Businesses in Phelps County Have Three Strong Electric Utility Providers

Phelps County, Nebraska, continues to grow because of its local partnerships. The Phelps County Development Corporation (PCDC) works closely with businesses, education partners, utilities, non-profits, and local governments to bring new opportunities to residents. The goal is to enhance business growth, which creates jobs for the community that will provide long-term value for years to come.

“Our job is to help grow businesses that will support current residents and attract more workforce to Phelps County,” says Jeff Hofaker, Executive Director of PCDC. “We’re assisting start-ups, helping existing industries expand, and encouraging new business ventures to consider Phelps County, which will complement the community, develop local skillsets, and offer career opportunities.”

Electric utilities are an essential part of the PCDC economic development ecosystem. The region is served by three valuable providers who are invested in meeting the electricity needs of businesses and families. Get to know the local partners you might interact with as you develop your organization in Phelps County.

Southern Public Power District

The Southern Public Power District (SPPD) is a Nebraska-based electric utility company. It has supported the local community since the 1930s, when a group of farmers from Phelps, Kearney, and Adams Counties formed a coalition to bring electricity to the area. In the following decades, more counties merged with SPPD, bringing its total service area to seven.

“Bringing electricity to rural Nebraska was about more than powering homes. It was about creating opportunity, supporting agriculture, and strengthening communities,” says Hofaker. “Nearly a century later, we continue to value the vision that led to the formation of SPPD and the lasting impact it has had across our region.”

SPPD has a 4,028-square-mile service area and maintains 72 substations and 7,102 miles of distribution and subtransmission lines. It is an electric utility that started locally and served Phelps County for almost 90 years. 

Nebraska Public Power District

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is a publicly owned utility that serves 84 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. This utility provider has been active in the state since 1970, with more than half a century of growth. NPPD serves more than 530,000 residents with 95,000 total customer accounts.

NPPD also strives to generate the power it provides locally. It has 31 generating facilities that draw on a mix of coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, hydro, wind, and solar power. There are 2,000 employees at NPPD who support customers and ensure reliable electric service.

Keep Reading: Nebraska Public Power District Enters Growth Phase to Meet Energy Demand 

Black Hills Energy

Black Hills Energy provides natural gas and electric utilities to 1.35 million customers in eight states. Businesses that already operate in Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, South Dakota, or Wyoming can continue their partnership as they expand into Nebraska, including Phelps County.

Black Hills Energy supports both residents and businesses in the community. The company gets involved early in new construction projects to ensure a strong, stable infrastructure that helps builders get the utility connections they need. This organization also has a significant rural presence and connection to small towns across its service area.  

“Strong utility infrastructure is a key advantage for our region,” says Hofaker. “With three utility providers serving the area, most sites can be connected quickly and tailored to meet a wide range of power and natural gas requirements. That responsiveness can significantly reduce timelines for new investments and expansions.”

PCDC Can Connect You With Local Utility Providers

Economic development teams support business growth and expansion by fostering partnerships across the region. When a company is interested in Phelps County, the PCDC team works to make the moving process easier. By working closely alongside organizations like SPPD, NPPD, and Black Hills Energy, PCDC creates more opportunities for residents – amenities and employment options that arrive faster and have better long-term results.

See the impact of PCDC in the local community. Follow our news page and sign up for our newsletter. You can also reach out with any questions about economic development in Phelps County.