43rd largest plant in Nebraska · 3774th nationally
Columbus is a hydroelectric power plant in Nebraska with a nameplate capacity of 45.6 MW. It generates roughly 123.8k MWh per year — enough to power about 11,792 average U.S. homes.
Its capacity factor of 31% reflects intermittent or peaking operation.
| Plant Name | Columbus |
|---|---|
| Operator | Loup River Public Power Dist |
| City | Columbus |
| County | Platte County |
| State | Nebraska |
| ZIP | 68601 |
| Coordinates | 41.46390, -97.32830 |
This plant highlighted in navy-ringed pin; other generators within 25 miles shown as fuel-colored dots.
| ID | Technology | Fuel | Capacity | Status | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 15.2 MW | Operating | 1936 |
| 2 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 15.2 MW | Operating | 1936 |
| 3 | Conventional Hydroelectric | Water | 15.2 MW | Operating | 1936 |
| NERC Region | MRO |
|---|---|
| Balancing Authority | Southwest Power Pool |
Hydroelectric plants spin turbines using falling or flowing water — typically from a dam-impounded reservoir. They are dispatchable, long-lived, and emission-free at the point of generation, though large reservoirs can disrupt rivers and ecosystems and methane can be released from flooded vegetation.