The System
Perennial’s transmission and distribution system consists of 1,950 miles of line, providing power to approximately 7,828 meters in York and Fillmore counties in Nebraska. Perennial employs 33 people and the District headquarters is located in York, Nebraska.
Energy Sales
The District has several revenue classes that make up energy sales. The industrial and irrigation classes typically make up the largest portion of sales revenue. In 2025 the industrial class accounted for 46.7% of total sales revenue. Industrial load is more consistent, whereas irrigation is dependent on weather conditions and can vary year to year. Irrigation revenue was 21.9% of total revenue in 2025. Revenue from energy sales in 2025 totaled $32,382,491, compared to $29,900,304 in 2024, an increase of $2,482,187. The main reason for the increase in revenue was the added industrial load we had in 2025 compared to 2024.
The largest component of sales revenue is derived from selling kilowatt-hours (kWh). Total kWh sold in 2025 was 375.150 million, compared to 358.036 million kWh in 2024. In 2025, irrigation kWh sold was 5.909 million less than in 2024. The industrial class had an increase of 18.481 million kWh in 2025.
Power Cost
The District does not have any generating facilities. They purchase 92 percent of their power requirements from Nebraska Public Power District. The other 8 percent is purchased from Bluestem Energy Solutions, which provides power from three wind turbines. Power costs were 72.4 percent of the total cost of electric service in 2025. This means for every dollar spent seventytwo cents goes to purchased power cost.
The District purchased 389.976 million kWh, at a cost of $21.705 million in 2025. Power purchased from NPPD amounted to 357.212 million kwh at a cost of $19.766 million. Power received from Bluestem was 32.764 million kwh at a cost of $1.939 million. In 2024, total kWh purchased was 377.814 million at a cost of $20.781 million.
Operation & Maintenance
Expenses (Excluding Power Cost)
In addition to purchased power costs, the District spends dollars to keep the electric system reliable and efficient. Operation and maintenance expenses (less power cost) were $5.306 million in 2025, compared to $5.486 million in 2024.
Depreciation
Depreciation of system and capital assets is the largest non-operating expense. In 2025, depreciation expense was $2.700 million, compared to $2.606 million in 2024.
Long Term Debt
In 2025, the District did incur new debt. Thanks to an unprecedented storm that left 100% of the district without power and more than 850 downed poles, the District did add a bond for $4.080 million. This will help us spread some of that cost out over 20 years. There are currently 4 outstanding bond issues, leaving total bond debt at $9.28 million.
Non-Operating Revenue
With the high interest rate environment, the District earned a good amount of interest from investing some of its reserves. Interest income in 2025 was $580,902 down from $680,060 in 2024.
Utility Plant
Each year the District plans for building and rebuilding areas of the system that need to be added or replaced. The District’s total utility plant increased $3.710 million to $89.529 million in 2025. Total utility plant in 2024 was $85.819 million. At the end of 2025, the District’s equity in relation to assets was 84 percent.
Cash And Investments
As of December 31, 2025, cash and investments totaled $17.131 million. Of that, $4.413 million is restricted funds that are kept for rate stabilization and held in capital membership accounts.
In Summary
Perennial ended 2025 in a strong financial position. With the economy seeing price increases in all areas of business, we will continue to be prudent in managing the finances of the District. Perennial’s management and board of directors always strive to utilize the District’s funds so that the system can be well maintained, while keeping rates as low as possible. If you would like any further information or have any questions, you may contact the Manager of Finance and Accounting at 402-362-3355.
