I am Eric Kamler, your Commissioner for the 4th District of the Nebraska Public Service Commission, which covers 31 counties of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC) is a five-member elected statewide board that oversees several industries affecting our everyday lives, including broadband internet and telecommunications, the 911 network contract, oil and natural gas pipeline routes and regulation, railroad lines, commercial grain storage licensing, commercial ground transportation licensing and regulation, and modular/manufactured housing safety regulation.

 

The second quarter of 2025 was active for the PSC with important developments across all departments that impact residents, businesses, and communities throughout District 4 and the state.

 

On the Telecommunications front, hearings continued for updating the Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) formula as the Commission works to modernize how rural broadband support is distributed across the state. In a significant move to support rural innovation, the Commission approved over $580,000 in Precision Agriculture Grant applications, funding more than a dozen projects aimed at advancing farm technology. However, this state-funded program was not renewed in the latest state budget, meaning it will not continue going forward.

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The Commission reduced the Telecommunications Relay Service surcharge to four cents per phone line per month, down from five cents, continuing support for communication access for the deaf and hard of hearing. Several interconnection agreements between telecommunications providers were approved, along with service area boundary changes aimed at better serving customers. The NUSF surcharge rate was maintained at $1.75 per line per month, and the Commission reviewed multiple reports of phone line outages to ensure
accountability and transparency.

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One of the most notable decisions this quarter was the suspension of the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program, a rural broadband
expansion effort that has connected over 18,000 rural Nebraska homes in the past 4 years. The Legislature ended the program funding entirely with the incoming BEAD program. The Commission also finalized updated rules for the NUSF Reverse Auction process and approved the sale and transfer of all Frontier Communications assets in Nebraska to Verizon Communications.

 

In our Transportation Department, the Commission reviewed and approved several applications of mass transit, moving companies, and non-emergency medical transport providers. Several companies also had their rate structures approved. A few license applications were denied as well for failing to meet regulatory and operational standards required under state law.

Grain regulation efforts remained strong, with multiple grain warehouse and dealer license applications approved. The Commission authorized a balance sheet correction for one grain elevator after staff inspections identified a grain inventory shortage. A formal complaint was also opened against another grain dealer that failed to meet financial requirements, with the goal of protecting farmers who deliver to that facility. In the 911 Department, the Commission approved new operational rules for 911 call centers and authorized funding for centers to implement Next Generation 911 technology, which will modernize and enhance emergency response capabilities
across Nebraska.

This past quarter also included status and supply update meetings with NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Energy. Black Hills Energy submitted a request for a natural gas rate increase, triggering a comprehensive review process that will involve several public hearings in the coming months. The Commission also held a hearing to evaluate Nebraska’s natural gas customer choice program.

 

It has been a busy past three months at the PSC and I pledge to continue working hard for the people of the 4th District and will keep sharing these quarterly updates to all local newspapers, media outlets, and on my social media pages.

As always, the Nebraska Public Service Commission remains committed to fairness, safety, and service for all Nebraskans. I want to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude for the hardworking and dedicated team at the PSC for their help in the implementation of the work of the Commissioners that is highlighted each quarter.

If you have any questions or issues related to the PSC or PSC regulated industries, please reach out to our office at 402-471-3101 or by email at eric.kamler@nebraska.gov.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve and to continue to work towards making Nebraska an even better place to call home.

 

Eric M. Kamler
Commissioner-Public Service Commission District 4