Tim and Pam Smith retired from teaching in the Hastings Public School system several years ago—Tim taught automotive technology at Hastings High School and Pam taught elementary school science. After the passage of LB 436—a Nebraska law intended to encourage investments in renewable energy and stimulate economic growth—they jumped at the opportunity to install 30 solar panels on the roof of Tim's workshop. The two have always been environmentally conscious and are eager early adopters. In December 2015, they earned the distinction of being the first Hastings Utility customers to connect their solar system to the grid. On a sunny day, operating at full capacity, the solar panels generate up to 5 kilowatts of electricity an hour, which replaces about 80 to 90 percent of their energy costs.