Leading the Way

OPPD joins the Nextdoor neighborhood

OPPD is expanding the ways it reaches customers.

Starting this week, the utility will have a presence on the Nextdoor app. Nextdoor is an application that allows neighbors living in the same area to connect on a variety of topics, buy and sell items and offer suggestions, among other uses.

The hyperlocal social networking app began in 2008 and is currently available in 11 countries. Members can connect only with those in their specific neighborhood, or broaden their scope to neighborhoods nearby.

Participation

Approximately 50% of OPPD customers are currently on the app, in both urban and rural areas of the service territory. By joining Nextdoor, OPPD will be able to reach these customers with specific messages and information that relates to them.

“We are excited to add a new channel through which we can communicate with customers,” said Nicole Luna, customer experience designer at OPPD, and project lead. “OPPD is committed to transparency about our operations and to communicate useful and timely information to our customers. Nextdoor is another piece in that work.”

Communication channels

Nextdoor will join other social media channels on which OPPD has a presence, including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The information shared on Nextdoor will be similar to other social media channels, but also have more specific messages. Topics the utility will communicate include:

• Tree-trimming activity
• Power quality projects
• Community events and outreach
• Power outage information, and more

The topics will phase in over time and begin with tree-trimming and construction projects OPPD has in neighborhoods. Later this summer, the utility will begin adding messages around power outages and other topics.

Luna said Nextdoor allows OPPD to communicate in a more targeted way to only those who are impacted, in addition to the utility’s broader communications.

The next time you’re on Nextdoor, give OPPD a wave and welcome them to the neighborhood.