Power board representative pay increase advanced

Lawmakers advanced a bill March 24 that would increase the pay for Nebraska’s representative on a committee that oversees the region’s electric transmission infrastructure.

LB824, as originally introduced by Sen. John McCollister of Omaha, dealt with electric generation facilities. A committee amendment, adopted 27-0, replaced the bill with provisions from LB914, introduced by Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala.

The amended bill would increase from $60 to $250 per day the compensation for the Nebraska Power Review Board member who represents the state on the Southwest Power Pool’s regional state committee.

Total compensation would be capped at $20,000 per year. Another board member who serves as proxy would receive the same daily compensation when serving as representative.

The Nebraska Power Review Board authorizes and oversees electric generation and transmission facilities in the state. The regional committee provides guidance on the development and operation of electric transmission infrastructure within the Southwest Power Pool—a group of utilities, power generation and transmission companies that oversees electricity infrastructure in 14 states including Nebraska.

The Nebraska Public Power District, Omaha Public Power District and Lincoln Electric System are members.

Senators voted 30-0 to advance the bill to select file.