Loup River Public Power District (LRPPD) is a public power utility in the state of Nebraska, United States. The company was established in 1935 and serves over 10,000 customers in seven counties in central Nebraska. LRPPD is committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its customers while also promoting sustainable energy practices. One of the ways that LRPPD is achieving this goal is by developing renewable energy projects, particularly in the small hydro sector.

Small hydro refers to hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of less than 10 megawatts (MW). Small hydro projects are typically located on rivers or streams with a relatively small flow rate and can provide electricity to local communities and businesses. Small hydro is considered a clean and renewable source of energy because it does not produce greenhouse gas emissions and does not require fuel to generate electricity.

LRPPD has been actively developing small hydro projects in its service area since the 1980s. The company currently operates three small hydro facilities: the North Loup Hydroelectric Plant, the Ord Hydroelectric Plant, and the Scotia Hydroelectric Plant. These facilities have a combined capacity of 4.9 MW and generate approximately 17 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. This is enough to power over 1,500 homes for a year.

The North Loup Hydroelectric Plant is located on the North Loup River near the town of Taylor, Nebraska. The facility was originally built in 1982 and was upgraded in 2012 to increase its capacity from 1.2 MW to 1.5 MW. The plant consists of two vertical Francis turbines and generates approximately 5.5 million kWh of electricity annually.

The Ord Hydroelectric Plant is located on the North Loup River near the town of Ord, Nebraska. The facility was built in 1985 and has a capacity of 1.5 MW. The plant consists of two horizontal Francis turbines and generates approximately 5.5 million kWh of electricity annually.

The Scotia Hydroelectric Plant is located on the Middle Loup River near the town of Scotia, Nebraska. The facility was built in 1986 and has a capacity of 1.9 MW. The plant consists of two vertical Francis turbines and generates approximately 6 million kWh of electricity annually.

LRPPD's small hydro facilities provide several benefits to the local communities and the environment. First, they provide a reliable source of electricity to the area, which reduces the dependence on fossil fuels. Second, they help to stabilize electricity prices by providing a consistent source of energy. Third, they support local economic development by creating jobs and generating revenue for the community. Finally, they help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy practices.

LRPPD is committed to continuing its investment in small hydro projects. The company is currently exploring the development of a new small hydro facility on the Middle Loup River near the town of Sargent, Nebraska. The proposed facility would have a capacity of 1.5 MW and would generate approximately 5.5 million kWh of electricity annually. LRPPD is working with local stakeholders to ensure that the project is designed and implemented in a way that minimizes its impact on the environment and the local community.

LRPPD's investment in small hydro projects is part of a larger effort to promote sustainable energy practices in its service area. The company is also investing in other renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, and is exploring the use of energy storage technologies to increase the reliability and flexibility of its power supply. LRPPD is committed to providing reliable and affordable electricity to its customers while also promoting sustainable energy practices that benefit the environment and the local community.