At the beginning of 2011, Nebraska had 486 generating units with a total of 8,505,744.4 kilowatts capacity.  These units had 7,982,341.4 kilowatts net summer capacity and 7,902,741.4 kilowatts net winter capacity.

Most of the nameplate capacity came from generators using coal (47.3 percent), natural gas (24.5 percent), nuclear energy (15.3 percent), petroleum (5 percent), and hydroelectric power (3.9 percent).  Half, or 50 percent, of the generating units used renewable fuels (hydroelectric power, wind, biomass, landfill gas, and solar) which contributed eight percent of the capacity.  Three and seven–tenths (3.7) percent of the generating units used coal which contributed 47.3 percent of the state's electricity capacity, and less than one percent of the units used nuclear energy which contributed 15.3 percent.  Twenty–four (24) percent of the generating units used natural gas which contributed 24.5 percent of Nebraska's electricity capacity, and 21.7 percent of the units used petroleum which contributed 5 percent.

Net metered renewable installations are not included in the graphs and tables below since individual projects are not reported; hence, no energy source.

The Units and Capacity by Energy Source and Year of Initial Operation report, the Generating Units report, and the Annual Electricity Generation report are available for additional information.

A Note About Nameplate Capacity

Summer capacity and winter capacity is sometimes greater than nameplate capacity.  The nameplate gives the capacity rating of the generator when it operates at certain temperatures, pressures, and power factors.  With some modifications and with some margins that are built into generators, it is possible to exceed its nameplate.  It is not uncommon for a generator to exceed its nameplate.  The nameplate is usually not replaced and, in this case, the summer and winter capacity is often much higher than the nameplate value.  Normally, you expect summer and winter capacity to be below nameplate capacity and in most cases they are.

Sources:  Energy Information Administration, Washington, DC.  Nebraska Energy Office, Lincoln, NE.

Note:  NA indicates not applicable.

The table and graphs were updated on February 10, 2012.  Typically, there is one year between updates.

Energy Statistics Home  |  Contact Us  |  Conversion Chart  |  Glossary