LES turned 60 years old on Feb. 1, 2026. As we celebrate six decades of powering our community, we're also celebrating 60 years of putting safety first.
Safety has always been more than a policy at LES — it's a part of our identity. It's a promise we make to each other and to the customers who rely on us every day. This year, as we recognize our 60th anniversary and observe National Electrical Safety Month in May, we're reflecting on the people, innovations and everyday decisions that have shaped LES from the very beginning.
Our history is filled with moments when LES employees didn't just follow the standards — they set the bar higher. For example, in 1980, our teams developed an aerial bucket-truck rescue technique that soon became a model for utilities nationwide. And in 1987, we began "hotstick" training on energized 115,000-volt lines, enabling lineworkers to complete critical work without interrupting service to customers. These breakthroughs weren't only technical achievements. They were demonstrations of our belief that every employee deserves to go home safe at the end of the day.
Over the decades, that belief has grown into a proud legacy. LES has earned numerous safety awards from the Nebraska Safety Council and the American Public Power Association, including recognition as one of Nebraska's Safest Companies for more than a decade. But that recognition has never been the goal. People have always been our purpose — protecting them and ensuring they can do their best work.
That same spirit reaches far beyond our substations and bucket trucks. At schools, community events and programs throughout the city, LES employees share electrical safety knowledge with families, students and neighbors. And with resources at LES.com/Safety, customers can access practical tips for staying safe around electricity — whether trimming trees, preparing for storms or using equipment at home or on the farm.
As we look back at 60 years of powering Lincoln and the surrounding communities, we also look back at 60 years of watching out for one another. That's the heart of who we are: a community that stays safe, stays connected and moves forward together.
To every LES employee, past and present: thank you for building a culture of care that continues to shine today.