By Katie Schubert
Omaha, NE – OPPD customers will pay an extra $5.30 per month for electricity starting next month.
The OPPD board voted unanimously Thursday morning in favor of a 5.9 percent rate increase for residential customers. OPPD says the rate increase is needed due to rising costs and recovery from last summer's Missouri River flooding.
The utility's 2012 operating plan doesn't account for an extended shutdown of the Fort Calhoun Station. The nuclear plant, shut down since last spring, is undergoing inspections following the flood. OPPD hoped to have the plant reopen in January. It could now open in April.
OPPD's vote on the rate hike will also raise electricity bills for businesses and municipalities.