Assistance Programs
OPPD Cares
OPPD understands customers sometimes face major setbacks. Whether job loss, unexpected illness or the increasing cost of living expenses, your energy partner is here to help.
OPPD works with customers and agency partners to offer education, weatherization assistance and transition programs to help when you need it most.
Programs We Offer
Bill Credit for Low-use, Low-income Customers
Spanish Translation
Today, 90 percent of your OPPD bill is based on how much energy you use. For OPPD, 70 percent of costs are spent on infrastructure, equipment and other expenses incurred no matter how much energy is consumed.
Effective June 2016, OPPD’s cost per kWh will decrease and the monthly service charge will increase from $10.25 to $15. Future energy cost reductions and monthly service charge increases are planned. By 2019, OPPD's service charge will more accurately reflect all customer and distribution costs - expenses incurred no matter how much energy is used.
OPPD Cares – we understand the restructure will impact some low-use, low-income customers. To help with this transition, OPPD will offer credits to qualifying customers.
*Bill Credit Program will end May 31, 2020.
Credits will be available to customers who are qualified by the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and whose energy use is less than 600 kWh in a month.
If you are already LIHEAP-qualified, there is nothing more to do. Each full month your energy use falls below 600 kWh, you will automatically see a credit on your OPPD bill.
If you have not applied for LIHEAP, call 402-595-1258, outside Omaha 800-383-4278, or apply at Access Nebraska.
To find the application on Access Nebraska website:
- Choose English or Spanish
- Find Printable Forms under Other Useful Links
- Choose the Application for Benefits form (EA-117)
- Once qualified (usually within 30 days), LIHEAP will notify OPPD and you will receive a credit each month your energy use falls below 600 kWh.
Energy Assistance Program
Here's the story of someone who was helped by the EAP.
OPPD customers receive energy assistance from external agencies, as well as OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program, which is funded by customer donations, advertising revenue from OPPD's monthly newsletter, Outlets, and OPPD employees. In 2015, together with our agency partners, $5,371,269 in energy assistance was provided to 12,120 OPPD customer households.
Get Help from the EAP
For information about applying for financial assistance, please call United Way by dialing 211 or calling 402-444-6666 for utility assistance agencies in your area. The State of Nebraska has low-income home energy assistance funds available to income-qualified customers. Applications can be made online or by calling Nebraska Dept. of Health and Human Services at 402-595-1258 or 800-383-4278 outside Omaha.
Iowa residents can apply for low-income home energy assistance funds by calling West Central Development at 712-322-2621.
To help you lower your energy bills, please read OPPD's seasonal energy-saving tips.
Help Others, Support the EAP
OPPD's Energy Assistance Program (EAP) was established in 1988 to help disadvantaged families pay energy-related expenses. Such expenses might include higher-than-normal summer cooling bills or emergency equipment repairs. The program operates year-round.
There are many ways you can help:
- Make a monthly pledge or one-time donation online by completing the Energy Assistance Pledge form.
- Call 402-536-4131 or toll-free at 1-877-536-4131 to donate by phone.
- Make a pledge or donation on your OPPD bill statement by marking the appropriate box and adding the contribution to your payment.
Level Payment Plan
Monthly electric service bills may vary widely throughout the year. Customers with an account that is current in its payments can enroll in OPPD's Level Payment Plan, and gain the convenience of knowing exactly how much monthly payments will be, no matter what the weather. LEARN MORE
Smart Steps for Energy Savings
Smart Steps to Saving Energy is a multi-phase program for OPPD's customers that provides education and assistance for managing energy use.
Program Details
- Customers must attend an educational workshop on managing energy use where they will receive a Smart Steps tool kit with weatherization items.
- From the workshops, income-qualifying customers will receive an in-home energy assessment, education and assistance installing tool kit items.
- In this phase, income-qualifed homeowners may also receive up to $1,000 in expanded energy-efficiency measures.
Workshops Schedule
If you are interested in attending a workshop, email smartsteps@oppd.com for schedule and additional information.
Contact Information
If you have questions, email smartsteps@oppd.com or call 402-636-3740.
Questions?
Still need help? Email customer service, or call 402-536-4131, 1-877-536-4131, outside Omaha.