Beatrice Lang
Nebraska is witnessing a rapid transformation in its energy landscape, with a growing number of rural electric cooperatives embracing renewable energy sources. The state is home to 34 rural electric cooperatives, according to the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) membership directory, with a focus on serving their member-consumers through a range of renewable energy options. These cooperatives are governed by their consumers, known as consumer-members, and are guided by principles such as concern for community and cooperation among cooperatives. Nebraska's rural electric cooperatives are not just powering homes but also empowering young people through programs like the NREA Youth Energy Leadership Camp, fostering the next generation of leaders in the energy sector. With federal support and initiatives like the New ERA program, Nebraska's rural electric cooperatives are at the forefront of deploying clean energy solutions, driving innovation, and creating a more sustainable future for the state and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Rural Electric Cooperatives in Nebraska | 34 |
| Number of Rural Electric Cooperatives in the US | Over 900 |
| Number of States with Rural Electric Cooperatives | 47 |
| Federal Funding for Rural Electric Cooperatives | $7.3 billion |
| Federal Funding Source | USDA's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) funding plan |
| Federal Support for Electricity Infrastructure Reinvestment | Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) |
| Federal Tax Credits for Clean Energy Investments | 30% |
| Membership of NEG&T | 19 rural public power districts and 1 electric membership corporation |
| Consumers Served by NEG&T | Approximately 150,000 |
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What You'll Learn
There are 34 rural electric cooperatives in Nebraska
Nebraska's electric cooperatives are part of this large network, providing power to rural communities across the state. These cooperatives are not-for-profit and governed by their consumer-members. They have a long history in Nebraska, with some dating back to the 1930s or earlier.
The NRECA's website outlines the principles that guide these cooperatives, which include voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, economic participation, autonomy, education, cooperation, and concern for the community. These principles ensure that the cooperatives are focused on serving the best interests of their members and the communities they operate in.
Nebraska's rural electric cooperatives have seen significant growth in renewable energy development in recent years. Currently, over 90% of them offer their members at least one renewable energy option, with hydropower and wind being the most common. Six cooperatives provide solar energy as an option for their members. This shift towards renewable energy sources has been facilitated by initiatives like the Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB), with the IRS allocating $900 million for cooperatives' renewable energy development.
Additionally, federal support through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the New ERA program has provided further incentives for cooperatives to transition to clean energy. The IRA's "direct pay" provision allows cooperatives to receive cash payments from the US Treasury for federal clean energy tax credits, making federal support more accessible for these nonprofits.
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NEG&T is a cooperative with 19 rural public power districts
NEG&T, or the Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission Coop., Inc., is a cooperative with 19 rural public power districts and 1 electric membership corporation. Together, these 20 members serve approximately 150,000 consumers in rural areas of the eastern two-thirds of Nebraska. NEG&T was incorporated in 1956 and manages the contractual requirements for wholesale power supply and delivery for its members.
In the United States, there are more than 900 electric cooperatives across 47 states, serving approximately 42 million people. These cooperatives are private, not-for-profit, and member-owned, with some dating back to the 1930s or earlier. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Lincoln, Nebraska, and lists over 900 cooperatives in its membership directory.
Nebraska is home to 34 rural electric cooperatives, according to NRECA's Membership Directory. Of these, 28 now include renewable energy options in their portfolios, with six providing solar energy as a choice for their member-consumers. The Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA) is one such cooperative, with a membership of 30% of Nebraska's electricity coming from non-carbon emitting resources.
Rural electric cooperatives are governed by their consumer-members and are guided by principles such as voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, members' economic participation, autonomy and independence, education and training, cooperation among cooperatives, and concern for community. These cooperatives have played a significant role in the development of renewable energy sources, with over 90% offering their members one or more renewable energy options.
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$7.3 billion in federal funding for 16 rural electric cooperatives
In September 2024, the Biden administration announced $7.3 billion in federal funding for 16 rural electric cooperatives, as part of the USDA's Empowering Rural America (New ERA) funding plan. This funding aims to deliver more affordable, reliable, and clean electricity to rural communities across 23 states, from California to Florida and Texas to Alaska.
The New ERA program is a $9.7 billion voluntary initiative created exclusively for co-ops, using funds from the Inflation Reduction Act. It represents the largest federal investment in rural electrification since the New Deal in the 1930s. The selected cooperatives will leverage private investments of over $29 billion to develop more than 10 gigawatts of clean energy, primarily through solar and wind power. This will result in a decrease in electricity generation costs and an increase in resiliency for rural communities.
The federal funding will cover 30% of cooperative projects, with additional funding available through the New ERA program and investment tax credits. This support will enable cooperatives to invest in reliability resources such as utility-scale batteries and encourage reinvestment in communities historically dependent on fossil fuels. The diversity of investments and approaches by the cooperatives showcases the strength of the co-op model in driving innovation tailored to local community needs.
The funding is expected to generate significant benefits for rural communities. For example, Dairyland Power Cooperative in Wisconsin will use $573 million to purchase solar and wind power from neighbouring states, resulting in a 42% reduction in rates over the next ten years. The Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, another recipient, estimates a 10% cut in electricity rates for its members, translating to approximately $430 million in benefits for rural electricity consumers. Additionally, the USDA estimates that the New ERA funding will create approximately 4,500 long-term jobs and 16,000 short-term jobs, further contributing to the economic welfare of these regions.
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NRECA lists over 900 cooperatives in its directory
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a private, not-for-profit, and member-owned organisation with offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Lincoln, Nebraska. NRECA lists over 900 cooperatives in its directory, serving approximately 42 million people across 47 states.
NRECA's membership directory includes 34 rural electric cooperatives in Nebraska. The cooperatives are governed by their consumers, known as consumer-members, and are guided by principles such as voluntary and open membership, democratic member control, members' economic participation, autonomy, and independence.
Nebraska's rural electric cooperatives have seen significant growth in renewable energy development in recent years. Currently, over 90% of cooperatives offer their members at least one renewable energy option, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, and manure methane. The availability of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREB) has contributed to this growth, with the IRS approving $900 million in allocations for cooperatives' renewable energy development.
The NRECA also organises the Youth Energy Leadership Camp, a popular five-day camp that gives young people a better understanding of the legislative process, electric power generation, and the rural electric program. The camp offers a range of educational, recreational, and social experiences to about 65 highly motivated high school students from Nebraska and neighbouring states.
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NRECA cooperatives serve 42 million people in 47 states
The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) is a national service organization that represents the interests of over 900 electric cooperatives in the United States. These cooperatives are not-for-profit, owned by their members, and provide electricity to over 42 million people in 47 states, accounting for around 12% of the nation's electricity sales.
NRECA cooperatives are present in all states except Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. The cooperatives own 42% of America's distribution lines, covering three-quarters of the country. Nebraska, one of the 47 states served by NRECA cooperatives, is home to several rural electric cooperatives and public power districts. The Nebraska Rural Electric Association (NREA), for example, serves approximately 50,000 rural households in 70 counties across the state. Additionally, the Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission Coop., Inc. (NEG&T) has 19 rural public power districts and 1 electric membership corporation as members. Together, they serve around 150,000 consumers in rural areas of eastern Nebraska.
The NREA is committed to making Nebraska more environmentally friendly. Thirty percent of the state's electricity comes from non-carbon emitting resources, and the association works to inform consumers about the challenges faced by rural electric service providers and promote energy conservation. The NREA also organizes the annual Youth Energy Leadership Camp, a five-day educational and leadership program for high school students from Nebraska and neighboring states served by NREA member systems.
NRECA cooperatives across the country have been incorporating renewable energy sources into their portfolios. As of 2020, over 90% of electric cooperatives include renewable generation, with 11% of their total power coming from renewable sources, surpassing the 8% figure for the entire utility sector. In line with this commitment to renewable energy, NRECA cooperatives received funding from the FCC's Rural Digital Opportunity Fund to provide rural broadband service to approximately 900,000 locations.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 34 rural electric cooperatives in Nebraska listed in the NRECA's Membership Directory.
The NRECA stands for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. It is a private, not-for-profit, and member-owned organisation with offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Lincoln, Nebraska.
The NRECA lists over 900 cooperatives in its membership directory.
Rural electric cooperatives are the largest electric utility network in America, providing service to approximately 42 million people in 47 states. They are governed by their consumers, who are known as consumer-members.
Over the last five years, there has been tremendous growth among Nebraska's rural cooperatives in renewable energy development. Currently, over 90% offer their member-consumers one or more renewable energy options, such as wind, solar, geothermal, hydropower, biomass, and manure methane.
