General

Take a run or walk to help support families in need of utility assistance

Today is National Energy Assistance Day. The goal of the day is to raise awareness of the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the programs that are available to help utility customers in need. 

OPPD offers its customers a variety of assistance programs and resources through its Energy Assistance Program. And next month, you can help provide assistance by participating in the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth – the largest fundraiser of the year for the program.  

Omaha Public Power District partners with Metropolitan Utilities District on the event. One hundred percent of the funds raised through the event provide vital utility bill assistance for customers experiencing financial hardship. 

The utilities host the run and walk during the winter to bring attention to the struggle so many families face to maintain basic services. However, the need for assistance exists year-round. An unexpected event — such as a hospital stay, the loss of a job, or a home or car repair — can quickly become financial crisis for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a small bit of assistance can make all the difference. 

Want to participate in Heat the Streets?

The 19th annual Heat the Streets will take place March 7 at Aksarben Village in Omaha. This year the event has a new starting point: Stinson Park, located at 2285 S. 67th St. 

The 2026 co-chairs are Mark Mendenhall, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of M.U.D., and his wife, Bridget Mendenhall, along with Amanda Bogner, OPPD Board Secretary, and her husband, Jason Bogner. 

“I am honored to help lead Heat the Streets this year,” said Amanda Bogner. “Our community consistently shows up with generosity and compassion, and those contributions directly support households facing real and immediate challenges.” 

You still have time to register, for a 5K or 10K run, or a two-mile walk.  Timed events will begin at 9 a.m. and the walk will start at 9:05 a.m. Online registration runs through March 4 at 9:59am CST; day-of registration is available March 7 from 7:30 to 9 a.m.  

Visit heatthestreetsomaha.org to sign up for one of the categories below. Children under age 12 walk free with registered adult. 

• Timed 10K 
  • $45 (Feb. 1 – March 4)
  • $55 (Day-of registration) 

• Timed 5K 
  • $40 (Feb. 1 – March 4) 
  • $50 (Day-of registration) 

• Untimed two-mile walk 
  • $30 (Feb. 1 – March 4) 
  • $40 (Day-of registration) 

• Virtual run/walk (No swag/giveaways will be given to virtual registrants.) 
  • $30  

‘Please join us’

Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), and then split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program to provide assistance to our customers living in Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties. 

Last year’s event raised $226,000, benefiting more than 580 households across both utilities’ service territories.  

This year, the utilities aim to register 1,500 participants and raise at least $250,000. Donations and participation are especially critical right now due to a decrease in federal funding for utility assistance programs, placing greater responsibility on local support. 

Both utilities urge any customers who are struggling with their bills to call their customer service representatives and talk through their options. For OPPD, that number is 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area; outside of the metro, customers may call toll-free at 877-536-4131. M.U.D. customers should call 402-554-6666. 

“This event provides support to so many of our neighbors,” said Mark Mendenhall. “One hundred percent of your contribution directly helps those who need it most. Please join us and help ensure no one goes without these critical, essential services