By Lacey Gulbranson, Wheat Belt Public Power District general manager

    There are many reasons why I am blessed to call myself a Nebraskan. As you know, we like to do things a bit differently in Nebraska, from a Unicameral Legislature to Husker Nation to public power and more. As the only state to be solely served electricity by publicly owned utilities, you as customers/citizens elect the board members of the utilities. So, what are the responsibilities of the board? The three key fiduciary responsibilities of a board member are 1) Duty of Care, 2) Duty of Obedience, and 3) Duty of Loyalty. We will examine what each of these responsibilities entails and how you can participate or influence.
    The Duty of Care. This involves acting in good faith, reasonably, and as others would in the same situation. Board members are to keep the interests of the customers/membership in mind when taking action or when intentionally not taking action. Board members have a responsibility to research and educate themselves on the topics at hand.
    The Duty of Obedience. Meaning, being obedient to the law. This general statement includes articles of incorporation, bylaws, policies, federal laws and regulations, state laws and regulations, and city ordinances.
    The Duty of Loyalty. Board members are to act with only the interests of the entity at hand. They are to avoid conflicts of interest and they have a duty to protect confidential information. This duty can be summarized as unselfish and undivided loyalty to the organization.
    How can you participate or influence? Do your due diligence to research and learn about board member candidates before voting. Show up to vote for board members or submit your vote by absentee ballot. You can attend a board meeting to learn about how the board influences the organization. Find out when there is a public comment period at an upcoming board meeting; attend to address the board by communicating support or raising an issue. Contact your board member individually to learn more about a specific topic or to discuss an issue. If you are interested in becoming a board member, talk to your local board members, contact the utility to find out more information, or file to be on the ballot (if that is an option for your utility).
    There are hundreds of board members across the state acting in the best interest of their customers/constituents on a monthly if not weekly, or daily basis. You can get involved or at least learn more about the process. And remember, tanking a river isn’t the only thing that happens differently in Nebraska.