Public power another major Norris contribution

While we’re on the subject of Sen. George W. Norris, it’s appropriate to recognize his other contribution, besides the nonpartisan Unicameral Legislature, to Nebraska’s quality of life: public power.

It’s an appropriate topic for Heritage Days, and it’s also an appropriate topic for October’s National Public Power Month.

Norris looked at Nebraska’s rural landscape of towns farmsteads and saw too many of them in the dark. At risk of being called a socialist, Norris saw every stream and river in America as a way to deliver reliable electricity to every citizen.

The result was the Rural Electrification Act, and the Cornhusker state has been a public power state since 1945.

In a world where sustainability, reliability, and affordability are paramount, Nebraska’s public power system offers a blueprint for success that other states should consider emulating.

Nebraska’s commitment to public power began nearly a century ago when visionary leaders recognized the potential benefits of a non-profit, community-based approach to electricity generation. Today, the state’s publicly-owned utilities serve as a model of effective and customer-focused energy delivery. Let’s explore the advantages of Nebraska’s public power system over for-profit power systems.

Nebraska consistently boasts some of the lowest electricity rates in the nation. Public power utilities prioritize affordability for residents and businesses over maximizing profits. This approach helps keep energy costs low, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for Nebraskans.

Public power systems are owned by the communities they serve, ensuring that decision-making remains in the hands of elected officials who are directly accountable to the people. This local control fosters transparency, responsiveness, and a commitment to the long-term well-being of the community, as opposed to profit-driven decisions made by distant corporate boards.

Nebraska’s public power system has a proven track record of reliability. This stability is crucial for businesses and industries that rely on a consistent and uninterrupted power supply. Public power utilities prioritize infrastructure investment and maintenance to guarantee the reliability of the grid.

Nebraska’s public power utilities have been at the forefront of integrating renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, into their energy mix. Public ownership allows for a more rapid transition to sustainable energy sources, without the constraints of shareholder interests that may prioritize short-term profit over long-term environmental sustainability.

Public power utilities reinvest their revenues into the communities they serve. This means that the profits generated by the energy sector directly benefit the local economy, supporting schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.

Public power utilities prioritize customer satisfaction, as their primary goal is to serve the community rather than maximize profits. This customer-centric approach often leads to better service quality, more responsive customer support, and tailored programs to meet the unique needs of local residents and businesses.

Unlike for-profit utilities that may be vulnerable to market-driven price spikes and financial speculation, public power utilities are better equipped to withstand economic shocks and provide stable pricing.

As we confront the pressing issues of climate change and the need for a sustainable energy future, it is worth considering the Nebraska model as a viable alternative to for-profit power systems. By prioritizing the interests of their communities and embracing renewable energy, public power utilities can serve as beacons of hope in our journey toward a cleaner, more reliable, and affordable energy future. Other states would do well to take a page from Nebraska’s playbook and explore the advantages of a public power approach.