Omaha Public Power District

Congratulations to the graduates of our latest Crew Leader University (CLU) cohort. This group of employees has taken an important step toward future crew leader roles at OPPD. CLU was created to prepare employees with the knowledge, confidence and leadership skills needed when opportunities arise. Since 2020, 190 employees have completed the program, and 96 have gone on to serve as crew leaders. Over three days, participants dive into communication, trust‑building, customer interactions, safety and problem‑solving. It’s all about helping our people grow, lead and continue delivering reliable service to our communities. 💡

Proud to take part in this inaugural event, bringing together state leaders and university partners to look ahead at the data defining Nebraska’s next chapter. Our President and CEO, Javier Fernandez shared how OPPD is helping power economic opportunity statewide and reinforced the importance of public power working hand‑in‑hand with policymakers and community leaders.

OPPD employees spent the last few weekends in April connecting with our community at two major Earth Day celebrations, Earth Day Omaha and Earth Day Bellevue. 🌎 These events gave us the opportunity to share our passion for sustainability, education and environmental stewardship with hundreds of attendees across the metro. ♻️ Our representatives highlighted OPPD’s work in alternative energy solutions and helped visitors explore the future of clean transportation. Additionally, our energy educator, Mr. E brought energy concepts to life with kid‑friendly demonstrations, exploring how electricity works. 💡

Welcome to our newest OPPD employees. We are thrilled to have you here. 🧡 #newhires

Last week, we celebrated National Volunteer Week and SHARE Omaha's Do Good Days by putting service into action. 🤝 Our teams supported families at Heartland Hope Mission, refreshed spaces at Town and Country Animal Rescue, mulched 75 young trees at NP Dodge Park with Omaha Parks & Rec and helped empower students at Partnership 4 Kids. We're proud of the impact our employees make across the communities we serve. 🧡

This past Wednesday, our President and CEO, Javier Fernandez spoke at the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Nebraska Impact Wrapped event in Lincoln. Javier spoke to senators, and state and university leaders about how OPPD is supporting economic growth in our state and emphasized the importance of a strong partnership with public power. Thank you to all who attended, participated and continue to work with us as we bring OPPD into the future through our present collaborations and dedication to our customer owners.

The way we power our communities is changing, and planning for the future is more complex than ever. Our Integrated System Plan helps guide decisions to ensure reliable, affordable energy while preparing for growing demand. 💡 Customer input helps shape this work, and you can learn more and get involved through workshops or online.

Joni Wheeler will serve as OPPD’s next vice president of Human Capital, a department that hires and supports the utility’s workforce that serves eastern Nebraska. OPPD's Board of Directors approved Wheeler’s appointment, effective April 27, at its April meeting. “We’re thrilled to have Joni join our team,” said OPPD President and CEO Javier Fernandez. “Her extensive experience, passion for service and focus on people will be a tremendous asset for OPPD.”

Thank you to Chartwell, Inc. for recognizing OPPD in their 2026 Best Practices Awards. We're proud to have our Emergency Management work highlighted and are honored to serve our customers come rain, shine or a once-in-500-year ice event.

Not many job interviews require physical labor in a dark, underground vault. But for OPPD’s steamfitter mechanics, that’s part of the job so it’s part of the hiring process. With our new skills assessment, candidates spend the day demonstrating real-world abilities like welding, rigging, metal cutting and pipe replacement. At one station, that means climbing down a 16-foot ladder into a confined space to remove and reinstall piping safely and correctly. Evaluators look at how candidates follow instructions, solve problems and respond to feedback because the job itself demands all that and more. Steamfitters help maintain the high-pressure systems that keep power generation running. The work can mean long hours, extreme heat, tight spaces and high-stakes repairs. This hands-on approach helps ensure we’re finding the right people to take on that responsibility. ⚡🛠️