(AP) — The Omaha Public Power District has approved natural gas piping for one of its stations in Nebraska City, a move touted as a cost-saving measure.

The district’s board agreed at its July meeting to negotiate an amended contract with its engineering firm, Grunwald Mechanical Contractors & Engineers. The contract will allow for natural gas piping at one its station units.

Power district officials say the cost of fuels varies over time, but natural gas is generally four to five times cheaper than fuel oil.

Work is already halfway done to install natural gas piping at another station in Nebraska City. The new project should be done by spring 2014.