FAQs

We understand why some feel disappointed. The 2026 date was an estimate based on what we knew at the time. The facts and the grid landscape have changed, including regulatory requirement delays, and our responsibility is to act in the best interest of all customers.

Demand is outpacing generation. Without North Omaha Station, we risk reliability gaps, especially during extreme weather.    OPPD is actively working to address unprecedented load growth and faces execution and timing challenges with local planning and zoning (permitting), supply chains, workforce availability, and regulatory approvals to bring new electric supply to the market. 

No. We’re building a diverse portfolio that includes wind, solar, natural gas, coal and battery storage, and we’re exploring emerging technologies, including advanced nuclear.

Learn more about our Integrated System Plan

OPPD commissioned a human health and ecological risk assessment of a potential extension using tools developed by the EPA. The study concluded that impacts are all below established EPA risk thresholds protective of public health and adverse environmental effects.  

Omaha, including the area around our North Omaha facility, is in compliance with all National Ambient Air Quality Standards, which are designed to be protective of human health and the environment.

Market purchases are sometimes necessary, but they’re not always reliable or affordable, especially during extreme weather or regional shortages. Relying too heavily on external sources could expose customers to price spikes or outages. NOS provides local, dependable generation that helps us avoid those risks.

Some equipment has already been purchased for the planned conversion. If the board approves an extension, we would then evaluate how to repurpose or phase in those investments over time. We’re committed to being good stewards of public resources.

Yes. We’ve approved more than 3,700 MW of new generation, including solar, wind, battery storage and natural gas. We’re also exploring emerging technologies like new nuclear options.     Extending NOS would not replace these investments. It would support them by ensuring reliability during the transition.

It doesn’t change our goal. We remain committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This proposal is about managing the transition responsibly, ensuring we don’t compromise reliability or affordability, especially for the most vulnerable, along the way.

Converting to gas would eliminate all winter capacity due to fuel supply limitations from November to May. That’s when 60% of recent  extreme weather events have occurred. Without NOS, we would be more vulnerable to outages during those critical months.

The OPPD Board of Directors will consider the resolution in December. No decision has been made yet.