As North Platte, NE, experiences a surge in industrial development and population growth, the city is taking bold steps to ensure its infrastructure keeps pace. A major expansion of the North Platte Wastewater Treatment Facility is now underway, with Commonwealth Electric Company of the Midwest playing a central role in powering the project forward.

The expansion is a direct response to the city’s increasing demand for modern, efficient wastewater treatment—driven by new businesses, industrial facilities, and a growing residential base. The upgraded facility will significantly boost capacity and improve environmental performance, ensuring North Platte remains a vibrant and sustainable place to live and work.

Commonwealth Electric is leading the electrical systems integration for the project. Under the leadership of Project Manager Riley Fischer, the team is responsible for designing and installing the facility’s power distribution systems, motor control centers, and advanced automation infrastructure. Fischer brings valuable field experience and a strong background in managing manpower and coordinating complex job sites. His hands-on knowledge of bid processes, code compliance, and field coordination ensures the project is executed with precision and foresight.

The electrical scope includes systems to support the operation of pumps, blowers, and mixers essential to the treatment process, while also incorporating explosion-proof and corrosion-resistant components to ensure safety in hazardous environments. Commonwealth is also implementing energy-efficient technologies such as variable frequency drives and LED lighting, along with a SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system that will allow for real-time monitoring and control of all the facility’s operations.

Jake Gable, the VP of Operations for the Greater Nebraska branch, states, “This project is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about enabling growth. We’re proud to help North Platte meet the needs of its expanding economy while supporting long-term environmental stewardship.”

The project is being constructed in partnership with Rice Lake West Construction, with Commonwealth Electric ensuring the facility’s electrical backbone is built to meet both current and future demands.

As North Platte continues to attract new industry and investment, the wastewater facility expansion stands as a critical milestone—one that reflects the city’s proactive planning and the essential role of partners like Commonwealth Electric in building a stronger future.