OPPD's in-lieu-of-tax payments fall slightly, at $30.6 million

The Omaha Public Power District made approximately $30.6 million in in-lieu-of-tax payments to 11 counties on Tuesday, slightly lower than the OPPD’s 2014 payments, which exceeded $30.7 million, the utility said.

These payments help local communities by supporting agencies, schools and governments.

OPPD said this year’s amount declined because of milder weather and increased energy efficiencies. The utility  bases these payments on 5 percent of the district’s gross revenues, which come from electricity retail sales from towns and incorporated cities throughout the preceding year.

The purpose of the payments is to replace personal, occupation and real estate taxes. The OPPD pays gasoline taxes, general sales taxes, motor vehicle license fees, wheel taxes and permit fees, just like other enterprises. These payments are on top of other taxes and fees OPPD already pays.

When OPPD makes these payments, county treasurers are responsible for distributing the money to local government leaders.

“Increased energy efficiency and demand-side management are key elements in the new future generation resource plan that our board adopted in 2014,” Anne McGuire, OPPD board chairwoman, said. “We are committed to continuing to provide low-cost, reliable, environmentally sensitive energy services to our customer-owners while expanding the options for them to become more energy efficient.

“These in-lieu-of-tax payments further illustrate our commitment to the communities we serve -- not just Omaha, but all throughout our service territory,” McGuire said. “Our customer-owners can count on us to be good neighbors and contribute to the betterment of our service communities.”