BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) — Two southeast Nebraska public power districts are discussing a merger.

Officials with Norris Public Power District and Seward County Public Power District have each approved a memorandum of understanding on their intent to merge.

Norris Public Power District Manager Bruce Vitosh (VIT-awsh) says the discussions began when Seward County Public Power District contacted Norris about the possibility of a merger.

Norris Public Power District has about 18,900 customers and 76 employees in Gage, Jefferson, Lancaster, Saline and Thayer Counties. Seward County Public Power serves 4,900 customers and has 17 employees.

Vitosh says the planned effective date for the merger is May 1. The boards of both utilities and the Nebraska Power Review Board would have to approve the merger.