Register for Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth by Jan. 31 to receive early bird discount, while helping utility customers in need

Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District encourage you to give the gift of warmth and safety this winter season by registering for the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. Funds raised provide utility bill assistance for customers going through hard financial times.

The 18^th annual Heat the Streets takes place­ March 1, 2025, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67^th St. in Omaha. Those who sign up by January 31 receive a discounted registration.

The utilities host the run and walk during the winter to bring added attention to the struggle that so many face to keep their homes warm and keep the lights on. However, our customers’ need is year-round. Unexpected events like a hospital stay or car repairs are a real hardship for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a little financial boost can make all the difference.

“After my stroke last year and being out of work for nearly 7 months, I didn't know how I was going to pay this bill," said a customer who received assistance. “I have been doing my best to stay on top of the bills that have been coming in but knowing that I don't have to decide between feeding my kids and keeping the lights on brings me a lot of peace.” 

This year’s co-chairs are Mark Mendenhall, Senior Vice President – General Council of M.U.D., and his wife, Bridget, and Eric Williams, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his partner, Kristine Hull.

“My wife and I are honored to be part of this event, which shines a light on the generosity of this community,” said Mendenhall. “This event provides assistance for life-essential services, and we hope to provide enough support to help all in need.”

Funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), and then split between M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program to provide assistance to our customers living in Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders, and Washington counties.

Last year’s event raised $175,000. These funds helped M.U.D.’s Home Fund distribute $377,907 in billing assistance to 1046 households in need this past year. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program was able to distribute $356,749 in funding to 954 households in need. 

This year, the utilities hope to register 1,800 participants and raise at least $180,000. Donations are especially critical right now due to a decrease in federal funding allotted to programs that help with utility bill assistance.

Participation options, including a new 10K distance, and prices follow. Those who register early will receive a pair of “Heat the Streets” socks.

Timed 10K

• $35 (through Jan. 31)
• $40 (Feb. 1 through Feb. 26)
• $55 (Day-of registration)

Timed 5K

• $30 (through Jan. 31)
• $40 (Feb. 1 through Feb. 26)
• $50 (Day-of registration)

Untimed one-mile walk 

Children 12 and under may register for free with a registered adult.

• $25 (through Jan. 31)
• $30 (Feb. 1 through Feb. 26)
• $40 (Day-of registration)

Virtual run/walk (No swag/giveaways will be given to virtual registrants.)

Participants may complete a distance of their choice on the path of their choice, such as a treadmill, in their neighborhoods or a local trail.

• $35 (Nov. 29 through Feb. 26)

Awards will be given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners in each of the following age divisions for the timed 5K and 10K events: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. (No awards for virtual participants.)

You don’t have to participate to support the cause. Visit HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com to learn more.

Both utilities urge any customers who are struggling with their bills to call their customer service representatives and talk through their options. For OPPD, that number is 402-536-4131 in the Omaha area. Outside of the metro, customers may call toll-free at 877-536-4131. M.U.D. customers should call 402-554-6666.