Loren Lippincott
Nebraska stands out as the only state in the nation served entirely by public power. Coupled with clean energy like the Cooper Nuclear Station, this model delivers unparalleled economic, environmental and reliability benefits.
This 100 percent public power model means that all electric utilities in the state, including the Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), are publicly owned and operated not-for-profit entities. Instead of generating returns for private investors, public power systems focus solely on serving their customers and prioritizing community well-being. This fundamental structural distinction yields profound benefits for the state’s economy, consumers and grid resilience. Our electrical rates are the second lowest in the nation for commercial power and the third lowest for residential power.
The most immediate benefit of Nebraska’s public power system is economic. Because these utilities are not-for-profit, any positive financial margins generated are immediately reinvested into upgrading local energy infrastructure or used to actively stabilize and lower electricity rates. As a result, Nebraskans consistently enjoy some of the most affordable and competitive electricity rates in the United States. Affordable energy is a significant boon for both residents and major industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, making the state highly attractive for business development and expansion.
Furthermore, public power ensures local control and democratic accountability. Utility decision-makers are residents of the communities they serve. Utility revenues are kept localized, supporting regional job creation and providing payments in lieu of taxes that help lower the general tax burden for local municipalities. This grassroots approach to infrastructure creates a responsive system in which customer service representatives, line crews and executives are deeply integrated into the communities they power.
At the heart of Nebraska’s power generation portfolio lies the Cooper Nuclear Station (CNS), a vital facility located along the Missouri River in the southeastern corner of the state. Operated by NPPD, CNS is the largest single-unit electrical generator in the state, capable of producing approximately 835 megawatts of electricity. This output is sufficient to supply more than 385,000 residential customers even during peak summer demand, and it accounts for about 17 percent of Nebraska’s in-state electricity generation. The integration of nuclear power at CNS provides numerous critical benefits to the public power framework.
First and foremost, CNS is Nebraska’s largest single source of emission-free electricity. Unlike coal-fired plants, nuclear energy does not release harmful atmospheric pollutants during operation. This clean energy production plays a crucial role in helping NPPD achieve its sustainability goals without compromising on output. By providing a steady, highcapacity stream of clean power, CNS effectively serves as the backbone of the state’s transition toward clean energy.
Secondly, nuclear power provides unparalleled grid reliability. While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are promoted as environmentally friendly, they are inherently intermittent and dependent on weather conditions. CNS, by contrast, operates around the clock at high efficiency, providing a steadfast foundation of electrical power that is immune to fluctuating weather patterns. This ensures base power needs are met every hour of the day. During extreme weather events — such as deep winter freezes or blistering summer heatwaves — the continuous, robust output of nuclear facilities ensures grid stability, protecting homes and businesses from rolling blackouts.
Finally, CNS is an immense economic engine for the region. The plant directly employs hundreds of individuals, providing high-paying, specialized technical jobs that stimulate the broader local economy. The millions of dollars spent annually on payroll and maintenance ripple through local communities, supporting ancillary jobs in the construction, supply chain and service sectors. Furthermore, because the plant is a publicly owned asset managed by NPPD, the economic value generated by this reliable, high-yield power station directly benefits the people of Nebraska rather than distant corporate shareholders.
In conclusion, Nebraska’s 100 percent public power model, anchored by the reliable output of the Cooper Nuclear Station, stands as a premier example of efficient energy management. The public power framework fosters affordable rates, community- focused reinvestment, and robust local control. At the same time, Cooper Nuclear Station provides a massive, continuous supply of electricity that ensures grid stability and drives local economic growth. Together, these two pillars of Nebraska’s energy sector harmonize to provide safe, clean and economical power to Nebraska.
Loren Lippincott represents Legislative District 34 in the Nebraska State Senate. Read his column in the Nance County Journal.