Power of Change

Energy Companies Prioritize Innovation And Regulation

projects with natural gas pipeline systems, moving thousands of dekatherms – a unit of measurement for natural gas – of renewable gas across the country. Finally, the company’s Net Zero by 2035 initiative is the company’s commitment to a net zero emissions target related to its natural gas distribution system.

“Black Hills Energy’s Nebraska system currently includes four operating RNG projects, with a fifth site launching in 2024,” Fleming said. “Biogas is captured, cleaned to produce pipeline quality renewable natural gas, and then used for a variety of different purposes like power generation or home heating.

“Natural gas will continue to play a critical role in a clean energy future, and our customers are increasingly looking to us for sustainable and cost-effective options to help them further reduce their carbon footprint. Whether through increased appliance and building efficiency, lower carbon fuels or investing in a low emissions gas delivery system, Black Hills Energy is ready to help fuel the future.”

Conservation Efforts

All new technologies and alternative fuels aside, the state’s energy future will also rely on wider adoption of individual accountability when it comes to conservation, said Eric BenSalah, energy advisor with Omaha Public Power District.

“Energy efficiency and energy conservation are two different concepts,” he said. “Energy efficiency is about using a technology to reduce your energy usage without reducing comfort, such as using LED light bulbs versus turning them off, whereas energy conservation is a behavior that reduces energy usage and usually comfort, such as turning the lights off no matter what, or taking cold showers.

“There is a middle way, too. You can still have LEDs in your lamps and fixtures but turn them off when not in use. While this may not reduce much energy each day or month, it makes a difference year over year and contributes toward a smaller carbon footprint.”

To this end, BenSalah noted, new consumer energy products are making it easier for homes and businesses to better manage their usage. These include smart light bulbs and outlets and the new generation of smart thermostats.

“Smart light bulbs and smart outlets are a fantastic way to eliminate unnecessary energy usage, but also provide great comfort,” he said. “For outside lighting, there are new LEDs that have light sensors that will turn themselves on or off depending on how much light there is outside.”