools, sprinklers, sinks and wet surfaces. If cords or outlets become damaged, stop using them until they can be repaired or replaced. A few precautions can help ensure your outdoor cooking setup stays safe all season long.
Sometimes, your electric bill might creep up a bit in June, even before the hottest days of summer arrive. The increase often has less to do with extreme heat and more to do with how cooling systems operate early in the season. Air conditioning units that have been idle for months may not run at peak efficiency right away. Dust buildup, clogged filters or minor maintenance issues can make systems work harder from the start. Humidity also plays a role. Early summer air often carries moisture, which makes homes feel warmer and prompts air conditioners to run longer to keep the house cool. Longer daylight hours can contribute as well. More time at home with lights and electronics in use adds to overall energy consumption. To reduce early-season spikes, replace air filters before you ever switch on your a/c. At the same time, schedule routine maintenance and use ceiling fans to help circulate the cool air around your rooms. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than usual can also help manage costs without sacrificing comfort. Understanding why June bills climb is the first step toward keeping them in check.
As vacation season gets started, it’s easy to overlook the small appliances at home that keep using electricity while you’re away. A quick pre-vacation checklist can give them a vacation, too—and prevent them from wasting energy while nobody’s home. So, before you load up the car or head to the airport, start unplugging. First, the kitchen. Ice makers, second refrigerators and extra freezers can quietly run nonstop. If they’re empty or nearly empty, consider turning them off. Adjust your main refrigerator to a slightly higher temperature but keep it within safe food storage limits. Around the house, unplug electronics like televisions, gaming systems, computers and coffee makers. Better yet, connect them to a surge-protecting power strip so you can unplug them all at once. Many devices draw power even when not in use if they’re turned off but still plugged in. Water-related appliances are another common miss. Turn off or lower settings on electric water heaters if recommended by the manufacturer. Finally, adjust your thermostat. There’s no need to keep your home as cool as when you’re there, but don’t turn the system off entirely. A moderate setting helps manage humidity.
