Celebrating 50 Years and a Bright Future: M.U.D.’s LNG Plant Marks Milestone with Major Upgrade

Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) is celebrating a major milestone: the 50th anniversary of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Plant, which has just undergone a significant capital improvement project. Built in the early 1970s, the plant plays an important role in helping the District deliver safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas to the community, especially during Nebraska’s coldest months. Now, with the upgrade complete, the plant is ready to serve customers for future generations with stronger performance and improved efficiency.

“This project directly supports our long-term goal of delivering economical, reliable gas service to customers, even on the coldest days of the year,” said Jim Knight, vice president, Gas Operations. The improvements have increased the plant’s capacity and added key upgrades that make it more flexible and winter ready. With these changes, the District can produce more LNG year-round and deliver more to our customers on days when demand is high, which helps avoid relying on outside gas markets and protects customers from sudden price increases when the weather turns extreme.

For Denise Dolezal, director, Gas Production, the rebuild was not only necessary but also very meaningful. “We were dealing with equipment that had been pushed past its intended lifespan,” she said. “It reached a point where even the original manufacturers couldn’t service it anymore. It was time to make a change, not just to replace what was there, but to reimagine what the plant could be.” The improvements will help M.U.D. stay prepared for high-demand events like the 2021 polar vortex, when natural gas prices skyrocketed. “We’ve already seen the impact of having this resource available during major storms, and now we’re even better prepared,” Dolezal added.

Planning for the project began almost 10 years ago, when staff started internal conversations about reliability concerns. Eventually, a task force made up of experts in engineering, safety, operations and finance came together to study the options. Their research showed that rebuilding the plant from the ground up would be the most cost-effective and long-term solution. The District teamed up with CHI Engineering, a well-known LNG design firm, to lead the construction. Although the pandemic caused some delays, especially with supply chain issues, construction picked up speed in 2022 and moved forward quickly from there.

More than just a technical achievement, the rebuild also represents a big moment of transition for M.U.D.’s team. Dolezal, who started her career at the District as a management trainee for Gas Production, spent 28 years in Engineering Design before being promoted to director, Gas Production, in 2020. “Coming back to the plant after so many years was like coming home,” she said. “I’ve had the chance to hire and train much of our current team, and watching everyone bring this vision to life has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my career.” As many long-time employees have retired, the rebuild also gave M.U.D. the opportunity to welcome new staff and pass along valuable knowledge for the future.

Looking ahead, the upgraded LNG Plant stands as more than just a facility, it’s a symbol of the District’s dedication to service and innovation. “We’re not just honoring the past 50 years,” said Dolezal. “We’re laying the groundwork for the next 50.”