Energy Assistance

When you need a Helping Hand

As we have all experienced, life has a tendency of throwing us curve balls (COVID-19, anyone?). Unexpected events like illness, injury, family emergencies, and even extreme weather events can put stress on you and your wallet. OPPD understands that everyone needs help from time to time. That’s why we provide several programs to help you keep your power on.

OPPD's Energy Assistance Program (EAP)

OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program (EAP) was established to provide financial assistance for the emergency utility needs of households in OPPD’s service territory. EAP is intended to help eligible customers through short periods of need, for a maximum of $500 in assistance per year.

To be considered eligible for EAP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current OPPD customer
• Have a gross household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level Guidelines
• Be able to demonstrate financial crisis due to a verifiable emergency

Apply for EAP through one of OPPD’s partner agencies, using the Agency Finder Website, or call 2-1-1 to apply for funding over the phone through United Way.

Funding for this program depends on community partnerships, donations from OPPD employees and customers, and fundraising efforts.

One of OPPD’s biggest fundraisers for the EAP is the annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. This event is held every year in March to raise awareness and money for the program. This year’s Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth was Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Aksarben Village. The event raised over $138,000, of which 100% of these funds help customers who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

Donate to EAP by registering for the Heat the Streets Run & Walk or by visiting the EAP donation page.

Test your knowledge: How Much Have You Learned About EAP? 

If you’re facing financial hardships, OPPD wants to help ease your burden. Check out the links in the Learn More! box to discover what resources and assistance may be available to you.

 

Other Available Programs

If you don’t qualify for EAP but are still looking for some help to make ends meet, other available assistance programs include:

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  LIHEAP is a federal program that provides energy financial assistance to low-income households. LIHEAP assists families that need help affording the electricity needed for everyday life. To apply for LIHEAP, visit the ACCESSNebraska website, call 402-595-1258 or 1-800-383-4278 (toll-free).
• Payment Installment Program
  If you need some extra time to catch up on an electric bill, you can apply for a short-term payment plan. If you need more than two months to catch up, you can set up a Payment Installment Program for a specific number of months, or a targeted monthly payment amount. Contact OPPD’s customer service to discuss your options by emailing customerservice@oppd.com, or calling 402-536-4131 or 1-877-536-4131 (toll-free).
• Customer Assistance Program Pilot (CAP)
  The OPPD CAP is a pilot program designed to provide a monthly bill credit to bring a customer’s electric bill to a more affordable level, as long as the customer makes on-time payments. The CAP pilot is limited to 3,000 customers. You can apply for the program online, or by calling 888-282-6816.