The Omaha Public Power District announced an initiative Wednesday to step up efforts to produce renewable energy in the state, setting a goal to provide 10 percent of its electricity through renewable resources by 2020.

Additional wind generation will be a major part of OPPD’s plans. “We do not know that all of our new renewable additions will be wind, but it’s safe to say that wind energy will play an important role for us in the future," says Chief Executive Officer Gary Gates.

OPPD is currently partnering with the Nebraska Public Power District on wind farms in Crawford, Crofton and Bloomfield. OPPD plans to announce a few more wind vendors in April, but due to competitive aspects, it’s not yet disclosing where the generators will be located.

Gates confirms they will be located in the state and assures the additional facilities needed will not mean added costs to customers.

“We reach a purchase agreement to purchase the power from the individuals that are building the facilities, so we don't have to make any capital investment."

OPPD's initiative is welcome news to Mary Jane Truemper of Omaha. "I think that that's wonderful and I would like to see the whole country go more that way."

The rest of the country's renewable energy efforts have been spurred by federal income tax incentives. However, they haven't helped Nebraska, which doesn't qualify for the income tax breaks since it's the only state with public utility systems.

The Unicameral passed legislation last year to help efforts, giving private groups perks for renewable energy projects. The competition has made plans more affordable according to OPPD.

"We see a variety of benefits from this approach to energy including possibly attracting manufacturers who specialize in renewable technology and the addition of 'green jobs,'" says Gates.

He’s referring not only to jobs to produce the facilities that generate renewable energy, but jobs with companies like Yahoo, which made their green vision clear to the state when planning a data center in La Vista.

"It was absolutely critical from the Yahoo perspective that we had this renewable energy component," says Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman.

“Our first priority for new data centers is creating the infrastructure to ensure the highest quality of experience for users, but we also take a close look at the potential for green energy solutions," says Christina Page, director of climate and energy strategy for Yahoo Inc.

“Yahoo believes that an increased focus by utilities on renewable energy in states like Nebraska will help drive the long-term market for alternative fuels like solar and wind.”

OPPD’S initiative goes further than the way they produce electricity. They want to decrease the demand as well.

"It will require all of us to change some of our behaviors,” says Gates. "That may require a little higher temperature in the summer in your house, those types of issues."

That’s something Truemper is already working on. "We have areas of the house that we don't use as much and I definitely keep the thermostat down in those areas."

She's also exploring solar panels to warm a new addition to her home. "It's important to save money in this economy," but she adds it's also important to protect the environment for future generations.

A new legislative bill pitched Tuesday by Omaha Sen. Jeremy Nordquist would further help renewable energy efforts in the state. It would provide a sales tax credit to companies that generate energy from renewable resources.