OSMOND — On Tuesday, July 1, Northeast Power broke ground on a new solar and substation project to enhance local reliability and affordability.
The ground-breaking marks a sig- nificant milestone for Northeast Power and the customers it serves, as they celebrate a vital infrastructure project designed to strengthen electric service in the Osmond area and provide benefits for all Northeast customers.
The project features a 2.5-megawatt (MW) solar facility and a new electric substation that together will enhance system reliability, improve response times during outages, and help maintain affordable electric rates.
The solar facility will be located one mile east and one mile north of Osmond, while the new substation is being constructed one mile directly east of town, just south of the solar project. These two components will be connected by an underground power line that has already been successfully installed.
As part of this initiative, the existing substation within the town of Osmond will be retired. The transition to the new substation will ensure more robust service, thanks to modern automation and remote monitoring systems that will allow for quicker detection and resolution of service issues.
Osmond was selected as the first site
for this project due to a key infrastructure need: it is the last remaining community in Northeast Power’s service area still operating at 2,400 volts. This project will facilitate a full conversion to 12,500-volt service, which will enable better interconnection to the larger grid and provide a significant improvement in service reliability for customers.
“We are excited to break ground on a project that represents our commitment to investing in the future of our electric system,” said Northeast Power representatives. “This substation and solar facility will increase reliability and keep costs manageable for our rural and residential customers.”
The construction of the substation and solar facility will begin immediately with the anticipated completion in early 2026. Haul routes have been approved by local officials, and efforts will be made to minimize impacts to local residents.
Also important to note, the Northeast Power board has designated this initiative as a Low-Income (LMI) solar project. LMI projects are developed to provide affordable energy solutions to individuals and families facing financial challenges, offering mean ingful utility savings and promoting NORTHEAST POWER BREAKS GROUND
Northeast Power General Manager Tracy Golden, engineer Josh Strafelda, operations manager Matt Sorenson, Board President Don Larsen, Board Member Kelly Hodson, Board Member Dr. Tom Etter, Board Vice President Ron Stech, Board Member Jan Vonminden, Board Member Les Albrecht, Osmond Mayor Dennis Kuhl, Dr. David Johnson Jr. (seated), CFO Mandy Backer
Doc Johnson commented that "If it's something that benefits Osmond, I support it!”
equitable energy access.
Northeast Power also plans to site and develop additional projects like this one throughout its entire service territory. These future projects will further improve grid reliability, modernize local infrastructure, and extend the benefits of affordable, efficient electric service throughout Northeast Nebraska.
“This ground-breaking symbolizes Northeast’s commitment to providing dependable, affordable energy for the customers we serve,” added Northeast Power. “By targeting support where it’s needed most, and working to diversify our power generation options, we are working to ensure every customer
