Leading the Way

New platform gives customers a way to connect

OPPD recently launched a new way to connect with customers – and hear what they have to say.

The utility’s new outreach website, OPPDCommunityConnect, replaces the previous website and provides a more interactive experience. It also supports the utility’s strategic directive around stakeholder engagement and transparency.

The platform features new ways to engage with OPPD leaders and the community. Interactive features include polls, surveys and forums, mapping tools and a place to share ideas. The feedback collected on the site gives OPPD valuable insight into what customers are thinking and helps the utility make the best decisions for customers.

Current conversations featured on the site include:

• Power with Purpose – OPPD’s utility-scale solar and backup natural gas generation project
• Pathways to Decarbonization – The work OPPD is doing to reach net-zero carbon production by 2050
• COVID-19 pandemic updates and community resources

Even if you have a general question about OPPD operations, there’s a place for those, too. The site enhances the utility’s community outreach efforts and provides a more personalized and accessible way for customers to reach their utility.

Partnership

The website allows OPPD to honor the partnership they have with customers to engage with them throughout projects.

“Even before the pandemic, we knew some stakeholders and customers prefer to engage with their public power utility online,” said Sarah Lake, Community Engagement Coordinator at OPPD. “Between soccer practice, work, hobbies and other barriers, attending an in-person meeting isn’t convenient for everyone. We are committed to making online engagement easy and accessible for all customers.”

The previous site served OPPD for several years, but Lake said they wanted to explore new ways to engage with customers. OPPD is the first electric utility in the country to use this platform, leading the way in customer engagement.

Perfect timing

The timing of the website’s launch could not have been better, Lake said.

“The safety of our employees and customers is a top priority at OPPD,” she said. “We realize there are other things on people’s minds during a pandemic, and many of our stakeholders feel most safe at home. The site gives everyone a chance to engage with OPPD and have their voices heard.”