Seven local environmental groups brought an apple pie to the Lincoln Electric System (LES) Board Meeting this morning to show their appreciation for LES’s work. Citing the LES commitment to decarbonization and its investments in renewable energy while at the same time providing a rate decrease in the 2021 budget, these non-profit groups said it’s a cause to celebrate.

Ken Winston, Director of Policy and Outreach for Nebraska Interfaith Power and Light, presented the pie to the board this morning, saying “Today we are here to recognize the good work that you have done and continue to do. We intend to continue to speak up in support of your work to address the climate crisis and provide a clean energy future for our children and grandchildren.”

The 2021 LES budget also includes increased funding for the Sustainable Energy Program (SEP) and the Energy Assistance Program (EAP), two programs that provide financial resources to customers who reduce their energy use or need lower utility bills. 

“This is a big deal because LES already had low electric rates and has made major investments in renewable energy,” said Winston. “Combined with LES’s stellar record of reliability and its commitment to a goal of decarbonization by 2040, this is a real-world  demonstration that low rates, reliability and renewable energy all fit together.”

Winston, on behalf of the groups represented, also committed to continuing to advocate for more funding for energy efficiency  programs, support for customer generation and efforts to help low-income customers reduce their energy use. Two individuals, Gene Hanlon and Ken Haar, signed on to the statement, along with Nebraska Interfaith Power and Light, Nebraska Sierra Club, Nebraskans for Peace, Guardians of the Aquifer, First Plymouth Climate Action Team, Elders Climate Legacy, and the Nebraska Farmers Union.

Read more about "an apple pie for the cause" in the Lincoln Journal Star. (Second story in the article)