MIT Technology Review Narrated Is this the electric grid of the future?
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Dec 10, 2025 In Nebraska, a public utility faces the triple challenge of reliability, affordability, and sustainability. CEO Emeka Anyawu's leadership shines as he navigates storm responses with a collaborative approach. Discussions on rising electricity demand highlight the impact of data centers and changing capacity needs. Political shifts in energy policy influence renewable development, while LES commits to net-zero by 2040, fueled by community input. The economic and cultural effects of wind power spark local debates, shaping future utility planning.
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Storms Put Crews On The Front Line
- A March blizzard in Lincoln knocked out nearly 10% of LES customers and snapped a line of poles in high winds.
- CEO Emeka Anyawu monitored outages and praised crews while staying out of their way during storm response.
Demand Surge Upends Historical Trends
- Electricity demand is rising fast due to data centers, electrification, and AI, reversing decades of flat or declining loads.
- Projected additions jumped from 23 GW to 128 GW over five years, stressing planning and capacity needs.
Policy Swings Versus Market Momentum
- Federal policy swings create huge uncertainty for the energy transition while buildout momentum remains strong.
- EIA expects most 2025 additions to be solar, wind, or storage despite political headwinds.