BEATRICE – A permit sought by Norris Public Power District for a smaller scale commercial solar energy installation has been approved by Gage County officials.

The solar arrays, to be installed on property owned by Jeff Hays southwest of Beatrice…will become one of a half-dozen installations Norris has constructed or is planning, through a partnership with Arkansas-based Today’s Power, Inc.

The solar energy conversion system which will supply energy directly to Norris Public Power is part of a program to lock in energy rates for several years…helping to hold down costs for customers of the district.

The installation will be in Section 21 of Elm Township, about seven miles south of the unincorporated village of Ellis.