Utilities

The history of Grand Island Utilities dates back to just after Grand Island was incorporated as a city. Hall County, where Grand Island is located within, was originally settled in the summer of 1857 by a group of about thirty five predominately German settlers. During those first years the settlers had a hard life as they struggled with the elements. They survived severe winters, struggled with summers that were either too hot or too wet, battled grasshoppers and prairie fires which ruined their crops and nearly wiped out their homes. Their experience with the Indians were generally friendly and helpful, however some experiences were otherwise.

The Grand Island Utilities Department generates and distributes electricity and water to homes, businesses, and industries in and near Grand Island Nebraska. Within the boundaries of its service area the Utilities Department supplies 22,600 customers with electrical service, and provides water distribution service to 14,100 customers. The Utilities Department is owned by the customers it serves and is governed by the Grand Island City Council as a financially self-supporting entity of the City of Grand Island. No taxes are used for the operation of the Utilities Department as all departmental operations are financed through electric and water revenue. To meet the needs of the citizens of Grand Island, the Utilities Department is organized into four (4) major divisions: Engineering, Generation, Electrical Distribution, and Water. Within the Electrical Distribution Division there are two (2) subdivisions: Overhead and Underground construction. The Engineering Division is responsible for services to all Utility Divisions.

The Public Works Department is comprised of five divisions; Engineering Division, Fleet Division, Solid Waste Division, Streets Division and Wastewater Division. The Engineering Division oversees the design and construction of street improvements, storm drainage, and sanitary sewer projects, as well as handling Storm Water regulations. The Fleet Services Division keeps city equipment maintained and in good working condition and the Solid Waste Division operates the transfer station and landfill. The Streets Division takes care of street maintenance operations such as patching potholes, repairing concrete roads, sealing cracks, maintaining signs & signals, and snow removal. The Wastewater Division is responsible for maintenance of the sewer collection lines throughout the city and operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant

Grand Island/Hall County is also serviced by NorthWestern Energy for its gas consumption. Backed by a proud heritage of nearly 80 years of service, a reputation for excellence and professional and talented team members, NorthWestern Energy is committed to exceeding customers’ highest expectations. NorthWestern offers an expanding array of products and services designed to make their customers’ lives more comfortable and convenient and businesses more efficient.