NE PSC News

Tim Schram Re-elected Chair, Kevin Stocker Vice Chair for 2026

The Nebraska Public Service Commission re-elected Tim Schram as chair and Kevin Stocker as vice chair for 2026 during its January 6 meeting. Schram, first elected in 2006 and serving his fourth term representing District 3 (Sarpy, Saunders, and western Douglas counties), will continue leading the five-member commission. Stocker, elected to the commission in 2022 and representing District 5 (51 counties across Nebraska), will serve as vice chair. Commission leadership positions are elected annually.

Statement on Theft Case Involving Payment Fraud

The Nebraska Public Service Commission issued a statement confirming it identified and reported suspected fraudulent activity involving an online payment portal in June 2024 and cooperated with authorities. The Commission has since updated internal processes and worked with the State's website vendor to enhance payment security. No regulated entities, ratepayers, or the Commission's regulatory functions were affected.

Commissioner Schram Appointed to USAC Board of Directors

Nebraska PSC Chair Tim Schram has been appointed to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. The three-year term began January 1, 2026 and runs through 2028. USAC administers the federal Universal Service Fund, a multi-billion-dollar program supporting affordable phone and broadband access through High Cost, E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and Lifeline programs.

Black Hills Energy Refunds $4.7M to Nebraska Customers

The Nebraska PSC approved Black Hills Energy's refund plan to return $4.7 million to natural gas customers. The refunds include interest reflecting the difference between interim rates charged since August 2025 and final PSC-approved rates effective January 1, 2026. Current customers will receive a one-time credit on an upcoming bill while former customers owed more than $2 will receive checks by mail.

Choice Gas Deadline for Black Hills Energy Customers April 22

The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a reminder that eligible Black Hills Energy customers in Rate Area 5 have until April 22, 2026 to select a natural gas supplier under the Nebraska Choice Gas Program. Residential and commercial customers in the western two-thirds of Nebraska can choose from eight participating suppliers, with Black Hills remaining as the local distribution utility handling delivery, metering, billing, and emergencies.