By Wayne Price

When it comes to Nebraska’s rural electric utilities, the community comes first. That’s just the way we operate.
    Public power strengthens our communities by doing what we do best: providing a safe and reliable supply of electricity at an affordable cost. The board of directors and staff at your local public power district or electric cooperative supports policies and projects that are good for the communities they serve because what's good for the community is good for the rural electric utility.
    We have strong community roots. Public power in Nebraska has been in business for 80 years—we’re not going anywhere. Our business was founded here by members just like you, and we are not going to pull up stakes to pursue greener pastures elsewhere.
    We pay our employees fair wages because that in turn helps strengthen the economy when they spend that money here. And by providing good-paying jobs, we keep our towns healthy because employees and their families don't have to move away to make a decent living. The more people we retain here paying taxes and contributing to their communities, the more vibrant they will be.
    The benefits our communities reap from Nebraska’s public power presence aren’t only financial. We open doors for our young people with scholarship programs, NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp, and the annual Rural Electric Youth Tour trip to Washington, D.C. We teach children safety through programs in schools and online. We help members identify ways to save money by performing home and business energy audits.
    We also strengthen Nebraska communities by supporting local charities. We help members and neighbors in need by sponsoring such things as blood and food drives and the Operation Round Up program.
    Your PPD or electric co-op was formed locally, and it’s still managed by your friends and neighbors. The employees go out of their way to serve by coaching youth sports teams, volunteering on school committees, participating in church activities, and even serving in various elected offices. Many are rural electric utility members like you, and like you, they want to make their communities stronger.
    Take a minute to call your local electric utility and tell them “thank you” for working to keep Nebraska’s electric rates affordable and the power on.