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Omaha Public Power District and Metropolitan Utilities District encourage you to give the gift of warmth and safety this holiday 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 17^th annual Heat the Streets takes place­ March 2, 2024, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67^th St. in Omaha. Those who sign up by December 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.

This year’s co-chairs are Jim Begley, vice chair of the M.U.D. Board of Directors, and his wife, Rebecca, and Matt Core, a member of the OPPD Board of Directors, and his wife, Katy.

“I’m very grateful to be part of supporting this event. Utility assistance is critical, especially this time of year,” said Director Core. “We want to help ensure our most vulnerable community members have a warm and healthy home. It’s important to raise awareness around this issue and to take care of one another.”

Director Begley said, “I’m honored to serve as co-chair for this incredibly important cause, the single largest fundraiser for our local utility assistance programs.”

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 $138,081. These funds helped M.U.D.’s Home Fund distribute $280,389 in billing assistance to 790 households in need this past year. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program was able to distribute $319,987 in funding to 937 households in need. 

“Every year, Heat the Streets brings out the best in our generous community as we come together for our less fortunate customers,” Begley said. “I am hopeful that this year will be no exception."   

This year, the utilities hope to register 1,000 participants and raise at least $300,000. 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 beanie/stocking hat.

Timed 10K

• $35 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
• $40 (Jan. 1 through March 1)
• $50 (Day-of registration)

Timed 5K

• $30 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
• $35 (Jan. 1 through March 1)
• $45 (Day-of registration)

Untimed one-mile walk 

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

• $25 (Nov. 24 through Dec. 31)
• $30 (Jan. 1 through March 1)
• $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. 24 through March 1)

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.