Generator_Spring 2023_Final

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A calculated risk. That might be the best way to describe what happens inside the Columbus Powerhouse every day. Because even though the Plant Operators are constantly monitoring the water levels in the canal, the river, and the lakes, there’s no way to know for certain what the energy market and Mother Nature will do. “We need to generate at peak levels when the pricing is best,” said Plant Operator Craig Baxa. But how exactly do Loup’s Plant Operators accomplish this task? At the beginning of each 12-hour shift, the incoming plant operator gets a rundown of what happened overnight or during the day including 8 | GENERATOR storm reports and power outages. The operator then checks water level gauges on several rivers, including the Middle Loup and North Loup near St. Paul. He also checks in with employees at the Genoa Headworks to see what the river looks like at the canal intake. The operators receive a six-day energy outlook every day. These forecasts are based on historical demand as well as factors like temperature, wind speed, and precipitation. That forecast estimates the wholesale market price per megawatt hour every hour for those six days based on expected generation and demand. “Having the information of the upstream water flows paired with the information of the day-ahead pricing forecast allows us to start preparing a generation plan,” Baxa said. That pricing forecast updates each morning for the next six days. This allows operators time to ensure that regulating reservoirs Lake North and Lake Babcock are full so they can generate at a higher level when prices are high. After the operator decides how much electricity Loup will generate each hour for the next day, it is bid into the Southwest Power Pool’s wholesale energy market. Nebraska Public Power District, Loup’s wholesale energy provider, provides this service out of its Doniphan Control Center.
A TEAM Left: Plant Operator Justin Kohl at the Columbus Powerhouse. Above: An aerial view of the Columbus Powerhouse. Three penstocks direct water from the canal down 112 feet to the turbines. Each penstock is 20 feet in diameter and 300 feet long. SPRING <strong>2023</strong> | 9
Page 1 and 2: GENERA OR a publication of Loup Pow
Page 3 and 4: pReSIDeNT’S MessAGe District fini
Page 5 and 6: GHW SETTLING BASIN BANK WORK The Ge
Page 7: $ HOW MUCH HOW MUCH ENERGY DO HEAT
Page 11 and 12: What is the Southwest Power Pool? O
Page 13 and 14: A storm warning means TAKE ACTION S
Page 15 and 16: REY JARECKI Carpenter/Utility Carpe

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