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Outlets NewsletterA direct newsline from OPPD, your energy partnerAugust 2008 - Volume 25, Issue 8June Storm Rivaled One in October '97 Watch for OPPD Investment Opportunity Energy Advisor Tips: Series Covers Attics to Basements Support the Energy Assistance Program OPPD Board Meeting: September 2008 Public Service Announcements: River City Roundup; Henry Doorly Zoo
June Storm Rivaled One in October '97 Trees Wicked spring and summer storms have challenged many Midwesterners. The June 27 storm turned out to be the second worst in OPPD’s history, knocking out power to 126,000 customers and causing about $11 million damage. The storm brought sustained winds of more than 110 miiles per hour west of Omaha and 90 miles per hour through the heart of the city. Extensive damage occured from Bellevue to Fremont. OPPD attacked back, speeding restoration by immediately calling in OPPD crews and by bringing in mutual aid help from other utilities. By June 30, about 75 percent of the power had been restored. Crews spent the next few days working on repairs that affected smaller, scattered pockets of customers, and all were back up in seven days. OPPD's response to the destructive storm, which rivaled the infamous October ’97 storm in terms of damage, showed the remedies from the lessons learned back then were good medicine. As demonstrated in June, communication with customers has vastly improved, as well, thanks to OPPD’s Outage Management System, Call Center and OPPD.com postings, which were created or greatly enhanced after 1997. Light Work Heavy Summer storms have damaged many city of Omaha streetlights, in all parts of town, and making the repairs is a time-consuming process. In storm mode since May, restoring service to homes and businesses safely has been OPPD’s top priority. Crews often have to make temporary fixes to expedite power restoration, and once that’s done, crews must return to make permanent repairs. Balancing that work with streetlight repair has been a challenge due to the extensive system-wide damage. OPPD has made progress with streetlight repair, however, there are numerous streetlights still out. OPPD has hired a private contractor to assist and has scheduled extra OPPD line workers, including on the weekends, to make repairs. To report streetlights out, visit www.oppd.com or call 1-800-554-oppd. Thanks for Visiting Trees and OPPD’s transmission and distribution systems weren’t the only things to take hits from the June 27 storm. OPPD’s website, www.oppd.com, did, too, just as utility officials had hoped. Web traffic to the entire site increased significantly – especially to the power outage maps and storm-related web pages – from June 27 to July 2. Local media used the web page images to convey progress to viewers, as well. OPPD customers can report power outages online and check progress of outage restoration at www.oppd.com. Watch for OPPD Investment Opportunity OPPD will be issuing revenue bonds in the near future. When you invest in these bonds, you are investing in OPPD, your energy partner. OPPD issues bonds to pay for improvements in the electric system and for construction of new power stations. All interest earned on these bonds is exempt from both federal and Nebraska state income taxes. Watch the newspaper, visit www.oppd.com or contact your investment broker for more information. The offering of these bonds is made solely through the Official Statement. Energy Advisor Tips:Series Covers Attics to Basements OPPD’s Building Science Series of classes offers a comprehensive overview to help save energy and money. Classes are Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the Energy Information Center, 13921 “S” Plaza in Omaha. Through its Energy Information Center, OPPD offers the following three-hour classes for $25 each ($5 off coupon at www.oppd.com): How to Find a Quality Heating & Cooling Dealer
Smarter & More Efficient Homes
Attics 101
Do-It-Yourself Energy Audit
Lighting 101
Basements 101
Sign up at www.oppd.com or call the OPPD Energy Advisor at 636-3850 in Omaha or 1-800-648-2658 outside the metro. Support the Energy Assistance Program When you support the Energy Assistance Program, 100 percent of your donations go to those who need help. The program helps people in need with energy-related expenses, and the American Red Cross Heartland Regional Chapter administers the EAP for OPPD. There are several ways to contribute to the 2008 EAP campaign: Visit oppd.com: Click on Customer Service, Residential Accounts, Sign Up to Help Others. By Phone: Call OPPD at 536-4131 or toll-free at 1-877-536-4131. Round Up: Your monthly bill will be rounded up to the next dollar each month, with the extra amount going to the EAP. Monthly Pledge: The amount you choose automatically will be added to your bill each month. OPPD Awards Grants Two dozen area groups received tree grants this year through OPPD’s Tree Promotion Program. The city of Valley, Conestoga High School in Murray and the South Omaha Horticultural Society are among the groups that received up to $2,500 for projects on public property. The projects must promote energy efficiency, beautification or both. OPPD’s Tree Promotion Program was developed to promote the planting of trees, and to provide education concerning the value, selection, placement and welfare of trees. The program is open to community groups, schools, nonprofit organizations and service clubs. The September meeting of the OPPD Board of Directors will be held
An agenda is available for inspection at OPPD’s Energy Plaza during business hours or on OPPD’s website at www.oppd.com. Hearing-impaired individuals may request an interpreter by calling OPPD a minimum of 72 hours before the scheduled meeting date. Call TTY phone, 636-3090, or Consumer Relations, 636-3747. Public Service Announcement River City RoundupAk-Sar-Ben’s River City Roundup will be held Sept. 25-27 at the Qwest Center in Omaha. Rodney Atkins, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jessica Simpson will perform following the three performances of the Wrangler ProRodeo Tour. Visit here for ticket and event information, including many free activities. Henry Doorly ZooChoose from three amazing underwater adventures at the Lozier IMAX® Theater at Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo® Dolphins and Whales 3D, Sea Monsters 3D and Wild Ocean 3D. Viewers will get closer than ever to various marine creatures. Members receive $1 off admission. Visit online.
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