Light Up the Season with Kindness: Join the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth

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 critical utility bill assistance for customers experiencing hardship.

The 19th annual Heat the Streets will take place March 7, 2026, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67th St. in Omaha. Registration opens Black Friday, offering the community a meaningful way to support neighbors in need.

This year’s event is co-chaired by Mark Mendenhall, M.U.D.’s Senior Vice President and General Counsel, and his wife, Bridget Mendenhall; and Amanda Bogner, OPPD Board Secretary and her husband Jason Bogner.

The community is invited to kick off the holiday season at Lights of Aksarben: Making Spirits Bright on Nov. 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Stinson Park. The Heat the Street co-chairs will join the festivities to promote the event and participate in the annual tree lighting ceremony. This family-friendly celebration features Santa visits, dazzling light displays, live music, sweet treats, a petting zoo and festive crafts. The public will have the opportunity to register or donate.

From October 2024 – September 2025, M.U.D.’s Home Fund distributed $281,294 of bill assistance funding to 704 households in need, while OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program distributed $355,654 in funding to 930 households.

Heat the Streets is the single largest fundraiser of the year for these programs. The 2025 event raised $226,000, benefiting more than 580 households across both utilities’ service territories.

This year, the goal is to register at least 1,500 participants and raise at least $250,000 to support customers in Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties.

Fundraising is especially critical as decreasing federal support for utility assistance programs has placed additional pressure on local resources. Many families are navigating a time of financial uncertainty, and these programs serve as an essential safety net for those working hard to stay afloat.

The event is hosted during the winter to highlight the very real struggle many face to keep their homes warm, but the need extends far beyond the cold months. Unexpected challenges—a job loss, medical emergency, or even necessary car repairs—can quickly become overwhelming for households living paycheck to paycheck. Community support matters, even a small contribution can provide stability, relief, and hope for a family working to get through a difficult time.

All funds raised are administered by Dollar Energy Fund Inc., a registered 501(c)(3), and then allocated to M.U.D.’s Home Fund and OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program.

Participants can choose from the options that follow. Returning runners receive 10% off registration through Dec. 31. Early bird pricing (Nov. 29–Jan. 31):

Timed 10K

• $35 (Nov. 29 through Jan. 31)
• $45 (Feb. 1 through Mar. 4)
• $55 (Day-of registration)

Timed 5K

• $30 (Nov. 29 through Jan. 31)
• $40 (Feb. 1 through Mar. 4)
• $50 (Day-of registration)

Untimed two-mile walk

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

• $25 (Nov. 29 through Jan. 31)
• $30 (Feb. 1 through Mar. 4)
• $40 (Day-of registration)

Virtual run/walk

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.

• $30 (Nov. 29 through Mar. 4)

You do not have to participate in the run or walk to make a meaningful impact. Visit HeatTheStreetsOmaha.com to donate or explore sponsorship opportunities.

Customers who are struggling with their bills can 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.