The National Public Gas Agency elected officers for its board of directors for fiscal year 2026-27 at its Board of Directors annual meeting on Feb. 5. Those elected to one-year terms as officers beginning April 1 were:
- Chris Anderson, city administrator, Central City, Neb., chair
- Bob Lockmon, utility superintendent, Stuart, Neb., vice chair
- Randy Woldt, utilities superintendent, Wisner, Neb., secretary/treasurer.
All three were re-elected from the previous fiscal year. Three board members were also re-appointed to the NPGA Executive Committee along with the NPGA chair and vice chair:
- Randy Woldt, utilities superintendent, Wisner, Neb.
- Lenard Schaefer, public works director, Stromsburg, Neb.
- Brent Nation, City Manager, Fort Morgan, Colo.
Nation was also elected as an at-large representative to serve on the NMPP Energy Joint Operating Committee.
Winter Storm Fern Impacts
The board received an update regarding the impacts of Winter Storm Fern, which moved across much of the U.S. in late January.
Natural gas market prices for February were significantly higher from previous months primarily because of the storm. However, the storm’s overall impact on pricing was less than Winter Storm Uri in 2021. The cold weather event was a reminder of the value of NPGA’s level purchasing program, which helps to lessen the impact of market volatility.
The board was also encouraged to sign up to the NMPP Energy alerts application, which is used to communicate and coordinate for NPGA member utilities during energy emergencies. The app is available to download from app stores on Android and Apple phones. For more information on the alerts app, contact Kara Hunt.
Gas Supply Management
NPGA’s Gas Supply Management Program resulted in total savings of $43,756 for NPGA members in November and December. NGPA uses Asset Management Arrangements (AMA) to provide savings for members on multiple interstate pipelines. Under an AMA, unused pipeline capacity is marketed and sold through competitive bidding, creating value to the NPGA members served by that specific pipeline.
Industry and Pipeline Updates
NPGA staff provided information regarding ongoing interstate pipeline rate settlement cases
NPGA is part of a shipper’s group that is monitoring a rate case filed by Northern Natural Gas Pipeline in July 2025. The pipeline serves three NPGA participants in Nebraska: Lyons, Pender and Stromsburg. The new rates went into effect Jan. 1, 2026 subject to refund after the case is finalized.
Staff is also monitoring a Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline rate case, which is currently in a base test period. Filing is anticipated in May 2026 with new rates to become effective November 2026. NPGA members Superior, Neb., Auburn, Kan., and Belleville, Kan. will be impacted by this rate case.