By Trever Turner, Stanton County Public Power District general manager

    On March 19th, a fierce blizzard swept through eastern Nebraska, leaving devastation in its wake. Power lines were snapped, poles broken, and entire stretches of rural territory left in the dark. While customers bundled up and waited for power to be restored, Nebraska’s public power family sprang into action, just like we’ve always done.
    At Stanton County Public Power District, we had the honor of sending crews to help our neighbors at Cuming County Public Power District and Burt County Public Power District. These two systems were among a handful that took the brunt of the storm, with significant infrastructure damage and challenging access to the most heavily affected areas. For us, the decision to help was immediate and automatic. That’s what public power does.
    Mutual aid isn’t just a policy or an emergency plan on the shelf, it’s a living, working part of who we are. Public power in Nebraska is uniquely structured to put people and service first. That structure allows us to quickly mobilize resources and support one another, especially in times of crisis. We’re not competitors, we’re neighbors serving neighbors.
    In the days that followed the storm, our linemen worked long hours in less-than-ideal conditions, digging out poles and rebuilding circuits. They labored side by side with crews from other districts, each wearing a different logo on their jackets, but united in one mission: get the lights back on. There’s a deep sense of purpose in this kind of work. It’s not just about restoring electricity; it’s about restoring peace of mind to families, farms, and small-town businesses.
    What makes this possible is the cooperative foundation of public power. Unlike investor-owned utilities driven by profit margins or shareholders, our systems are locally governed and community-focused. That allows us to prioritize reliability, safety, and mutual support over competition or cost-cutting. When a storm hits one district, it hits all of us, and the response reflects that.
    I couldn’t be prouder of the way our team stepped up. They left their homes and families to help others, knowing the conditions would be tough and the hours long. Their professionalism, grit, and sense of duty reflect the very best of public power. And while our linemen may not seek recognition, their work deserves to be celebrated.
    The March 19th blizzard was a reminder of how vulnerable our infrastructure can be to the forces of nature, but it also showcased the incredible strength of our people and our partnerships. Mutual aid doesn’t just restore power, it restores hope, resilience, and trust in something bigger than any one district.
At Stanton County PPD, we’re proud to be part of that tradition.