Nebraska public power utility Lincoln Electric System is celebrating six decades as Lincoln’s locally owned utility, marking a milestone that reflects LES’ long-standing role in delivering reliable, affordable electricity and serving the community, it said on Jan. 30.
“This anniversary offers a perspective on our past and inspires purpose for our future. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to envision what comes next,” said Emeka Anyanwu, LES CEO. “Our dedication to local decision-making and customer-first service remains every bit as strong as it was when LES began in 1966.”
Before LES was founded on Feb. 1, 1966, Lincoln’s residents received power from two separate providers: the City Light and Water Department, serving roughly a quarter of the city, and Consumers Public Power District, now Nebraska Public Power District, serving the remainder.
The dual system arrangement created inefficiencies and duplicate infrastructure. A push for a unified utility prompted the Nebraska Legislature to pass LB633, allowing Lincoln to acquire Consumers’ local assets. The sale became effective Feb. 1, 1966, establishing LES as the city’s sole electric utility.
Sixty years later, LES is governed by a nine-member administrative board appointed by the mayor of Lincoln and confirmed by the Lincoln City Council. With more than 550 employees, the utility serves over 155,000 homes and businesses in Lincoln, Waverly, Prairie Home, Walton, Cheney and Emerald. LES consistently ranks among the nation’s most affordable and maintains a service reliability of 99.99%.
Nearly half of LES’ power supply comes from carbon-free sources, and the utility has set an ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Beyond providing electricity, LES offers programs that help customers lower energy use and costs, including incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades and a smart-thermostat demand-reduction program.
LES also invests in community partnerships, supporting local schools, sponsoring events like Zoo Lights Powered by LES and hosting educational initiatives such as LES STEM Reading at Lincoln City Libraries.
“For 60 years, LES has been woven into the fabric of this community and has delivered value to the customers we serve,” added Anyanwu. “Public power is a source of pride and is tradition in Lincoln and the state of Nebraska — the trust our customers place in us drives our commitment to deliver outstanding service today and every day ahead.”
LES will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout the year, beginning with a mayoral proclamation Sunday, Feb. 1.
