Customer Newsletter, October 2007

Public Power Month
October is recognized as “Public Power Month”, and in Nebraska, public power is very important. Our state is the only state whose electricity is provided 100% through Public Power! At Southern we are very proud of the benefits of public power, and we hope that you are too! If you were wondering why public power is good for Nebraska, read on:

LOCAL CONTROL
Southern Power District, your electricity provider is controlled locally. This means that you have a voice in the decisions made for the district. On the back page of this newsletter is a listing of Southern’s 14 elected board members that together form the voice of all of our customers and make decisions that effect your electric service. These individuals are also listed on Southern’s website at www.southernpd.com. We encourage you to learn who these individuals are and share your opinions with them. Two board members represent each of these counties: Adams, Franklin, Hall, Hamilton, Kearney, Merrick and Phelps.

LOW COST
Nebraska continues to enjoy some of the lowest electric rates in the nation, especially compared to electric customers who live on the east or west coast. Public power entities have the option to issue tax exempt revenue bonds to finance construction and expansion. This benefit is passed on to you because lower interest rates for investments and facilities help to keep your rates lower. Another factor that has kept rates low in Nebraska is the attractive, low-cost generation available right here in Nebraska. Our power generation comes from Nebraska Public Power District, and they produce electricity from low cost fuel sources including nuclear and coal. Although we do anticipate some significant wholesale increases for 2008, you should know that we do continue to work toward keeping rates as low as possible.

Nebraska’s electrical system is a complex network of facilities, services, people and expertise. Some utilities work to generate power, and others deliver it to customers in farms, villages, or metropolitan areas, and some provide both generation and distribution. No matter what their mission, public power entities work together to keep power lines operating with reliability. This year’s ice storm is one of the best examples of utilities working together to deliver electricity to Nebraskans. Behind the scenes, Southern worked closely with Nebraska Public Power District to identify the areas of greatest need and prioritize where to work first in order to restore power as quickly as possible under extremely difficult conditions.

Southern employs knowledgeable, hard working people that are truly concerned about delivering to you the best service possible! Next time you flick on that light switch or power up your irrigation motor, take a moment to stop and think about the amazing system that delivers that electricity to you! And most importantly, thank you for allowing us to be your power provider!

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • Consider Purchasing Energy Efficient Holiday Lights
    • With so many retailers bringing out their Christmas merchandise already, we thought it might be a good time to give you a tip on how to light up the holidays in an energy-friendly way. More>>>
  • SPD Website Gets New Look
    • If you haven't visited Southern Power District's website lately, you will definitely want to check it out! More>>>
  • Change A Light Campaign in Full Swing!
    • We are pleased to announce that we have again joined the national ENERGY STAR Change A Light, Change the World campaign...More>>>
  • Simplify Your Life With Auto Payment
    • Automatic Bill Payment (Auto Pay) is an electronic funds transfer payment that saves you the trouble of writing a check to pay your electric bill...More>>>
  • Employees Recognized For Service
    • Fourteen people reached milestones in their employment with Southern Power District in 2007. More>>>