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?

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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 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.

By the numbers

LES Passenger Car Fleet

HYBRIDS, PLUG-IN HYBRIDS AND ALL-ELECTRIC VEHICLES

2010-2023

Reduction in carbon emissions

Energy production from renewable resources is equivalent to

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

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

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.