Omaha Winter Heating Bills: How to Lower Them and Where to Get Help (2026)

Updated Nov. 1, 2026

OPPD opened a new round of bill help today, Nov. 1. Here is every program I could verify for lowering or covering winter heating bills in Omaha, for owners and renters.

I’m Lacory Gordon, a REALTOR with Revel Realty serving Douglas, Sarpy, Washington, and Cass counties. In my experience, heating is the bill that surprises people most in their first Omaha winter. Everything below comes from OPPD, M.U.D., Nebraska DHHS, the state energy office, and state law, checked Nov. 1, 2026.

Start with the free fixes

Start with no cost habits. OPPD’s energy efficiency tips say each degree you adjust the thermostat can change energy use by 1% to 5%. Keep it above 55 degrees in winter so pipes don’t freeze (my frozen pipes guide covers that part).

• Seal drafts: weatherstripping around windows and doors, door sweeps, and plastic window kits on drafty windows.
• Use the sun: open blinds on sunny windows during the day and close them at night.
• Close the fireplace damper when there is no fire going.
• Check the furnace filter monthly. OPPD suggests a MERV rating between 8 and 13.
• Service the furnace yearly. M.U.D.’s winter tips say a properly working system lowers bills and helps keep carbon monoxide out.

My fall maintenance checklist has the rest.

Even out the bill with budget billing

M.U.D.’s Budget Payment Plan sets a monthly gas and water payment based on your last 12 months, adjusted for normal weather and projected rate changes. You can start any month with a zero balance and cancel any time. M.U.D.’s FAQ is clear that it does not save money. It just takes the spikes out.

OPPD’s Level Payment Plan does the same for electric if your account is current. If you are already behind, OPPD’s Payment Installment plan spreads a past due balance over 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, or 18 months.

New OPPD bill help opens today

On Oct. 19, OPPD, United Way of the Midlands, and Google announced a $6 million contribution over the next 12 months, including $1.25 million for direct bill assistance and resource fairs. Starting Nov. 1, customers behind on an electric bill can call 211 or apply at myappconnect.com. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, the maximum is $500, and funding is first come, first served.

OPPD also runs these year round:

• Energy Assistance Program: up to $500 a year for emergencies, through 211 or a partner agency (find one at 888-650-9132).
• Customer Assistance Program: a pilot that gives a monthly bill credit, capped at 3,000 customers. Apply through Dollar Energy Fund at 888-282-6816.

M.U.D. Home Fund for gas and water

M.U.D.’s Home Fund helps customers in severe hardship. You need a past due balance or disconnect notice, a verifiable emergency like illness or a layoff, and income at or below 200% of poverty. If you get SNAP, LIHEAP, ADC, Medicaid, or AABD, you are automatically income eligible. Apply through 211 or the agency finder at 888-650-9132.

Having trouble paying? M.U.D. asks customers to call 402-504-7002 right away, weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

LIHEAP heating help from the state

Nebraska DHHS runs LIHEAP. The heating season runs Oct. 1 through March 31, with one payment per season sent to your utility. To qualify you must be responsible for your home energy bills and have income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level:

• 1 person: $23,940
• 2 people: $32,460
• 3 people: $40,980
• 4 people: $49,500 (add $8,520 per extra person)

The iServe Nebraska portal says heating payments began going out Oct. 27, 2026, and households already on Economic Assistance don’t need a separate application. Per DHHS guidance dated Oct. 1, 2026, a single family home heated with natural gas or electricity gets $280 to $700 depending on income, and a multi family unit gets $154 to $380.

Crisis help runs year round, up to $800 a year, and can cover deposits and reconnect fees. One catch: DHHS treats M.U.D. as a multi utility provider, so M.U.D. customers pay 50% of the crisis amount before DHHS pays the rest. DHHS can also pay up to $750 to repair or replace a furnace. Apply online, at a DHHS office, or by phone at 402-595-1258 (Omaha) or 800-383-4278.

Free weatherization

Nebraska’s Weatherization Assistance Program adds insulation, seals leaks, and safety checks the furnace, stove, and water heater at no cost. Income must be at or below 200% of poverty, and households receiving SSI or Aid to Dependent Children qualify automatically. The state says heating energy use often drops up to 25%, and the average job is worth $7,500. Expect a waitlist.

In Douglas County, United Way of the Midlands takes applications at 402-342-8232. Its 2026 flyer puts 200% of poverty at $66,000 for a family of four. Other counties: see the state’s provider map.

OPPD adds two of its own. The Energy Efficiency Assistance Program covers up to $3,000 in upgrades under 200% of poverty (renters in buildings of eight or fewer units need landlord permission). The Energy Savings Assessment is a free visit with same day installs for homeowners between 201% and 300%.

Shutoff rules in Nebraska

Nebraska’s utility statutes set notice rules, not a winter ban. Under 70-1605, the utility must give notice and wait at least seven days, not counting weekends and holidays. Under 70-1606, a doctor’s certificate filed within five days postpones a shutoff for at least 30 days if someone in the home has an illness that makes losing service a serious health hazard. You can also request a conference, which 70-1610 says must happen within 14 days.

Renters, landlords, and buyers

Renters who pay their own utilities can apply for LIHEAP and the Home Fund like anyone else. Weatherization needs written landlord permission, and in a rental, the owner must repair an unsafe furnace or water heater first.

Buyers, ask the seller for 12 months of OPPD and M.U.D. bills before you commit. My winter buying guide, cost of living breakdown, and renting vs buying math cover the rest.

FAQ