Member System Profiles: Metropolitan Utilities District

Out on the plains of Nebraska sits the Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) in Omaha, a combined water and gas system that is the fourth largest public gas utility in the country, and one of the largest members of APGA.

M.U.D. has enjoyed its unusual legal status since 1913. It was then after a period of unsatisfactory operation of gas and water service by private companies, the citizens of Omaha condemned the gas system and the Nebraska Legislature created M.U.D. as a political subdivision of the State of Nebraska. The utility is governed by a board of seven directors elected by customer-owners.
M.U.D.'s LNG plant

“We are the only such unique state entity in the State of Nebraska,” said to Mari Matulka, director of Corporate Communications. The utility serves 197,190 natural gas and 183,454 water customers in the Omaha metro area, and collects sewer use and trash fees for the cities it serves.

M.U.D. uses several technologies other utilities may find interesting. For example, 75,000 or 19 percent of their joint gas and water meters are equipped with Encoder Recorder Transmitters (ERTs). The utility is very satisfied with these devices, which allow them to add customers without adding meter readers. The devices were first installed along routes with the most “unable to get into premises” notes, thus allowing actual use data instead of estimates. ERTs are installed in all new construction.

It's not Barney, It's Sniffy!!

Another technology M.U.D. uses with great success is a new customer information system, which consists of laptops issued to field techs, construction staff and engineers. This allows an employee to enter information into the system after completing a work order, providing for real-time account information. “The new procedure improves productivity and efficiency by reducing time and paperwork,” said Ron Bucher, senior vice-president, Administration.

In 2005, the utility plans to automate its phone system to give customers 24/7 access to account information. It’s anticipated the interactive voice response system will significantly reduce call volume to the customer service center. “Research shows other utilities with this technology have reduced call volume from 10 to 40 percent,” said Bucher.
M.U.D. is the only utility in the area with a LNG plant (pictured). They also use propane for peakshaving. These facilities, along with system storage, save customer-owners more than $7 million a year in pipeline reservation charges. “Upgrades at these facilities, to be completed in 2006, will boost savings to $8 million a year,” said Scott Keep, senior vice-president, Operations.


M.U.D. also has an active public relations program. About 40 employees volunteer to present gas safety and energy conservation programs to schools and community groups, reaching nearly 450,000 people in the past five years alone. In addition to human employees, M.U.D. has Sniffasaurus or “Sniffy”, a “live dinosaur,” who appears at parades, fairs and elementary schools, teaching children about gas safety.

As far as how M.U.D. views APGA’s role, Ms. Matulka suggests we focus on policy changes to increase gas supply, encourage Congress to increase funds for the LIHEAP program, and take an active lead in the development of a national energy policy.

Originally in April 11, 2005 Public Gas News

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