The Metro’s transition from coal to natural gas is going slower than first anticipated. 

The Omaha Public Power District’s North Omaha coal station was scheduled to be completely converted by the end of 2023.

But OPPD officials are advising the board that due to several factors, including supply chain issues, coal should remain on line three more years, until an unspecified time in 2026.

At that time the two remaining North Omaha coal units would switch over to natural gas as two new natural gas generating stations, Standing Bear Lake and Turtle Creek, are expected to be up and running.

The board is scheduled to vote on the new timetable at its August 18 meeting.