Nebraska

EV Charging in Nebraska -

 Nebraska’s approach to commercial electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in 2026 reflects a mix of state‑level regulatory updates, incentives, and integration with broader federal programs. The Nebraska Legislature has recently amended state statutes to clearly define commercial electric vehicle charging stations and their operators, which provides a legal framework for businesses to develop and operate charging facilities for a fee. This statutory clarification under LB1026 (2026) helps set standards for how commercial charging stations are classified and overseen in the state. Additionally, Nebraska law requires that EV charger installations funded or authorized by state or federal agencies must be performed by certified contractors, reinforcing technical quality and safety in deployment.

 At the policy level, Nebraska has actively leveraged federal funding mechanisms such as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program to expand fast‑charging networks along key corridors like Interstate 80. The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) has issued requests for proposals to private contractors to build, own, and operate direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations at multiple strategic sites, signaling a willingness to partner with commercial entities and align with national EV infrastructure goals. Although federal EV infrastructure programs have experienced uncertainty at the national level, Nebraska continues to plan and pursue these investments to support broader transportation electrification and economic development.

 On the incentives side, utilities and local programs in Nebraska offer specific support to encourage commercial investment in EV charging stations. For example, the Nebraska Public Power District and other public power utilities provide financial incentives—such as reimbursement for a portion of charger installation costs and conduit installation for future public charging readiness—to commercial customers that install Level 2 or DCFC equipment. These incentives help lower upfront costs and attract private investment in charging infrastructure across the state. However, new state legislation also introduces an excise tax on electricity used for EV charging beginning in 2028, which may influence the economics of commercial charging operations over the long term.

Solar Power in Nebraska -

Nebraska’s official stance on commercial solar panel projects reflects a cautious but increasingly supportive policy environment that acknowledges solar’s role in economic development and emissions reduction, while also balancing local concerns and regulatory limitations. At the state level, programs like the ONE RED Non-Residential Solar Program explicitly provide financial incentives for commercial, industrial, and municipal solar installations, offering grants that can cover up to 60% of project costs on non-agricultural land and support rooftop or ground-mounted arrays on commercial facilities. These initiatives aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy costs for businesses, signaling a willingness by Nebraska’s Department of Environment and Energy to foster commercial solar growth. Similar support is extended to rural community solar systems at critical infrastructure sites, further demonstrating the state’s interest in broadening access to distributed generation beyond residential installations.

Despite these incentives, Nebraska’s overall solar landscape remains modest compared to many states, and historical policy momentum has been limited. According to solar capacity data, Nebraska ranked 48th nationally with just a small fraction of its electricity coming from solar, and most of that capacity is residential or small community-scale rather than large commercial projects. While incentives such as net metering for systems up to 25 kW and tax credits exist, broader commercial-scale policy measures haven’t proliferated as rapidly; for example, in 2023 Nebraska did not adopt new clean energy incentives or renewable energy policies, according to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE). Nonetheless, local utilities and agencies have facilitated commercial and community solar deployment through power purchase agreements and collaborations with developers, as seen with multi-megawatt projects facilitated by the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska and other entities.

The state’s approach also reflects a pragmatic tension between economic opportunities and local resistance. As larger utility-scale solar projects emerge — including facilities planned to generate hundreds of megawatts — some rural communities have pushed back, resulting in lawsuits, recalls of local officials, and restrictive zoning rules in certain counties. This indicates that while Nebraska’s official policies are not hostile to commercial solar development, community sentiment and land-use concerns are a significant factor shaping how — and how quickly — large commercial solar projects are adopted. In practice, policy support through incentives and developer partnerships coexists with grassroots and municipal resistance, making Nebraska’s commercial solar landscape complex and regionally varied.