Beatrice electric peaks leveling out, between seasons

BEATRICE – Through a few stretches of hot and humid weather so far this summer season, Beatrice electric demand has stayed well within the system’s capabilities.

"We've been in the 37, 38 megawatt range...which is very normal for us in the summer. Actually, our winter peaks are about that same amount, too. We peak about the same level in the winter and summer...so we have a nice mix of all-electric homes and businesses that have consistent loads."

Beatrice Electric Superintendent Pat Feist said that equalized peak in power demand between the two seasons is beneficial.  "It makes it a lot easier to set rates. It makes it a lot easier to plan for system upgrades. You don't have plan for huge peaks at any one time of the year or anything. It just makes things a lot easier, all the way around."

The all-time high peak came a couple of winters ago….when that arctic blast affected much of the country in February. "Forty two point eight.(megawatts) That was the February event that we had, the extremely cold weather. I believe that was the peak we've had, since I've been here."

That peak was a costly one for several communities, but manageable in the City of Beatrice because of a decision to build an adequate reserve fund in the electric budget of the city.

"There was some extra expenses there, just due to the fact that we'd never seen those peaks before...and had to purchase some power on the market when it was extremely high. But we do have finances available we have put away for emergencies like that. So, we were able to cover those costs without any increase to our customers, or anything like that. We have recouped those costs, since that event happened."

The city has also not had a retail electric rate increase since 2015. Feist says it’s a balancing act…not holding back too much in reserve, but having enough funding to handle system upgrades and replace damaged equipment from storms or failures that occur.

(Beatrice Electric Superintendent Pat Feist commented Thursday, on KWBE's Ask the Mayor program)