OPPD board candidates discuss growth in electric demand [Video]

Meeting rapid growth in electricity demand in the Omaha Public Power District is a key issue for three candidates, including an incumbent, who are facing off for a seat on the utility’s board in the May 14 primary.

The board in August approved a historic $2 billion expansion that will nearly double the utility’s electricity generating capacity over the next decade. The expansion, utility officials have said, is needed to meet unprecedented growth in energy demand expected in the utility’s 13-county service territory in eastern Nebraska. Energy consumption by all customers — residential, commercial and industrial — is expected to increase by 70% by 2032.

The winner of the subdivision 8 seat in southwest and south-central Omaha will have a role in shepherding that expansion. The two top vote-getters in the primary will advance to the Nov. 5 general election.

To meet the demand, OPPD plans to add a fleet …