Shari Friedel | Johnson Publications
Participating in the ribbon cutting to celebrate the solar project in Venango were (l-r): Bryce Landen, energy efficiency consultant, NPPD; Brian Vasa, economic development consultant, NPPD; Dennis Ekdahl, Venango Village Board member; Tom Tines, Venango Village Board member, Dick Dudden, promoter; Diana Maupin Venango Village chair; and Melody Baily, customer services leader, NPPD.
Ribbon cutting held for Venango solar project
A steady rain fell in Venango on Friday, April 21. The moisture, though welcome, caused the Venango Community Solar Project ribbon cutting, which was to be held at the site, to be relocated to an indoor location.
The project, which went online April 1, was celebrated by village leaders, business partners and community solar program partners.
Having the honor of cutting the ribbon was Dick Dudden, Venango resident and former Ogallala attorney, original promoter of the solar project in Venango.
“I think it’s the right thing to do,” said Dudden. “It’s clean energy. I’m very proud of the Village of Venango and the board and the citizens.”
He feels that Venango is setting an example for other towns in Nebraska.
The Venango site includes 400 panels that supply 6.5 percent of the town’s demand. It is one of three projects currently being undertaken by Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Similar projects are being done in Scottsbluff and Kearney.