Valentine extends partnership with Heartland Energy

City selects Heartland after competitive review, extending service through 2037

Heartland Energy will continue providing electric service to the city of Valentine, Nebraska, strengthening a partnership that began eight years ago when the city first sought a new power supplier.

Since then, Heartland has supported Valentine with reliable service and an array of programs to support community growth and prosperity.

Valentine originally signed a contract with Heartland in 2017 after issuing a request for power supply. The city was looking for alternative options after the contract with their previous power supplier expired.

Heartland began supplying supplemental power to the city in 2019, transitioning to full requirements supply in 2022.

Home to nearly 2,700 residents, Valentine is located in the Sandhills Region of north-central Nebraska, near the scenic Niobrara River.

Continuing partnership

As Valentine’s original contract with Heartland neared its end, the city opened the door for proposals, seeking the best price for wholesale electric service.

After a competitive review, Heartland emerged with the lowest bid. The new contract will extend Heartland’s service to Valentine into 2037, ensuring continued support for the community.

“We are proud to continue serving the City of Valentine and supporting the community’s growth,” said Heartland Energy CEO Russell Olson. “Our focus remains on providing reliable, affordable power while offering programs that help residents and businesses thrive.”

The city council unanimously approved continuing the city’s relationship with Heartland at their October 2025 meeting and the agreement became official at their December meeting. Valentine remains Heartland’s only customer in Nebraska.

“Valentine has enjoyed rate stability and reliable service with Heartland,” said Kyle Arganbright, Valentine’s city council president. “We look forward to continuing our partnership as we work to support the needs of our community.”

Community partner

Since joining the Heartland customer base, Valentine has participated in many Heartland programs. Recently, customers have taken advantage of incentives offered on electric air source heat pumps with electric backup.

Several businesses have participated in Heartland’s growth incentive program, which provides rebates on retail electric bills for new or expanding businesses.

An affordable housing development in Valentine was partially funded through the Heartland Economic development Loan Program, or HELP Fund.

“Heartland has been a strong partner to Valentine, not only in power supply, but in helping move our community forward,” Arganbright said. “We are excited to continue benefiting from the many programs they offer and their exceptional service.”