Sustainability

We’re proud of the culture of sustainability we’ve created while serving the Lincoln area. It's part of why we stand tall within the industry, and it's only just begun. We started promoting conservation and energy efficiency back in the early 1970s, and we’ve continued to provide programs and partnerships that empower you to become a smart energy consumer. As a public power utility, we strive to make decisions that align with the values of those we serve, balancing high standards of reliability and cost-effectiveness with sustainability.

Learn about our sustainability initiatives
Take part in LES' Sustainability Series activities & events
2023 sustainability initiatives - report to LES Administrative Board

Power of planning

In 2020, LES’ Administrative Board passed a resolution to mitigate carbon emissions by establishing a goal to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide production from its generation portfolio by 2040.

Over the last decade-plus, LES has increased renewable energy production from the equivalent of 9% of retail sales in 2010 to 45% in 2023*, simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions by 46% over the same period. As we look to the future, we’re focused on meeting our net-zero goal while maintaining the affordable, reliable energy our customers rely on.

More about LES' decarbonization goal

*LES is selling the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with its applicable resources and the renewable attributes are transferred to the REC recipient.

Photo of LES community solar with LES' decarbonization goal of net zero by 2040
LES Integrated Resource Plan

An Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, is a blueprint developed every five years to help forecast when power resources will be needed, what the optimal resource mix may look like and how LES will bring it together to best serve its customers in the future.

LES developed a new plan in 2022 – the first IRP guided by LES’ decarbonization goal – and throughout the process encouraged customer involvement via three public meetings and two interactive workshops.

See the IRP report

How can you make an impact?
By the numbers
LES Passenger Car Fleet
80
%
HYBRIDS, PLUG-IN HYBRIDS AND ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLES
2010-2023
46
%
Reduction in carbon emissions
Energy production from renewable resources is equivalent to
45
%
of retail sales (2023)

LES is selling the Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) associated with its applicable resources and the renewable attributes are transferred to the REC recipient.

Power in diversity

Generating power from different sources in different places puts us on the map with one of the best portfolios in the industry today. This mix of power resources provides LES flexibility, adaptability and stability in an ever-changing energy landscape.

Over the last decade-plus, our renewable footprint has grown significantly. LES’ nameplate resource portfolio — the full capacity of our generation fleet — is diversified with renewable sources (hydro, solar, wind and landfill gas) accounting for 34% of the power we can generate, while natural gas accounts for 35% and coal 31%.

See our generation resources

power in diversity map
LES is selling the Renewable Energy certificates (RECs) associated with its applicable resources, and the renewable attributes are transferred to the REC recipient.
Energy-saving tips

Set your thermostat at 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees at night or when you are away from home for more than four hours. If you have a heat pump, set your thermostat back no more than 3 to 4 degrees.

Energy-saving tips

Open shades and drapes on sunny sides of your home or apartment during daytime hours. Close them at night.

Energy-saving tips

Keep windows tightly latched. Latching generally reduces air leakage through gaps around window sashes.

Energy-saving tips

Warm clothes can be the best insulation of all. A light, long-sleeved sweater equals almost 2 degrees in added warmth; a heavy sweater adds 4 degrees.

Energy-saving tips

Keep the fireplace damper closed unless in use. An open damper can be compared to keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter. Close the damper as soon as you are certain the fire is completely out.

Energy-saving tips

If using a portable space heater, turn down the central heating thermostat to offset the energy being consumed by the space heater.

Energy-saving tips

Clean and check your air conditioner annually.

Energy-saving tips

Clean or replace furnace filters regularly. A dirty or clogged filter reduces air conditioning efficiency and increases your cooling costs.

Energy-saving tips

When at home, set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees Fahrenheit. For every degree you raise the setting, you can reduce cooling costs 3 to 5 percent.

Energy-saving tips

Make sure air registers are not obstructed by furniture, carpeting or drapes.

Energy-saving tips

Use ceiling, window or oscillating fans when rooms are occupied.

Energy-saving tips

Keep heat-producing appliances away from thermostats. Their heat can cause the thermostat to register a higher temperature, which will make your air conditioner run longer than necessary.

Energy-saving tips

Keep shades and drapes closed, especially on sunny sides of your home or apartment.

Energy-saving tips

Use heat-generating household appliances in the morning or late evening when outdoor temperatures are at their low points.

Energy-saving tips

Replace incandescent lights with fluorescent or LED lighting. If this is not possible, reduce the wattage of light bulbs in lamps and light fixtures. This also reduces the amount of heat the air conditioner has to remove.

Energy-saving tips

Clean and check your furnace annually.

Energy-saving tips

Check and add insulation to the attic, exterior walls and basement if appropriate. Some insulation projects may qualify for LES funds through the Sustainable Energy Program.

A history of innovation at LES
Solar home
1976

Built a solar home.

Electric vehicle
1980

Began testing all-electric vehicles.

Thermal storage unit
1991

Pioneered the use of thermal energy storage to augment combustion turbines.

Wind turbines
1998/99

Installed two of Nebraska’s first wind turbines.

Power plant
2004

Commissioned the state’s first combined-cycle plant.

Generator
2014

Installed landfill gas generators converting waste to energy.

solar array
2016

Unveiled Nebraska’s first utility-scale solar array.

LES Operations Center
2019

Opened green building certifiable Operations Center with geothermal heating and cooling.

Solar panels
2020

Adopted Nebraska's most aggressive decarbonization goal to date: net zero by 2040.

rooftop solar
2022

LES installed a logo-shaped rooftop solar array at its Kevin Wailes Operations Center.

Learn more about ourSustainable Energy Program here