City Plans Master Energy Plan

IPL has issued a Request for Proposal for an energy master energy plan - an important plan document to evaluate current equipment, alternatives and recommendations on how best to generate or purchase power over the next 20 years.

Proposals are due Aug. 11.

One of the study objectives is to provide "a comprehensive economic evaluation of retiring the Blue Valley steam units" including IPL staff who work there. Blue Valley began operation in 1958 and generates less than 2% of the power IPL uses.

IPL gets its power primarily through long-term 40-year coal power agreements (Nebraska City and Iatan), ownership is in the Dogwood natural gas facility (Pleasant Hill) and recently approved agreements for expanded wind energy.

Recently added to the energy mix is a community solar project which went online this spring with a major expansion under consideration.