LES decarbonization goal

Net zero by 2040

After participating in a yearlong educational series on establishing a new carbon reduction goal and soliciting public opinion, the LES Administrative Board in November 2020 adopted a robust decarbonization goal. This new goal will aim to eliminate or offset LES’ carbon dioxide production from our generation portfolio by 2040, in line with the city’s Climate Action Plan — a citywide goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050.

We need to do our part. You, too, can make an impact. Let's go!

What we're doing

We've made great strides in transitioning our resource portfolio to more sustainable sources. We 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.

We promote sustainability through customer-facing programs like incentivized rates for customer-owned solar and virtual net metering that allows customers to buy “virtual” panels at the local community solar facility, and by offering multiple energy-efficiency and demand reduction incentives and opportunities.

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

LES wind turbine
Moving forward

LES' decarbonization goal may have first been established in 2020, but we started taking key steps toward meeting the goal as far back as 2010. The ultimate path and pace to achieving this aggressive goal remains to be seen, but it must be balanced by a continued commitment to maintain high electric system reliability, environmental stewardship, a fiscally responsible focus that carefully considers financial impacts to all customers — especially LES customers with low and fixed incomes — consideration of existing contractual obligations and advancements in generation, energy storage, carbon capture technologies and other emerging solutions.

Snapshot of what we're doing

Chart showing LES' portfolio CO2 rate since 2010
Our renewable footprint today

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%.

Pie chart showing use of renewables, gas and coal
What you can do
heat pump
Sustainable Energy Program

LES' Sustainable Energy Program, or SEP, provides financial incentives to encourage residential and business customers to make energy-efficiency improvements. Click to see LES' various SEP incentives and the City of Lincoln/LES heat pump incentive.

COST: PAYS YOU
Digital thermostat
LES Peak Rewards

By participating in our Peak Rewards program, you'll allow LES to make brief, limited adjustments to your thermostat during times of peak electric demand. You’ll help your community manage energy more efficiently by contributing to a smarter, more efficient electric system.

COST: PAYS YOU
Get paid $25 at sign-up plus $25/year
laptop and credit card
Paperless billing

Customers can enroll in paperless billing through LES' online payment portal, and we’re putting savings gained from printing less to support our efforts to create a greener Lincoln. 

COST: $0
Wind turbine with LES logo
Renewable Energy Certificates

Renewable Energy Certificates, also known as RECs, were created to help customers prioritize the use of renewable energy resources. Mark your home or business’ energy use as 100% renewable for fractions of a penny on the kilowatt-hour.

COST: about $1/month (average Lincoln home)
Sunset
SunShares

You can support our community solar facility by participating in the SunShares program. SunShares is an easy and affordable way to promote renewable energy in our community. 

COST: $3/month
Solar power facility
Virtual Net Metering

Lease a solar panel from LES (half a panel at a time, as many as you want!). You get credit on your bill for your panel's energy production. After three years, your payments stop, but you continue getting credit for your solar panel through 2036.

COST: $7.30/month (36 months)
home solar panels
Customer-owned generation

Take power into your own hands with customer-owned generation. Learn more about how to safely connect to the electric system and the multiple generation rates that LES offers.
Electric vehicle charging
Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are typically better for the environment. But did you know they can impact the local electric grid too? That’s why LES is doing our part to prepare our grid to accommodate more EVs. Learn more about electric vehicles in Lincoln or support the transition to EVs.
Decarbonization goal discussion
Replay: The journey to net zero - Past, present and future considerations (Sustainable Living Week 2021)
Replay: LES decarbonization goal discussion (public meeting Nov. 4, 2020)
Replay: LES decarbonization goal discussion (public meeting Nov. 5, 2020)

Learn about ourSustainability Series here