Nebraskans have seen their cost of power increase by 64% from 2009 to 2014 compared to 39% nationally. During these six years, Nebraskans as a whole have spent $2.8 billion more than if we simply had “average” rate increases (Energy Information Administration).*

Nebraska's rates have increased 64% because Nebraskans don’t have a choice for power providers. The lack of competition has allowed the debt for Nebraska’s power generators to swell into the billions of dollars. For this reason we are proposing electricity retail choice & unbundled billing in the state of Nebraska.

What is retail choice?

Retail choice occurs when an energy consumer may “shop for” or choose from many electricity suppliers. Retail choice means:

• Cheaper prices due to competition
• Ability to lock in price with fixed rates
• Greater price transparency
• Increased customization to meet how power is used
• Complete renewables options

When this becomes available in Nebraska, each household will have the opportunity to review prices and packages from a number of different providers and select the one that best fits their energy needs -- exactly like choosing a cell phone provider.

What is unbundled billing?

Unbundled billing separates charges and shows the customer individual charges for each service. Unbundled billing means:

• Increased transparency
• Line-by-line scrutiny
• Negotiable contracts and prices

A few things, however, will not change:

• The lines and wires that carry your electricity will continue to be the exact same, and owned by your local electricity provider. 
• The reliability of your electricity will not be affected regardless of your supplier.

Currently, many Nebraska utilities are getting ready to sign a 20-year contract that locks you into purchasing power with no price clarity. This contract was not competitively bid, which we believe is a violation of state law. Your utility’s elected board has not met their fiduciary duty, and has failed to provide you with the lowest priced power possible.

We petition for:

1) The enforcement that all municipalities conduct competitive bidding.

2) Allow the Nebraska Power Review Board to censure the board for not following state contract bidding statutes.

3) Nebraska Power Review Board demand all Nebraska suppliers to unbundle their billing.

Please sign our petition if you think Nebraskans have a right to choose competitive rates.

Visit www.NebraskaPowerToChoose.org or follow us on Facebook for more information. 

*Estimated values