Google collaborates with United Way of the Midlands and OPPD to expand home energy efficiency for Nebraskans

Google has joined forces with United Way of the Midlands (UWM), Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) and the Sharing the Power Foundation to accelerate a transformative weatherization initiative together in Douglas County, Neb. Through a $300,000 contribution from Google, this collaboration aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce home energy costs and expand workforce development in underserved communities in Douglas County.

This funding, in collaboration with OPPD’s Energy Efficiency Assistance Program (EEAP) and UWM’s leadership in administering the Nebraska Weatherization Assistance Program (NeWAP), is projected to deliver weatherization services to up to 75 low-income households by the end of 2025. The initiative focuses on homes facing high energy burdens and energy insecurity, providing critical upgrades such as insulation, furnace replacements and window improvements to create healthier, more energy-efficient living environments.

“Through this partnership, we not only make homes more energy efficient but make our community better,” said Britton Gabel, Manager of Advocacy Solutions at OPPD. “This collaboration will reduce energy costs, improve living conditions, and increase investment in addressing one of the biggest drivers of energy burden in our community.”

The funding from Google, facilitated by the Sharing the Power Foundation, will be used to fill key services and funding gaps not covered by traditional government and local resources. This includes providing flexible dollars for high-cost repairs and materials, as well as bolstering local workforce capacity through contractor training and partnerships with community-based organizations such as Blair Freeman and Habitat for Humanity.

“At Google, we believe that being part of a community means actively working to strengthen it. Our collaboration with United Way of the Midlands and OPPD is a perfect showcase of this commitment,” said Allie Hopkins, Area Lead for Google Data Centers. “By combining our resources, we can not only help families lower their energy bills and create healthier homes but also invest in the local workforce that will continue to build a more resilient and energy-efficient future for all Nebraskans.”

The weatherization services can reduce monthly utility bills by an estimated 20 to 30%, translating into savings of $70 to $105 per household. With a growing waiting list of eligible homes in Douglas County, this initiative comes at a crucial time to support families facing high energy burdens and strengthen housing resilience.

“We are proud to work alongside tremendous partners like Google, OPPD and local community organizations to make this initiative possible,” said Shawna Forsberg, president & CEO, United Way of the Midlands. “By combining our strengths, we can ensure families in Douglas County have healthier homes, lower energy costs and greater stability. This collaboration reflects the power of working together to meet real needs in our community.”

The effort also includes the expansion of workforce development opportunities to train and equip local contractors and crews to meet growing demand, ensuring both immediate and long-term community impact.