OPPD to begin smart‑meter soft launch in Bellevue this October; company says wider rollout through 2028

Omaha Public Power District plans to begin converting meters for about 2,000 Bellevue customers in an October 2025 soft launch of its advanced metering infrastructure, OPPD told the Bellevue City Council on Aug. 5.

Tim McArvey, vice president for customer service and public affairs at OPPD, said AMI — “advanced metering infrastructure” — includes smart meters, a secure communications network and new data tools that allow two‑way communication between OPPD and customers and enable remote meter reading, faster outage detection and more detailed usage data. “This upgrade allows for remote meter reading, faster outage detection, and improved energy management for our customers,” McArvey said.

The soft launch, McArvey said, will install roughly 11,000 meters across 12 soft‑launch areas in 2025, with about 2,000 of those in Bellevue. OPPD expects to test systems through mid‑2026 and complete a full rollout for all customers by 2028. The utility will hold public open houses for soft‑launch areas; Bellevue’s event is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Bellevue Public Library, McArvey said.

Why it matters: OPPD says AMI will speed outage identification and restoration, reduce the need for customers to report outages, enable more accurate billing and provide customers access to usage data in smaller increments. The utility framed the project as replacement of aging equipment: McArvey said the existing meters are near “end of life,” and replacement during normal meter turnover makes the timing sensible.

Customers will get a redesigned online portal and mobile app with energy‑management tools once they are converted to AMI, McArvey said. He added that after conversion customers can see usage data in 15‑minute increments and subscribe to outage and usage alerts.

Council members pressed OPPD on practical impacts. Councilwoman Welch asked for schedule details; McArvey said physical conversions will begin in October and continue through December, possibly into early January for the soft launch, with field testing into mid‑2026. Councilman Casey asked whether installations would interrupt service; McArvey said customers should expect a prepared window of up to 15 minutes, though the meter swap can often take “less than a minute.”

Health and privacy questions surfaced. Councilman Preister referenced social‑media concerns about radio frequency; McArvey said most U.S. electrical meters are already smart meters and OPPD will use second‑generation devices. He said OPPD will provide federal‑agency and industry information to address radio‑frequency and fire concerns and will present data on data security at public meetings. On data security, McArvey said the utility will share information about protections in place and encourage attendees at the open house to raise questions.

Customers with solar generation and other two‑way metering, McArvey said, will be included in the normal conversion cycle; OPPD intentionally chose soft‑launch areas that include a mix of conditions such as solar customers and electric vehicles to field‑test a range of situations.

Installations, he said, will be performed by a contractor hired by OPPD for residential meters; OPPD crews will handle commercial installations. Installer vehicles and personnel will carry company badges and OPPD identification, and OPPD will send outreach materials to customers in soft‑launch areas and follow up by mail when electronic contact is unavailable.

McArvey and council members also described customer‑facing benefits: an updated outage map, subscription alerts by text/email and reduced surprise billing through usage tools. The utility emphasized customer engagement during the soft launch, with in‑person open houses and printed materials for customers who do not use smartphones.

The council did not take an action on the presentation. OPPD encouraged Bellevue leaders to notify constituents in the soft‑launch area and invited questions at the Sept. 29 open house.

The council meeting record shows the presentation and the public Q&A with OPPD representatives on Aug. 5, 2025.