Generating electricity customers require is one thing. However, without a strong and reliable transmission and distribution system, that electricity would not get to customers’ homes and businesses with the kind of consistency they want. The Omaha Public Power District Board of Directors has taken action to keep the utility’s system performing well by voting to add new lines and to replace and upgrade older ones.

In one action, the Board authorized management to enter into a contract with Nielsen Construction of Omaha for $1,122,750 to replace underground cable in existing residential and commercial developments within the territory. The work will be in addition to planned replacements by OPPD workers.

A second contract authorized by the board, this one with CRC Contractors, Inc., of Omaha for $453,205, will provide additional labor to supplement District workers in installing new underground lines and other equipment in the power distribution system.

The Board also voted to authorize the purchase of a transformer that will take high voltage coming from the District’s power stations and transform it into a lower voltage that can be distributed through neighborhoods. The transformer will be purchased for $913,978 from PanAmerica Supply, Inc., of Houston, Texas.

To check on the condition of the District’s wooden power poles, the Board authorized a contract to Pole Maintenance Company, LLC, of Columbus, Nebraska, for $596,583. Also under the contract, the company will reinforce power poles as necessary.

In other action, the Board:

• authorized a contract for four high voltage switchers for a new substation to Southern States, LLC, of Hampton, Georgia, for $252,304.
• authorized a contract for $418,197 for a preassembled substation control building from Electrical Power Products, Inc., of Des Moines, Iowa.
• authorized a contract to Chicago Tube & Iron of Oakboro, North Carolina, for $1,337,449 for a replacement of part of a boiler at North Omaha Station.
• approved the Engineer’s Certification and authorized management to negotiate and enter into a contract to provide services for necessary repairs of high-pressure turbine components at Fort Calhoun Station that may be found during an upcoming inspection.
• reviewed and approved the 2007 Annual Report for the District’s health plan.
• approved a compensation adjustment for a corporate officer.