The Nebraska Public Power District is projecting a revenue shortfall of up to $30 million this year.

The state's largest utility is taking a double hit.

A record-cool July reduced the use of air conditioners, and the tough economy has been holding down the price of the excess energy NPPD is trying to sell.

The NPPD board is discussing ways to offset revenue losses. Cuts in salaries, consultant services, materials and deferred capital improvement projects are possible.

The utility is considering at a 6.5 percent rate increase.

That's not to make up for the revenue shortfall but to pay for a new transmission line from Columbus to Lincoln and the updating of the Nebraska City power plant