By Mark Johnson, Elkhorn Rural Public Power District general manager
As we look ahead to the future of public power in Nebraska, one challenge remains the same, workforce development. For more than 85 years, public power has provided Nebraskans with safe, reliable, and cost-effective electricity. To carry that legacy forward, we must continue to invest not only in poles, wires, and substations but also in people. The next generation of lineworkers, engineers, accountants, communicators, and managers will shape how our state continues to deliver power to homes, farms, and businesses.
Across the country, utilities are facing a wave of retirements as long-serving employees finish their careers. At the same time, new technologies, increasing demand for electricity, and customer expectations are reshaping the electric utility landscape. Nebraska is no exception. Our future depends on attracting, training, and retaining talented people who are committed to the mission of public power.
One of the most visible and vital roles in our industry is that of the lineworker. These dedicated individuals work in tough conditions, often responding to storms and outages at all hours. To prepare for this career, many students enroll in one- or two-year programs offered by technical schools. Graduates then continue their training through apprenticeships at utilities across the state. This combination of classroom education and hands-on experience builds the skill, knowledge, and safety awareness needed to succeed in one of the most important jobs in public power.
The opportunities do not stop with linework. Our utilities depend on engineers who design safe and efficient systems, IT professionals who protect our networks and ensure reliability, accountants who maintain financial strength, communicators who connect with customers, plus other key positions. Each of these roles is critical to our success and offers a rewarding career path. Generation and transmission providers also offer opportunities in power plant operations, system control, cybersecurity, renewable energy development, energy trading, environmental science, and many more. Together, these jobs form the backbone of the public power model that benefits every Nebraskan.
To meet this workforce challenge, we must continue building awareness of the career opportunities available in the electric utility industry. These jobs are not only stable and well-paying but also offer meaningful work. At the end of the day, our employees go home knowing their work has kept families warm, farms running, and businesses operating. Few industries can say their mission has such a direct and daily impact on the quality of life in their communities.
I encourage each of you to share the value of this work with the young people in your life, whether they are students, family members, or friends. By inspiring future generations to bring their skills and passion into this field, we can ensure that Nebraska’s public power model remains strong, resilient, and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.