How Public Power Fuels Growth and Community Connection in Kearney, NE
Desirea Clark knew the numbers. As a Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) employee, she understood the value of reliable, publicly owned power. But when she moved to Kearney with her family in 2023, she saw that reality went beyond spreadsheets.
“Kearney’s the kind of place where you feel things are really working – not just the utilities, but the community,” says Clark, a human resources business partner at NPPD. “It’s incredibly welcoming. We have positive momentum, and I’m excited for the future.”
This confidence stems from a common sentiment: Kearney’s energy setup is more than a utility. It’s an advantage.
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Customer Focused
Nebraska is the only state fully served by publicly owned utilities. As a not-for-profit, NPPD reinvests in infrastructure, rather than paying shareholders, thus keeping rates low. Local control means utility boards answer to the public and not investors.
Kearney is one of 81 communities partnering with NPPD to deliver retail power, ensuring local priorities are heard.
Rates are set based on cost-to-serve customers, says Grant Flamig, NPPD retail account manager. “Each decision has the customer in mind,” Flamig says.
That approach works: NPPD held wholesale rates flat for eight years, with a modest 2% retail increase for 2025. Even with inflation, Kearney’s electric rates remain among the most affordable in the nation.
Engine for Growth
Big investments depend on affordable, reliable power. Parker Hannifin Corp., for example, has expanded its Kearney operations, which include a new warehouse.
“We’ve moved plants here and built a 400,000-square-foot distribution center, which required more power,” says Steve Zimmerman, general manager of the Kearney-based Parker Hannifin Filtration Group. “NPPD has been supportive, where in other states, it can feel like a fight. Here, it’s a partnership, and that makes a difference in where you want to do business.”
Hospitals, like CHI Health and Kearney Regional, rely on that consistency. Stable power lets health care professionals focus on patients and not outages.
Other high-demand users include BluePrint Engines and MARA, a bitcoin mining operation that uses more power than anyone else.
“Our system planning group does a great job balancing loads for all our communities and wholesale partners,” Flamig says. “Planning is thorough and collaborative.”
People Centered
City Manager Brenda Jensen sees NPPD as essential to attracting employers and families.
“When we talk about quality of life, power is part of that,” Jensen says. “It’s wonderful to have one essential that’s not taking a hit on people’s budgets. We have reliable power at low rates, and that puts us on the map. High-power users know it’s something that makes us unique, moving us to the top of their list.”
NPPD works with local leaders to manage infrastructure and support economic development. The utility’s structure encourages long-term thinking over short-term profits.
For Clark, it’s personal. As both a resident and NPPD employee, she sees how her work touches daily life.
“I know it’s a company that puts its employees ahead of many things and takes care of its customers,” she says. “You see firsthand how NPPD’s mission plays out in the lives of families and businesses here.”
Power to Grow
In June 2025, NPPD energized a new transmission line as part of the Kearney Power Project, an effort to expand capacity and strengthen grid resilience. This shows how NPPD plans ahead to support community growth through infrastructure investments.
Kearney keeps growing, thanks to its people, planning and partnerships. With stable rates, reliable infrastructure and a utility built to serve, the city has positioned itself for long-term sustained success.
“This is a supportive community, and the people here are hardworking and caring,” Zimmerman says. “NPPD has been a great partner, and that’s one of the many reasons we’re headquartered here. Having affordable, predictable rates helps us get our cost structure right, which gives us room to grow margins.”
Get to Know Kearney
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