General

Customer outreach moving to online format

Coronavirus is keeping people at home, but OPPD is still interested in feedback from customers. And the utility is using innovative approaches to engage its customers.

Prior to the virus changing societal norms, OPPD planned to host a series of open houses throughout its service territory to discuss the “State of the Utility.” The update highlights recent and upcoming projects, including the addition of utility-scale solar.

Online format

Now, the utility is adjusting how it provides that same information by making it available in an online format. Customers can ask questions about the topics and provide feedback at OPPDListens.com through May. Topics include:

• Power with Purpose project, which includes adding solar and natural gas generation
• Reliability and resiliency projects
• Community involvement
• Economic development efforts
• Behind-the-scenes work during flooding and the coronavirus pandemic

“OPPD has a lot to be proud of,” said Tim Burke, president and CEO. “We are excited to share these successes and gather feedback about future projects from our customers.”

The online format features a presentation as well as a survey to get customer feedback on individual topics. As it always has, OPPD will compile questions and answer them as they come.

Transparency

Laurie Zagurski, manager of stakeholder and community outreach, said the new format is a great example of how public power works for those it serves.

“Public power utilities, like OPPD, are owned by the customers we serve,” she said. “OPPD is working on some exciting projects, and we value the feedback from our customers. It’s important to us.”

The Power with Purpose project includes adding utility-scale solar and back-up natural gas generation. The utility is also conducting a decarbonization study that will touch nearly every aspect of the utility’s operations.

OPPD is committed to being as transparent as possible regarding these and future projects.

As the coronavirus situation improves, OPPD will look for ways to engage with customers face-to-face while also utilizing innovative online tools.