The past several months have been very busy and productive at the Nebraska Public Service Commission (PSC). As we continue our summer activities and work, I wanted to share a quarterly update on our efforts over the past three months since the Spring 2024 District 4 Update.

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.

 

Telecommunications and broadband issues have again been a major focus this past quarter. Commissioners voted unanimously to launch the annual Nebraska Universal Service Fund Rural Cell Phone Tower Expansion Program application window. This grant program has roughly $7.4 million allocated for distribution annually, with grant recipients to be voted on in the next quarter based on application scores. The PSC also hosted a workshop to review and consider modifications to the
PSC's telecommunications providers' service outage reporting requirements. A second round of federal Capital Projects Fund (CPF) Rural Broadband expansion grants was approved, awarding over $30.9 million to several internet providers for 28 broadband buildout projects in the Third Congressional District. Additionally, the PSC approved a $19 million budget for a second 2024 Reverse Auction to redistribute unused Nebraska Universal Service Fund dollars for rural broadband expansion. Along with that, roughly $1 million in Precision Ag Infrastructure Grants were awarded to various agricultural companies for unique rural and economic development projects across
Nebraska. The Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) surcharge rate was set at 5 cents per month per phone line, updated due to a new state law. The TRS program provides communication technology services for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, and we approved a contract with Hamilton Telecommunications for the TRS service implementation. The 2024 Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program application window was also launched this quarter, which is a $20 million per year grant program for further rural broadband expansion to unserved and underserved locations. Lastly, hearings continued to collect input from broadband providers on proposed modifications and improvements to the Nebraska Universal Service Fund to deploy those dollars better and more efficiently for more rural broadband expansion.

 

On the 911 front, we launched an investigation into the April 17 Lumen 911 network outage. The investigations into the Windstream and Lumen 911 outages that began last fall are nearing completion, with the help of a contract approved with 911 Authority LLC to assist in the technical aspects of the investigations. Commissioners also approved the funding mechanism and local 911 Call Center payment distribution plan for their participation in Enhanced Wireless 911 and Next Generation 911 service implementation. We also appointed new members to the 911 Service System Advisory Committee and lastly, a contract was approved with 911 RapidSOS to provide
enhanced 911 caller location services across Nebraska.

 

In the PSC Transportation Department, we approved several new passenger carrier transportation companies and their rates, as well as licenses for several new household goods moving companies. Hearings were held for several non-compliant transportation companies and a hearing was also hosted for Uber Health’s application to operate in Nebraska as a medical and pharmacy delivery service. Additionally, Commissioners held a hearing on potential rules modifications regarding driver requirements for the transportation of employees of railroad carriers.

 

In the Natural Gas Department, we approved a review of natural gas supply costs for Black Hills Energy and NorthWestern Energy and hosted quarterly status meetings with both companies. Several changes to modernize and update natural gas and oil pipeline regulatory rules were also approved. Also, a hearing was held on the Choice Natural Gas Programs offered in Nebraska to discuss how they can be better communicated to customers.

On grain warehouse issues, the PSC unanimously approved the closure and sale of Union Grain Company in Union, Nebraska for failing to meet financial health standards as defined by state law. This closure was unanimously approved to protect the farmers whose grain was stored there. Several other grain warehouse and dealer license applicants were approved though in addition to
the closure this past quarter as well.

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.

I also want to extend my 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