By Alyssa Clemsen Roberts, Dawson Public Power District general manager

    In March, I packed my bags and made the journey from New Hampshire to Nebraska to serve as the General Manager for Dawson Public Power District. I traded the granite of New England for the rolling plains of the Platte River Valley, and I’ve been struck by the incredible sense of community and purpose that defines this state. The slogan, "The Good Life," isn't just a marketing phrase, it's a genuine reflection of the people and the culture. 
    What I've found here is a deep-rooted connection among people, many of whom have been Nebraskans for generations. There's a shared history and an innate understanding that we are all in this together. It's a connection you see in the small, charming gestures, like the classic "one-finger wave" that drivers offer as they pass on a gravel road. It's a simple, yet profound, acknowledgment that we see one another and we belong to the same community. 
    This sense of community is at the very heart of public power. Nebraska is the only state in the nation where all electricity is provided by customer-owned, not-for-profit utilities. As a public power district, we are not driven by shareholder profits but by a commitment to our customers. Every decision we make is guided by the core mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service. 
    In New Hampshire, I had the privilege of serving an electric cooperative, which shares many of these values. However, the statewide public power model in Nebraska takes that commitment a step further. It creates a unified culture of service and collaboration. Whether it's a line crew responding to an outage in the middle of the night or a customer service representative helping a family with their bill, the focus is always on putting the customer first. 
    I've seen firsthand how this commitment to service translates into a good life for Nebraskans. It’s the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you can rely on your lights to come on, the economic stability of affordable rates, and the security of a utility that is directly accountable to you. It's an honor to be a part of this tradition and to work alongside a team so dedicated to the well-being of the communities we serve.