I am Eric Kamler, your Commissioner for the 4th District of the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC), representing 31 counties across Nebraska. 

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The Nebraska Public Service Commission is a five-member elected board responsible for oversight of several essential infrastructure sectors and services affecting all Nebraskans. The Commission’s jurisdiction includes broadband and telecommunications, the statewide 911 system contract, natural gas regulation and pipeline routing, railroad safety, commercial grain storage, commercial ground transportation, and modular and manufactured housing safety. 

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This spring quarter has been active across all PSC departments as we continued our work to ensure safe and reliable services for families, businesses, and communities across District 4 and the entire state. 

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In our Telecommunications Department, the Commission approved a revised Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) formula and 2026 high-cost distribution payment amounts totaling approximately $42 million to support further rural broadband expansion. We also approved several customer-requested service boundary changes to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Commissioners also held a hearing to set the 2026 Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) rate, which supports programs providing communication devices for deaf and hard-of-hearing Nebraskans. Additionally, the Commission unanimously approved a revised Precision Agriculture Grant Program award for a previously approved applicant to support the purchase of a larger and more advanced agricultural spraying drone. A workshop was held to explore the potential creation of a new Telehealth Grant Program under the NUSF 150 program. Lastly, the Commission held a hearing to review the potential impacts on customers of Lumen Technologies selling its network to AT&T and approved the sale and transfer of Cox Communications to Charter Communications. 

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In the 911 Department, the Commission launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new provider of the Nebraska Next Generation 911 Service System Network following the conclusion of a five-year contract with Lumen Telecommunications. This process will help ensure continued reliability and modernization of emergency communication services across the state. 

Work continued in the Natural Gas and Pipeline Department as the Commission held quarterly supply and status hearings with Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy to monitor system safety, reliability, and supply. 

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In the Transportation Department, the Commission held a hearing to investigate complaints regarding Transportation Network Companies transporting railroad crew employees without proper licensing and insurance coverage. Commissioners also held license application hearings for a party bus company and several medical transportation providers. The Commission approved multiple transportation company license applications and rate filings while denying several applications that failed to meet statutory requirements. Additionally, the Commission launched an investigation and held a hearing to determine whether pedal pub operations in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island fall under PSC regulatory authority as motor carriers. Hearings were also held for out-of-compliance transportation companies, and several household goods mover licenses were renewed. 

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Significant work also occurred in our Grain Department this quarter. The Commission approved several grain dealer and grain warehouse license applications while canceling others. In addition, Commissioners launched an investigation and scheduled a hearing to determine farmer claims on the security bond of the now-formerly licensed and bankrupt grain dealer Hansen-Mueller Company. 

The Commission was also very active on legislative matters this session. Commissioners voted to take positions and testify on 12 legislative bills affecting the PSC. This included support for LB982, which would have revived the Broadband Bridge Program with $10 million in annual funding. This program administered by the PSC previously connected over 18,000 rural Nebraska homes to fiber internet before being eliminated last year. Unfortunately, this funding was not included in this year’s budget. The Commission also testified in opposition to a proposed budget provision that would have swept approximately $3 million from the 911 Service System Fund, which is funded by fees collected from cell phone users and designated for 911 network upgrades. 

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It is my continued privilege to serve the people of Public Service Commission District 4. I will continue providing these quarterly updates through local media outlets and on social media so you can stay informed about the decisions being made at the Commission. 

If you have questions about any PSC regulated industries or need assistance, please contact my office at 402-471-3101 or email me directly at eric.kamler@nebraska.gov. None of our work would be possible without the incredible support and dedication of our fantastic PSC staff. I am incredibly grateful for them! 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued trust as we work together to make Nebraska an even better place to call home. I want to wish everyone a safe and great spring season! 

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Eric M. Kamler Commissioner — Nebraska Public Service Commission, District 4