City of Falls City and Nebraska Rural Generation Announce Formal Partnership - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 2, 2025

City of Falls City and Nebraska Rural Generation Announce Formal Partnership to Explore New Power Generation Facility

FALLS CITY, NE — The City of Falls City announced a formal partnership with Nebraska Rural Generation (NRG) to advance exploration efforts toward the potential development of a new power generation facility utilizing emerging technologies. The project, still in the early exploration phase, would not involve wind, solar, or coal technologies. The plant’s size, total investment, and final site location within Falls City’s electrical jurisdiction remain to be determined.

This partnership represents a major step forward in Falls City’s long-term energy strategy, including expanded participation in regional markets through the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). This project will create significant new revenue streams for Falls City in both power generation sales and transmission income within the SPP footprint that stretches from North Dakota to Texas.

Under the structure being evaluated, the City of Falls City would own the power plant with underlying land locally owned. The partnership also includes analysis of how private equity investment is deployed within Nebraska’s public power framework.

City Approvals and Governance Steps

On November 20th, the Falls City Board of Public Works (BPW) unanimously recommended the city pursue a Development Agreement with NRG. This agreement would guarantee that all exploration expenses incurred by the City during the evaluation phases are reimbursed by Nebraska Rural Generation.

On December 1st, the City Council unanimously approved the BPW recommendation and passed a resolution authorizing a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with NRG. The CBA outlines a set of measurable commitments ensuring that any future development, construction, or operation of a power generation or industrial facility delivers meaningful long-term benefits to Falls City and Richardson County.

Community Benefits Agreement Highlights

The City of Falls City and Nebraska Rural Generation have proposed the following provision framework, pending availability of local construction labor and operational staff:

1. Local Workforce Participation

At least 40% of total construction labor hours will be performed by residents of Falls City and Richardson County.

2. Local Hiring for Operations

At least 25% of operational staff positions will be filled by local residents within three years of the facility’s start of operation.3. Local Business Contracting A minimum of 20% of all construction and operational contracts will be awarded to qualified businesses located in the 68355 zip code.

4. Annual Community Scholarship Fund

NRG will contribute $50,000 per year to establish a Community Scholarship Fund supporting local students pursuing education in engineering, energy generation, and skilled trades.

5. Ongoing Community Engagement

At least one public community meeting will be held annually to provide updates, receive input, and discuss future opportunities related to the facility.

A Collaborative Vision for the Future

“We appreciate the opportunity to continue working with Nebraska Rural Generation as we evaluate this project’s potential role in Falls City’s economic and energy future,” said City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum. “Through the Community Benefits Agreement, we’re making sure our community’s interests stay at the forefront throughout the process.”

NRG leadership expressed enthusiasm for the partnership as well, noting that Falls City’s dual rail infrastructure, leadership vision, and commitment to community impact make it an ideal location to explore next-generation technologies.

The City of Falls City and Nebraska Rural Generation will now proceed with detailed feasibility studies, engineering reviews, legal and regulatory assessments, and continued community engagement as they evaluate advancing the project to development.

About Nebraska Rural Generation

Nebraska Rural Generation (NRG) is a Midwest-based energy development organization focused on innovative, grid-connected power generation solutions designed to support rural community growth, economic development, and long-term energy resilience.

About the City of Falls City

Falls City, Nebraska, is a community committed to responsible growth, public-power leadership, and long-term economic opportunity through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking infrastructure investment.

Media Contact:

Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise, Inc. (EDGE) Lucas Froeschl, Director@FallsCityEDGE.com