Powering Lincoln’s future: How LES keeps the city strong

by Amy Svoboda

In Lincoln, Nebraska, electricity does more than power homes. It powers possibility. From thriving startups to growing neighborhoods, the city runs on innovation, and behind it all is Lincoln Electric System, the community-owned utility that’s been proudly serving Lincoln and its surrounding areas for 60 years.

Keeping the lights on might seem simple, but it’s anything but. Behind every light switch is a team of dedicated professionals — lineworkers braving storms, engineers monitoring grid performance, customer service representatives ready to help and hundreds of more employees thinking of every home, business and streetlight in the city. It’s a job that never stops, and one that LES takes seriously. Woven into the fabric of life in Lincoln, LES is ensuring the city’s next chapter is even brighter.

Because when Lincoln thrives, LES does too.

The energy world is changing fast. Customer expectations are evolving. Weather patterns are less predictable. Energy markets and regulations are shifting. Utilities everywhere face a complex challenge known as the energy trilemma: how to keep power reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible — all at once.

LES is meeting this challenge head-on. It knows that what worked yesterday won’t necessarily work tomorrow. That’s why the utility is planning for the future with intention, care and community at the center.

LES has developed a robust strategic plan that’s as forward-thinking as the city it serves. The plan is more than a document — it’s a collective vision shaped by LES customers, employees, board members and community leaders. It reflects countless hours of thoughtful dialogue, collaboration and engagement. It’s a roadmap to ensure Lincoln remains a great place to live, work and do business.

At the heart of the plan are five strategic objectives.

Customer & Community

LES is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience through innovative services, reduced energy burden and support for community-driven goals. By understanding the diverse needs of Lincoln’s residents, LES can offer more personalized, impactful solutions that empower informed energy choices.

Infrastructure

A dependable grid leads to confidence in one’s utility. With a focus on reliability, resilience and adaptability, LES is preparing its systems to handle emerging technologies, extreme weather and growing demand. A future-ready grid means faster restoration, smarter systems and peace of mind
for Lincoln.

Financial Health

A strong financial footing is essential to powering progress. LES prioritizes fiscal responsibility through a solid bond rating, sufficient liquidity and a transparent rate outlook. This ensures the utility can fund strategic priorities while maintaining trust with customers and stakeholders.

Workforce Readiness

Behind every innovation is a person. LES invests in its people to create a workplace where talent thrives, collaboration flourishes and the next generation of energy leaders is empowered. From training to tools, LES is building a resilient, future-ready team.

Sustainability

LES is leading the charge toward a cleaner energy future. With a bold goal to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2040, the utility is reducing its carbon footprint, managing demand peaks and embracing environmental stewardship — all while maintaining reliability and affordability.

This strategic plan is a promise to keep Lincoln powered, prepared and proud. And this kind of preparation matters. LES is laying the groundwork for a future where Lincoln can continue to grow without limits. This means:

• Businesses can expand confidently, knowing the infrastructure will support their ambitions.
• Families can count on affordable, reliable power, even during extreme weather or peak demand.
• The city can meet its climate goals, thanks to LES’ commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
• The community can thrive, with energy solutions that reflect the needs and values of its people.

Lincoln is a city full of momentum, where ideas take root, families flourish and visitors discover something special. Behind it all is a utility working quietly, confidently and with heart.

LES isn’t just keeping the lights on. It’s lighting the way forward.