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Utility estimate for new center more than double 1st figure

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln Electric System's new service center could cost more than double what officials first estimated when the project was announced in May 2014.

Vice president of corporate operations Trish Owen told the Lincoln Journal Star that the original $25 million estimate was plugged in to hold a place in the long-range capital improvements program. She says the number was very preliminary because the utility hadn't determined space requirements or other needs.

System CEO Kevin Wailes told the Lancaster County Board last week that the utility may raise rates slightly to help cover the cost of the project. The system says it needs the new center in order to keep up with the city growth and improve outage response times. The system plans to sell its downtown headquarters building.

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