By Curtis Kayton, Chimney Rock Public Power District general manager
Recent discussions about power shortages and blackouts may have some Nebraskans wondering if the Cornhusker State is at risk of running out of electricity. The short answer? No. Are capacity supplies getting tight? Yes, but not at unanticipated levels. Nebraska has a strong, diverse, and well-managed energy infrastructure, and there is no indication that the state is in danger of running short on power.
Reliable Existing Capacity
Nebraska's electric grid is both resilient and robust. As of 2023, the state maintained approximately 10,781 megawatts (MW) of summer capacity, comfortably supplying more electricity than it consumes. The generation portfolio is also diverse. Nebraska sources electricity from coal (43%), wind (32.5%), nuclear (16.2%), and natural gas (4.3%), with the remainder coming from hydro, solar, and biomass. This balanced approach helps mitigate risks associated with overreliance on any single energy source.
Strategic Long-Term Planning
Planning for Nebraska's energy future is not left to chance. In fact, it’s the exact opposite. Years of historical data go into the siting, sizing, fuel type, and routing of power plants, transmission line, and switchyard infrastructure. All generating utilities across the country are all in a building phase right now. Even Nebraska’s generating utilities are investing billions to prepare for the future. Fortunately, Nebraska is known nationally for its high reliability and affordable electricity. Investing more to expand that foundation will produce a handsome result for Nebraskan’s.
Modernization and Grid Reliability
Utilities are also investing in modernization, including smart grid technologies and dual-fuel generation capabilities. About 17 percent of Nebraska's winter capacity can switch fuels, offering extra security during extreme weather events. Coal plants maintain on-site fuel reserves sufficient for more than a month of continuous operation, further insulating the system from supply chain disruptions. Furthermore, NPPD’S proposed generation buildout is comprised of all natural gas dispatchable generators. Those can be called on in any weather, or loading condition and they will perform.
Grid reliability in Nebraska is among the best in the nation. Outages are infrequent and generally brief. The state's public power model prioritizes affordability and service quality, consistently delivering some of the lowest electricity rates in the country.
Preparing for Demand Growth
With increased economic development — including new data centers, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture — demand is expected to grow. Bottom line, low rates and high reliability are good for business because the more users of our public power system equal better utilization, and better utilization means lower and more stable rates for all.
Conclusion: A Strong Foundation with a Clear Path Forward
Nebraska is not facing a power shortage. It has a diverse and growing energy portfolio, a reliable grid, and comprehensive planning processes in place. By continuing to invest in infrastructure and embrace innovation, Nebraska is well-positioned to meet current and future energy needs.
Rather than fearing an energy shortfall, Nebraskans can take pride in the strength and foresight of their public power system that is and always has been run for Nebraskan’s, by Nebraskan’s. The state isn’t running out of power—it’s preparing to power the future.