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

This past quarter was busy across all PSC departments as we continued our commitment to supporting safe and reliable services for families, businesses, and communities across District 4 and the state.

In telecommunications, the PSC continued hearings within the Nebraska Universal Service Fund (NUSF) 139 docket to gather more industry input on how to improve Nebraska’s high-cost rural broadband expansion support program. Several customer-requested service boundary change applications were approved to ensure better connectivity for underserved rural areas. Due to budget cuts from the Legislature, the
Commission formally closed the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program, which in four years helped extend high-speed fiber internet connectivity to over 18,000 rural Nebraska homes. The PSC also approved a contract with CostQuest Associates to help update the State Broadband Cost Model that guides NUSF distribution. Additionally, the Commission provided written comments to the Federal Universal Service Fund Working Group on strengthening the national rural broadband program. The Commission approved the 2025 Annual Report on Telecommunications and suspended grant support for the statewide 211 Information and Referral Network due to continued state budget reductions. In a major step forward for regulation modernization, the PSC unanimously launched a comprehensive review of several PSC telecommunications rules and regulations. I was appointed as Hearing Officer on this docket, which is expected to involve multiple public hearings over the next 18 to 20 months.

Work also continued in the Transportation Department, where the Commission approved several licenses and rate structures for passenger and household goods carriers throughout the state. Several companies that did not meet safety and operational standards had their authorizations revoked. The Commission also held a hearing to evaluate the annual fee structure for Transportation Network Companies
and determined that no changes were needed.

In the Natural Gas Department, the Commission received quarterly supply and status updates from both Black Hills Energy (BHE) and NorthWestern Energy to help ensure system stability during peak energy needs going into the winter. Negotiations also continued between Black Hills Energy and the PSC Public Advocate on the utility’s proposed rate increase. To ensure that customers had the opportunity to weigh in directly on this, the PSC hosted three public town hall meetings on the rate case, where 37 public comments were officially submitted for the record.

Our 911 Department also achieved significant progress as we voted to approve a contract with 911 Authority LLC to assist the PSC with the bid process of identifying service providers for the ongoing and progressing statewide transition to a Next Generation 911 network. Commissioners also approved a contract with Intrado Life & Safety Inc for 911 Network Wireless Routing Analysis, Text to 911 Analysis, MIS, and ECaTS Reporting. The 911 Service System Advisory Committee met to discuss system upgrades that will enhance emergency response and the Commission also held a public hearing to set the monthly surcharge that funds statewide 911 operations. A contract extension with RapidSOS was also approved to further improve system analytics and data tools for emergency 911 dispatchers.

The Grain Department was busy as well through the harvest season as we reviewed and approved several grain warehouse and dealer licenses and authorized insurance deductible increases above $10,000 when justified by facility operators. During several elevator audits, PSC grain inspectors discovered inventory shortages that were fully resolved by using company-owned grain already in storage — ensuring farmers remained financially protected.

In addition to modular home safety inspections, our Housing Department organized and held a public hearing with Commissioners and home builders focused on housing affordability and strategies to support rural housing development, one of Nebraska’s most pressing long-term needs.

Lastly, the Commission honored the retirement of Executive Director Tom Golden and approved the appointment of PSC General Counsel Greg Walklin to the role of Executive Director. We are extremely excited to be working with Director Walklin and thankful for Past Director Golden’s service. The Commission also set its meeting schedule for 2026.

It is my continued privilege to serve the people of PSC District 4. The PSC will continue to prioritize fairness, transparency, innovation, and consumer protection as we carry out work that impacts every Nebraskan.

I will continue providing these quarterly updates to 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 PSC-regulated services or need assistance, please contact my office at 402-471-3101 or email me directly at eric.kamler@nebraska.gov.

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Thank you for the opportunity to serve and for your continued trust as we work together to keep Nebraska strong, connected, and thriving.

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