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 the community to make a meaningful impact this winter by registering for the Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth. Funds raised through the event provide vital utility bill assistance for customers experiencing financial hardship, helping ensure families can keep their homes warm and their lights on.

The 19th annual Heat the Streets will take place March 7, 2025, at Zone 6 in Aksarben Village, 1911 S. 67th St. in Omaha. Participants who sign up by January 31 will receive a discounted registration, making now the perfect time to commit, save, and give back all at once.

The utilities host the run and walk during the winter to bring attention to the struggle so many families face to maintain basic services. However, the need for assistance exists year-round. Unexpected events — such as a hospital stay, loss of a job or car repairs — can quickly become financial crises for those living paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, just a small boost can make all the difference.

“After my stroke last year and being out of work for nearly seven months, I didn’t know how I was going to pay this bill,” said one customer who received assistance. “I have been doing my best to stay on top of everything, but knowing that I don’t have to choose 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 and General Counsel of M.U.D., and his wife, Bridget Mendenhall, along with Amanda Bogner, OPPD Board Secretary and her husband Jason Bogner.

"I am honored to help lead Heat the Streets this year,” said Amanda Bogner. “Our community consistently shows up with generosity and compassion, and those contributions directly support households facing real and immediate challenges."

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 $226,000, benefiting more than 580 households across both utilities’ service territories. 

This year, the utilities aim to register 1,500 participants and raise at least $250,000. Donations and participation are especially critical right now due to a decrease in federal funding for utility assistance programs, placing greater responsibility on local support.

Last year, M.U.D.’s Home Fund distributed $281,294 of bill assistance funding to 704 households in need. OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program distributed $355,654 in funding to 930 households in need. 

"This event provides support to so many of our neighbors,” Mark Mendenhall. “100% of your contribution directly helps those that need it most. Please join us and help ensure no one goes without these critical life essential services."

Participation options and pricing are listed below. With the early bird deadline quickly approaching on January 31, now is the time to sign up, save, and help bring warmth, safety, and stability to families who need it most.

Timed 10K

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

Timed 5K

• $30 (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 (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 (through Mar. 4)

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.