NEVP - Project

The Nebraska Community Energy Alliance (NCEA) was founded in June, 2014 as an inter-local cooperative agency. Today it has 29 members that span the entire state of Nebraska.  Figure below shows these members and their location across the state. 

Nebraska map showing the 29 NCEA members.

The mission of the Nebraska Community Energy Alliance (NCEA) as it is stated on its website,                 (http://www.necommunity.energy/mission/),  is to build and promote advanced technologies for housing and transportation that save energy, reduce CO2 pollution and cut costs. This mission is clearly articulated by Mr. Lance Hedquist, city administrator for South Sioux City and a founder of NCEA,    "Communities have a choice to simply exist or to lead. Our projects demonstrate leadership and help motivate and excite our citizens."

NCEA believes demonstrating the economic and air quality benefits of advanced fuel vehicles at the local level is the best way to accelerate the market in Nebraska. This mission is being realized using grant funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) and its own mission “to conserve, enhance and restore the natural environments of Nebraska.” (http://www.environmentaltrust.org/about/index.html).  NCEA is in the process of implementing its second NET grant cycle.  When completed, a total of 24 Electric Vehicles (EVs), nine Compressed Natural Gas vehicles (CNGs) and 35 ChargePoint™ charging stations will be deployed across communities in Nebraska.  Table 1 shows the participating cities and their involvement.  Figure 2 shows a map of Nebraska and the location and level of involvement in terms of deployment of advanced fuel vehicles (AFVs) and networked charging infrastructure. 

In collaboration with the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Constructions (DSAEC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, data is being collected, processed and analyzed from the AFVs through networked charging stations to document the environmental and economic benefits of AFVs. In addition to data from the charging stations installed per this project, data is also being collected from previously installed charging stations at NCEA member locations.  Specifically, additional data from LES, Nebraska City and OPPD charging stations are included in this report.  In addition to data analysis, the team is involved in educational initiatives to promote AFVs and charging infrastructure. Activities include attending, speaking and participating in all dedication events and the development of workshops and a statewide public event to promote this technology throughout Nebraska.