Did You Know?
Question
Do Nebraska’s utilities support wind energy?
Answer
Yes! Nebraska utilities have built nearly 300 megawatts of wind energy in recent years. Another 166 MW are being developed. And more is on the way! Continue reading
Question
How did the Missouri River flooding of 2011 affect Nebraska’s power plants?
Answer
The Missouri River flooding of 2011 temporarily closed several power plants in Nebraska, including Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station, Cooper Generating Station and North Omaha Station. However, other power plants were able to generate electricity to make up for these plants. Continue reading.
Question
Where does Nebraska’s electricity come from?
Answer
In a typical year, about 65% of our state’s electricity comes from coal, and nuclear power accounts for about 31%. A small but growing share of our state’s electricity comes from renewable resources like hydro and wind. Continue reading
Question
What are Nebraska’s utilities doing to protect the environment?
Answer
Nebraska’s utilities spend millions of dollars per year to reduce emissions from our power plants. The newly built Whelan Energy Center Unit 2 included about $120 million in environmental protection equipment. Continue reading
Question
Nebraska’s utilities are “locally owned.” What does that mean? Why is it important?
Answer
Locally owned utilities – municipal utilities, public power districts, and rural electric cooperatives – are owned and operated exclusively for the benefit of customers. There are no shareholders in far-off places receiving dividends. That means your rates are lower. Continue reading.
Question
Do Nebraskans have enough electricity?
Answer
Because Nebraska’s utilities have planned carefully, our existing electric generating capacity will meet customer needs for at least another 10 years. Continue reading (Create hyperlink to “Load & Capability” sub-page in “NPA Documents” page)
Question
What do Nebraska’s utilities do to stimulate economic growth in my community?
Answer
The best way we can help local economies is by doing what we do best – providing low-cost, reliable electricity in ways that minimize the impact on the environment. (Create hyperlink to “Economic Development” page)
Question
How do Nebraska’s utilities contribute to quality of life in a community?
Answer
Utility employees in Nebraska care deeply about the quality of life in their communities. They donate blood, run clothing drives, volunteer to mentor students, coach and referee youth athletics, lead scout troops, serve on the boards of civic, charitable and cultural organizations. Continue reading
Question
Wind power and solar power cost less than other types of electricity because the “fuel” is free, right?
Answer
Electricity can be generated from “free” resources like sun, water and the wind. But there are costs to capture and transmit renewable electricity. In fact, renewable electricity can cost twice what it costs to generate electricity from natural gas. Continue reading.
Question
I support wind energy, but I don’t like transmission lines. Can’t we have wind power without transmission lines?
Answer
Unfortunately, no. Nebraska has high-quality wind resources, but the windiest parts of our state are far removed from major cities. That means transmission lines are required to bring clean energy to customers. Continue reading.
Question
Can federal tax incentives accelerate construction of more wind energy in Nebraska?
Answer
Most states that have built a lot of wind generation have done so with the help of federal tax credits and tax subsidies. That support can equal 45% or more of the cost of constructing new windpower facilities. However, locally owned utilities like member of NPA are not eligible for those tax credits. Continue reading.