Help available with utility bills

OPPD and NPPD customers who need help with their utility bills are encouraged to schedule an appointment to see if they qualify for assistance.

The Omaha Public Power District/American Red Cross Energy Assistance Program provides help to residents of Burt, Cass, Colfax, Dodge, Douglas, Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Richardson, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington Counties.

Last year 1,014 families received assistance with power bills from the program.

The Energy Assistance Program is administered by the Red Cross and assisted by other community partners. Funds come from contributions by OPPD customers and proceeds from the sale of advertising in the OPPD customer newsletter, Outlets. The United Way also provides support.

Assistance is available once per calendar year and is limited to $300 per household.

Priority is given to those 62 or older, those with serious medical conditions, and those who have recently had a financial crisis through no fault of their own.

Customers must have made three regular payments in the last six months. Customers are not required to have a shut-off notice to qualify.

People needing assistance should call 343-7755 to schedule an appointment; if you live outside the metro area, call 888-890-9569. Spanish speaking customers can call 343-7711.

Additionally, the Red Cross administers the Nebraska Public Power District's utility assistance program, called Pennies for Power.

NPPD's program provides financial assistance only for NPPD electric customers, who reside in Nebraska and South Dakota.

Customers needing assistance can apply by calling 888-890-9569.

Those needing other assistance can call 211, United Way's program for help with food, housing, employment, health care, counseling and more. Assistance through 211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.