General

OPPD helps meet growing community need 

The crowd began gathering early – well before the doors opened – stretching down the sidewalk as families waited to attend a Community Resource Fair hosted by OPPD and M.U.D. in North Omaha.  

“Seeing the line out the door was almost overwhelming,” said Matt Hardebeck, OPPD’s director of Customer Experience and Operations. “It shows the ongoing need for accessible community support.” 

When individuals and families face challenges meeting basic needs such as food, housing, utilities or medical care, having a central place to learn about available resources can make a big difference. The community resource fairs were designed with that purpose in mind. 

“This is OPPD’s third year hosting community resource fairs throughout our service territory,” said Britton Gabel, manager of advocacy Solutions. “Community resource fairs are an important part of our strategy in connecting with our customers facing challenges paying their bill and connecting them to resources available in our community to support them in their time of need.” 

More than 25 nonprofits and other community organizations set up stations at the event showcasing their programs and advocacy efforts. Attendees moved from table to table, taking in information on weatherization, customer assistance programs, financial planning, public safety, education and billing and payment solutions. The one-stop-shop layout makes it easier for families to learn about multiple resources and receive energy assistance in one visit. 

Technology pilot for energy assistance

New electronic application software called MyAPP Connect was piloted to streamline applying for energy assistance funding during the event. OPPD and M.U.D. were the first utilities in the country to pilot this technology with our partner Dollar Energy Fund that will change how millions of households across the country seek energy assistance in the future.

More than 150 households used this new technology during the event to apply for energy assistance funding. Long term, this technology will help resolve accessibility issues and improve communication with our customers when applying for help with the utility bills.   

Making a difference, together

“The community resource fair was a powerful example of what’s possible when organizations come together with a shared purpose. We weren’t just helping customers navigate past-due bills and disconnections, we were restoring stability and dignity to families,” said Akeyla Conner, senior culture and engagement specialist with OPPD, who volunteered at the event. “The relief on customers’ faces was a direct reflection of the care and planning that went into every aspect of this event. That feeling of truly making a difference is something we should all carry with us from that day.” 

These fairs serve as an important touchpoint, offering the community valuable information while helping OPPD and our partners to reach customers where they are. The next fair is scheduled for October in South Omaha.  

“These events provide us the opportunity to connect in person,” said Jeni Radik, communications assistant. “It truly demonstrates OPPD’s core values and the importance of public power in our community.”