Wind power has a huge economic impact in Nebraska and could be part of the solution to property tax relief. Center for Rural Affairs Policy Associate Lu Nelsen says the industry provides more than 14 percent of the state’s energy, from over 900 turbines and generates $3 million in tax revenue for counties. Plus, the state’s nameplate capacity tax equates to over $3,500 per megawatt, which is especially beneficial to rural areas.
He says wind energy also provides a large economic development boost across the state.
Nelsen says wind projects can play an important role in the effort to provide property tax relief in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s nameplate capacity tax is assessed on wind energy facilities based on their total potential for energy generation. The average turbine has a capacity of about three megawatts.
