Google is making a $6 million contribution in Nebraska aiming to lower energy bills for Omaha Public Power District customers.
The announcement was made during a press conference Monday at OPPD’s administrative offices, where officials said the funds will support a community collaboration led by OPPD with support from United Way of the Midlands and other community partners.
The energy impact funding will help reduce energy costs for families, improve energy efficiency and expand workforce pathways across the region.
“Together, our organizations bring complementary strengths to address both immediate needs and long-term opportunities,” OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez said in a press release. “We are working in collaboration with our community partners to improve energy efficiency, strengthen housing stability, and prepare the next generation of skilled workers — all essential to meeting our region’s growing energy demands.”
The release said Google is helping to meet its growing demand by adding more clean energy capacity throughout the region, and the initiative will help to make a direct impact on household savings.
“Google has a long-term commitment to Nebraska, and we believe it is our responsibility to ensure local communities share in the upside of our energy growth,” Chris Matos, energy market development lead for the central U.S. at Google, said in the release. “Google is committed to not only paying for 100% of the power we use, but also to making investments in new clean energy generation and energy efficiency initiatives that benefit all community members.
“We are proud to build on our partnership with both OPPD and United Way to help Omaha families save on their monthly electricity bill and also build a more resilient energy grid for everyone.”
The funds will support weatherization and energy-efficiency programs, as well as workforce development, community-resiliency projects and direct support to bring relief to individuals and families experiencing high energy burdens. The release said that weatherization services can reduce monthly utility bills by up to 30%, translating into savings of as much as $105 per household.
OPPD said over the next year, the investments will include:
- Community resilience hubs: $1.875 million
- Weatherization and home energy efficiency: $1.75 million
- Direct bill assistance and community resource fairs: $1.25 million
- OPPD’s Greener Together Program (energy efficiency and renewable energy projects): $875,000
- Workforce Development: $250,000.
Starting Nov. 1, OPPD customers behind on their electric bill can contact 211 or apply for assistance online. To quality, a customer’s household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Eligible customers will receive up to a maximum of $500. The funding follows the guidelines of OPPD’s Energy Assistance Program.
Google’s announcement Monday represents the tech giant’s second major investment in the Omaha area this year.
In June, Google announced $17 million in grants across seven states to advance its “water stewardship ambitions.” Omaha’s Metropolitan Utilities District was awarded $3 million of the funds to expand its leak-detection program.
The utility said the grant money will allow it to install acoustic leak detection sensors across 500 miles of its water lines that are considered high priority. The sensors will allow it to detect and repair leaks faster, leading to less water loss.
MUD said that once it’s implemented, the leak-detection system could save as much as 1 billion gallons of water annually.