NMPP Energy COVID-19 Update
July 16, 2020
As we move into the heat of the summer, the NMPP Energy team continues to remain available to serve our member communities while adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NMPP’s Pandemic Response Team has been meeting regularly to proactively respond to the fluid situation. On July 6, the team implemented the NMPP Energy Return to Work Plan, which incrementally phases in employees to work in the office over the course of several weeks. On July 10, however, the mayor of Lincoln raised the risk level from “moderate” to “high” in Lincoln and Lancaster County following an increase in COVID-19 cases. This action prompted NMPP Energy to temporarily pause our Return to Work Plan. We will continue to monitor the situation and will restart our Return to Work Plan at a future date.
The majority of the NMPP Energy team remains working remotely and are available to serve members through email, phone and virtual meetings. We do have some staff traveling to communities to serve critical needs such as electric generator unit capability testing and electric distribution system work if the area is not considered a COVID hotspot. Our team remains flexible and will certainly honor requests to not to travel to communities if that is desired at this time.
Our highest priorities remain to assure the safety and well-being of our staff while still being available to serve our member communities. Please contact staff as you normally would via phone and email for any assistance.
Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns and please stay healthy during this challenging time.
Bob Poehling,
NMPP Energy Executive Director/CEO
COVID-19 Information Hub for Municipalities/Utilities
Federal Resources
U.S. Center for Disease Control
Resources for Businesses and Employers
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
USDA Rural Development Assistance Opportunities
Preparing Communities for Potential Spread of COVID-19
Families FIrst Conoravirus Response Act (Fact sheets/FAQs can be found by clicking the "Congressional Action Related to Coronavirus" link)
State Resources
Colorado Dept. of Public Health and Environment
Iowa Department of Public Health
Iowa Utilities Board order regarding COVID-19 disconnection moratorium
Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services
Electricity Sector Resources
Electricty Subsector Coordinating Council COVID-19 Resource Guide
Energy Sector Response and FAQs
Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce
NERC Alert: COVID-19 Pandemic Contingency Planning
Cost Recovery for COVID-19 Related Costs for Public Utilities
American Public Power Association COVID-19 Resources
MidContinent Independent System Operator (MISO)
Natural Gas Resources (APGA)
American Public Gas Association
Nebraska Public Meetings Executive Order
Public Meetigs Requirement Limited Waiver issued by Gov. Pete Ricketts
Utility Disconnection Information
- Colorado: Click here for a listing of Executive Orders issued by Colorado Governor Jared Polis regarding COVID-19.
- Iowa: The Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) on May 20 issued an order that establishes requirements that Iowa utilities must follow before they can resume disconnections of customers' utility service. Click here to see the IUB press release.
Economic Development Resources
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance
U.S Small Business Adminstration Payroll Protection Plan
Small Business Guidance and Loan Resources
NMPP Mutual Aid Assistance
To request assistance through NMPP's Mutual Aid Program, contact Rich Eymann, (402) 473-8207 or by email.