Lincoln Electric System customers have reduced the community’s net annual energy consumption by 147,000 megawatt-hours, the equivalent of the annual energy consumption of more than 15,000 homes, over 15 years through LES’ Sustainable Energy Program, the Nebraska public power utility recently said.
The utility’s SEP offers financial incentives to promote energy efficiency, reduce wasted energy and provide customers with options to take a more active role in helping manage electricity demand for the entire service area.
“The incentives offered through the SEP help offset the upfront costs of an energy-efficiency project, which can lower utility bills in the long run,” said Jessica Kneifl, an energy services specialist with LES. “LES helps today so customers can see savings tomorrow.”
Since SEP’s founding in 2009, more than $34 million has been awarded to customers for nearly 28,000 energy-efficiency projects and improvements.
In that time, customers reduced net peak demand by 36 megawatts, the annual peak of 47 big box retail stores. They’ve also reduced CO2 emissions by 100,000 tons, the annual emissions of more than 40,000 cars.
Customers have already begun claiming the $2.2 million available in SEP funds for 2025.
Residential and business customers are eligible to participate in the program. Funds are available until Dec. 31, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis, or until funds have been expended, whichever comes first.
“Investing in energy efficiency is a benefit to our community,” added Kneifl. “It paves the way for a brighter, more resilient future.”
