Navigating Nebraska’s Energy Future

Electricity is essential to nearly every aspect of our lives, and planning for increased demand is a complex, ongoing process. At the heart of it lies safe, reliable and affordable energy.

Across the nation, and here in Nebraska, the demand for electricity is growing at an unprecedented rate. This surge is driven by economic development, new industries and our increasing reliance on technology.

The Need for Power

The Nebraska Chamber Foundation’s report, Nebraska’s Energy Future, revealed that Nebraska’s energy consumption has nearly tripled from 1960 to 2021. Nationally, electricity use in the U.S. is expected to rise to record highs this year and next, with the demand for electricity expected to at least double by 2050. At the same time, energy policies are pushing the early retirement of always-available generation sources, which will compromise reliable electricity.

Public Power Keeps Electricity Affordable

While many states are seeing significant electricity rate increases due to rising demand and changing energy policies, Nebraska’s public power model has helped us maintain some of the lowest rates in the nation. This is because, as a not-for-profit entity, our focus is on serving our customers, not generating profits.

NPPD utilizes a diverse energy mix including coal, natural gas, wind and hydropower to ensure reliable and affordable power for our state. This balanced approach provides flexibility and helps mitigate the impact of fluctuating fuel costs and changing regulations.

Balancing Supply and Demand

Balancing electricity supply and demand requires constant vigilance and coordination, like managing the flow of traffic. NPPD, along with other utilities and regional transmission organizations, acts as the “air traffic control” for our electric grid, forecasting energy needs and ensuring that enough power is available when and where it’s needed.

In Nebraska, our affordable and top-rated reliable electric power has attracted new businesses to the area. NPPD is seeing sizeable load growth coming from sustainable aviation fuel production, hydrogen manufacturing, ethanol production, food processing and agribusiness.

While we’re not running out of energy in Nebraska, proactive planning is important. NPPD is planning to add 686 megawatts of generation resources within the next decade.

In addition, NPPD has implemented a load queue system to manage expectations and ensure that new projects can be connected to the grid efficiently. The Load Queue Process applies to all new electrical service requests of 5 MW or greater. Electrical power availability for current customers will remain the same.