COLUMBUS, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska Public Power District is cutting $15 million from its budget because mild weather led to lower electricity sales this year.

NPPD Chief Financial Officer Traci Bender told the local media that the cuts represent about 1.5 percent of the utility’s $950 million annual budget.

Bender says the mild winter and spring weather has reduced energy sales in Nebraska. And the low price of natural gas has reduced the market price for electricity sold outside the state.

NPPD doesn’t expect to lay anyone off. Instead the Columbus-based utility says it will leave some positions open, reduce outside consultants and delay some preventative maintenance and equipment purchases.

Bender says none of the proposed cuts will affect safety or reliability.