January 2026 Update

OPPD is marking another milestone on its power-building journey, with plans for a big piece of equipment to arrive at Cass County Station (CCS) overnight Sunday, February 1. These plans are based on the best information we have right now; however, it’s important to note that due to the complexity of heavy haul moves such as this, timing is subject to change.

CCS, located near 42nd and Mill Rd. in Cass County, is powered by natural gas. It’s being outfitted with three new 225-megawatt (MW) dual-fuel generators. They will bring the plant’s generating capacity to 1,000 MW once construction is complete.

The coming equipment is a backup step-up transformer (GSU), which provides a critical link between the power plant and transmission network. Transformers take power generated at a plant and step it up to a higher voltage suitable for traveling across the grid. The GSU will help ensure reliability as we power growing energy demand and meet increased regulatory requirements.

The GSU is 37-feet by long 12.1-feet wide by 14.25-feet high – roughly the size of a motorhome, but at 517,000 pounds, it weighs about 17 times more. Loaded on the trailer that will transport it, the combined weight is approximately one million pounds. At 310-feet long by 20.6-feet wide by 16.75-feet tall, the heavy haul trailer is larger than a football field. Suffice it to say, the journey across Cass County roadways is likely to draw attention.

The GSU is the first of five headed to CCS. It arrived by rail to an undisclosed location near Lincoln, Neb. and will be transported from there to Cass County Station in the overnight hours to minimize traffic disruptions. We are hoping it will just take one night, but it’s possible the move could take a second night. We cannot provide the exact route for security reasons.