Nebraska Electricity Information
Nebraska generates most of its electricity from coal, nuclear, and wind power, with natural gas playing a smaller role. Wind energy has grown significantly in recent years, making Nebraska one of the top wind-producing states. The state benefits from publicly owned utilities, which help keep electricity prices lower than the national average. While coal remains a major source of power, Nebraska has been gradually reducing emissions by increasing its reliance on renewables.
Find Electricity Providers In Nebraska
Ranks 36th Highest in the U.S.
Average Price: 13.17¢ /kWh
Ranks 6th Cheapest in the U.S.
Average Electric Bill: $117.51
Ranks 11th Cheapest in the U.S.
Electricity Production By Source
Emissions From Electricity Generation
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Renewable Electricity Generation
33.13% of Total Production
Energy Usage in Nebraska
Electricity consumption in Nebraska is influenced by its Great Plains climate, which brings hot summers and cold winters. This results in high energy use for both air conditioning and heating. The state’s strong agricultural and industrial sectors also contribute to demand, particularly for irrigation and manufacturing. Nebraska ranks near the top in per-capita electricity consumption, reflecting its energy-intensive economy and seasonal weather extremes.
Municipal Utilities in Nebraska
While most cities, towns, and villages throughout the state of Nebraska offer municipal essential services like providing clean water, sewage treatment and dealing with waste and storm water, some also offer other services like electricity, natural gas, sanitation or recycling. In Nebraska, 149 cities offer municipal electricity utility services to their residents.
Largest Electric Companies in Nebraska
The rest of Nebraska receives electric utility service from one of many primary providers. Here’s a list of some of the larger providers that might be available to your home:
Nebraska Natural Gas Information
Nebraska’s gas story feels different in Omaha than it does out on the Plains. Along the I-80 corridor winters are cold and windy, so home heating drives a clear seasonal peak, while hot summers are mostly a power and irrigation story on the electric side. About 60% of households heat primarily with natural gas. On deliveries, industry takes about 56%, residential about 18%, commercial about 17%, and electric power about 9%, a split that fits a state where manufacturing, ag processing, and ethanol plants run year-round.
Nebraska also has a limited form of retail choice. If you live in Black Hills Energy’s Rate Area 5, the Nebraska Choice Gas Program lets homes and businesses pick a competitive supplier while the utility still delivers through its pipelines. Elsewhere, service is bundled through local providers such as Metropolitan Utilities District in Omaha and Black Hills outside it. The result is a patchwork that mixes a little shopping with a lot of traditional utility service, all shaped by Great Plains winters and wide temperature swings.
Largest Natural Gas Companies in Nebraska
Many of the residents of Nebraska receive their natural gas utility service from one of the larger companies that service the state.
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Nebraska Internet Connectivity
Largest Internet Providers in Nebraska
When it comes to high-speed internet, homes in Nebraska have plenty of options to stay connected! From bustling cities to quiet rural areas, a variety of providers offer reliable service across the state. Here are some of the biggest names keeping Nebraska homes online and in the loop:
Find Internet Providers In Nebraska
Know Your Rights: Consumer Protections
Nebraska law provides specific protections to ensure you aren't left in the dark without warning.
- Disconnection Notice: Utilities are generally required to provide at least 7 days' written notice before disconnecting your service due to non-payment.
- Medical Postponement: If a disconnection would endanger the health of a resident, you can delay the shut-off for 30 days. To do this, you must provide a certificate from a licensed physician or nurse practitioner to the utility within 5 days of receiving the disconnect notice.
- Right to Dispute: You have the right to request a conference with your utility provider to dispute a bill or a proposed disconnection. They generally cannot disconnect your service while this dispute is being resolved.
Going Green: Rebates & Renewables
Nebraska’s public power model offers unique opportunities for homeowners to save money while upgrading their energy systems.
- Net Metering: Nebraska state law requires utilities to offer "net metering" for small renewable systems (like rooftop solar, up to 25kW). This means if your panels produce more energy than you use, the utility must credit you for that excess power on your bill.
- EV Charger Rebates: If you drive electric, check your utility's rebates. Major providers like NPPD and OPPD have historically offered substantial rebates (often $500+) for installing Level 2 home charging stations.
- Federal Tax Credits: Don't forget the 30% Federal Clean Energy Credit for installing solar panels, battery storage, or geothermal heat pumps. Note: Tax laws change; always verify current expiration dates and eligibility with a tax professional.
Safety First: "Call Before You Dig"
Whether you are planting a tree or installing a fence, hitting a utility line can be dangerous and expensive.
- Nebraska 811: State law requires you to call 811 or file a request at ne1call.com at least two business days before you start digging.
- It's Free: This service is free for homeowners. Utility companies will come out and mark underground gas, electric, and water lines with colored flags so you can dig safely.
- Smell Gas? If you smell rotten eggs, hear a hissing sound, or see blowing dirt, leave the area immediately and call 911 or your utility provider from a safe distance.
Efficiency Tips for the Nebraska Climate
Nebraska’s weather extremes, blazing summers and freezing winters, require a proactive approach to energy efficiency.
- Winter Prep: Disconnect outdoor garden hoses to prevent pipe bursts. Change your furnace filter monthly during heavy use to keep the system running efficiently.
- Summer "Load Shifting": On hot days, try to run heat-generating appliances (like dryers and dishwashers) early in the morning or late at night. This keeps your home cooler and reduces strain on the grid during peak hours.
- Smart Thermostat Rebates: Many Nebraska utilities (including MidAmerican Energy and members of the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska) offer cash rebates for installing qualifying smart thermostats. These devices can learn your schedule and automatically lower your energy usage when you are away.
Utility Costs in Nebraska
The average monthly total utility bills in Nebraska is $229.84, which is 17.07% lower than the national average.
Assistance for Paying Utility Bills in Nebraska
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills in Nebraska, several state and local programs are available to help. These resources range from federally funded energy assistance to specific charitable funds managed by local utility providers.
Statewide & General Energy Assistance
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Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), this federally funded program helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs. It can also assist with furnace repairs or emergency crises.
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Weatherization Assistance Program: This program helps reduce energy costs for low-income families by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes through free home improvements.
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Learn more: Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
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Local Utility Funds: Many Nebraska utility providers have their own crisis funds, often administered by local non-profits like the Salvation Army or the Dollar Energy Fund.
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Omaha Public Power District (OPPD): The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) helps eligible customers pay energy bills during emergencies.
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Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.): The Home Fund provides assistance to customers in the Omaha area facing severe financial hardship.
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Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD): The Pennies for Power program helps those struggling with electric bills.
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Black Hills Energy: The HeatShare program is available to assist customers with heating bills.
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Special Programs for Seniors
Older adults in Nebraska often qualify for specific protections and funds designed to prevent disconnection during extreme weather or financial hardship.
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Assistance to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD): This state program provides financial aid and medical assistance to low-income persons aged 65 or older.
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Senior-Specific Utility Funds: Programs like the M.U.D. Home Fund and Salvation Army Heat Aid often have specific eligibility criteria or set-asides for residents over the age of 60. When applying for general assistance, always ask if there are senior-specific funds available.
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Area Agencies on Aging: Your local Area Agency on Aging can often connect you with local resources for utility support and home weatherization.
Resources for Students
While there are fewer utility programs exclusively for students, young adults and students in Nebraska can access support networks designed to foster financial stability.
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Connected Youth Initiative: This initiative offers the Support Services Fund, which can provide emergency cash assistance for essential needs (including utilities) to eligible young people ages 14–26 who have experience in the foster care or juvenile justice systems.
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University Resources: If you are a college student, check with your university’s student affairs office. Many Nebraska institutions, such as the University of Nebraska Omaha, maintain lists of community resources and may have emergency hardship funds for enrolled students.
Learn more in the Student Utility Setup Guide
Assistance for Veterans
Nebraska offers robust support for veterans facing financial emergencies, including help with housing and utility costs.
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Nebraska Veterans Aid Fund (NVA): Established to assist veterans, their spouses, and dependents, this fund provides temporary emergency aid for food, fuel, shelter, and other necessities during times of disruption.
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Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program is designed to promote housing stability and can assist with rent, utility payments, and security deposits for low-income veteran families.
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Contact: Agencies like Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership administer these services in many counties.
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Find Utility Providers In Nebraska
Utility Providers by City in Nebraska
| City Name | Population | Municipal Electricity |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | 8,141 | Yes |
| Ashland | 3,099 | No |
| Auburn | 3,443 | Yes |
| Aurora | 4,642 | No |
| Beatrice | 12,276 | Yes |
| Bellevue | 62,888 | No |
| Bennington | 2,257 | No |
| Blair | 7,725 | No |
| Broken Bow | 3,522 | Yes |
| Central City | 3,025 | Yes |
| Chadron | 5,376 | No |
| Chalco | 10,688 | No |
| Columbus | 23,954 | Yes |
| Cozad | 3,960 | Yes |
| Crete | 7,224 | Yes |
| Dakota City | 2,822 | No |
| David City | 2,981 | Yes |
| Fairbury | 3,916 | Yes |
| Falls City | 4,130 | Yes |
| Fremont | 27,245 | Yes |
| Geneva | 2,062 | No |
| Gering | 8,521 | Yes |
| Gothenburg | 3,476 | Yes |
| Grand Island | 52,755 | Yes |
| Gretna | 5,106 | No |
| Hastings | 25,247 | Yes |
| Hickman | 2,552 | Yes |
| Holdrege | 5,485 | Yes |
| Imperial | 2,157 | Yes |
| Kearney | 33,558 | No |
| Kimball | 2,323 | Yes |
| La Vista | 16,786 | No |
| Lexington | 10,325 | Yes |
| Lincoln | 289,136 | Yes |
| McCook | 7,425 | Yes |
| Milford | 2,547 | No |
| Minden | 2,992 | Yes |
| Nebraska City | 7,206 | Yes |
| Norfolk | 24,964 | No |
| North Platte | 23,543 | Yes |
| O'Neill | 3,590 | No |
| Offutt AFB | 5,375 | No |
| Ogallala | 4,831 | No |
| Omaha | 806,485 | Yes |
| Ord | 2,049 | Yes |
| Papillion | 23,875 | No |
| Plattsmouth | 6,558 | No |
| Ralston | 6,453 | No |
| Schuyler | 6,526 | Yes |
| Scottsbluff | 14,511 | No |
| Seward | 7,651 | Yes |
| Sidney | 6,473 | Yes |
| South Sioux City | 13,796 | Yes |
| St. Paul | 2,497 | Yes |
| Valentine | 2,634 | Yes |
| Valley | 2,982 | No |
| Wahoo | 4,754 | Yes |
| Waverly | 4,208 | No |
| Wayne | 5,847 | Yes |
| West Point | 3,481 | Yes |
| York | 8,091 | Yes |
About the Author
David has been an integral part of some of the biggest utility sites on the internet, including InMyArea.com, HighSpeedInternet.com, BroadbandNow.com, and U.S. News. He brings over 15 years of experience writing about, compiling and analyzing utility data.
























