By Doyle Hazen, North Central PPD general manager

    Many of us have heard the story of how electricity came to rural homes and businesses back in the 30s or even earlier.  Power was offered for the first time and that provided better living conditions for everyone.  Now, nearly everyone has electricity and that has become the expectation.  Electricity in Nebraska is a staple. It is a necessity, not a luxury.  Electricity provides everyone with a certain level of lifestyle that so many areas in the world have yet to enjoy.  
    As with many things in our lives, public power in Nebraska is a resource that may be taken for granted.  The reasonable and stable rates provided by public power systems throughout the state are the economic catalyst that drives almost every industry and household.  Public power provides the base for economic development, more room in personal budgets for discretionary or living expense and provides jobs by providing inputs for business that are financially viable.   
    The growth public power offers small and large business reflects great value that is recognized nationally.  It is imperative that the importance of public power is recognized.  Nebraska has had excess generation capacity in the past. However, with the more recent growth in electricity demand, that excess is quickly being used.
    Public power has recognized the need for more base load, dispatchable generation to keep up with the growth in demand.  Non-dispatchable generation continue to be added such as wind and solar but we need the dispatchable generation support to ensure continued growth and the sustained reliability that we all have come to expect.  
    Due to the great value public power in Nebraska provides, it is important that everyone maintains a vigilance to promote and sustain public power. The people that are served by public power are empowered with local control as the members of the board are publicly elected.  Your neighbor or you can serve on these boards. In addition, it is important that any utility legislation is in the best interest of electric customers in Nebraska.
    Public power should be in the top of your priority list for sustaining the great economic environment in Nebraska.  Businesses have a variety of inputs in Nebraska with electricity being vital to their continued success.