By Wayne Price, Director of Public Affairs

    I grew up on a small farm in Richardson County. The house and farm were served electrically by Omaha Public Power District, something I didn’t give much thought to at the time. Now that I’m older, I understand that living in rural Nebraska depends on reliable electricity. Nebraska is unique because it is the only state in the nation served entirely by public power. That means the people who receive the service also have a voice in how it is provided.
    Public power is built on the idea of serving people, not making profits. Any extra revenue is invested back into the electric system. This helps keep power affordable while improving service for the future. Local boards, made up of community members, make decisions with the needs of their neighbors in mind.
    Nebraska's agricultural economy depends heavily on dependable electricity. Modern farms and ranches rely on electric-powered irrigation systems, grain dryers, livestock facilities, and equipment to operate efficiently. When the power supply is consistent, farmers and ranchers can focus on production rather than downtime, contributing to a food supply that reaches families well beyond Nebraska's borders.
    Rural Nebraska also benefits every day. Schools, hospitals, grocery stores, and local businesses all rely on safe and dependable electric service. For families, electricity supports basic needs, heating, cooling, cooking, and connectivity, that make modern life possible. Public power plays a quiet but essential role in sustaining these routines.
    Providing electric service across wide open spaces is not always easy. Utility crews work year-round, regardless of weather, to maintain power lines, respond to storm damage, and plan for future infrastructure needs. Their consistent effort ensures that even the most remote homes and farms receive the same level of reliable service as more populated areas.
    Public power has helped shape Nebraska for generations. It supports agriculture, strengthens local communities, and encourages economic growth. As technology evolves and electricity demand rises, Nebraska's public power utilities remain committed to their founding mission, providing safe, affordable, and reliable service to every corner of the state.
    From the largest farm to the smallest town, public power continues to power the people and communities that make Nebraska a special place to call home.