Metropolitan Utilities District Receives Ethics Award

Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) was recently recognized for its ethical business practices by the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Midwest Plains organization. Members of M.U.D.’s team attended the BBB Torch Award for Ethics Luncheon September 24 in Omaha.

“I am proud to accept this award on behalf of our 900-plus employees and our board of directors,” said Mark Mendenhall, senior vice president, General Counsel. “Our team works hard every day to maintain customer-owners’ confidence and trust in the life essential services we provide by operating with integrity, transparency and accountability.”

M.U.D. was chosen for its outstanding performance in the areas of character, culture, customer service and community engagement.

The public utility’s mission is to enhance quality of life by delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas and water, essential for today and future generations.

M.U.D. strives to exceed customers’ expectations in all interactions. In 2025, its customer satisfaction data indicated a 37.26 Net Promoter Score, which is more than twice the industry standard score.

M.U.D. recognizes the importance of giving back to the community it serves. Highlights:

• For more than 40 years, its utility assistance program – the M.U.D. Home Fund – connects those in need with those who can help. Since 1983, the fund has raised millions in assistance and served more than 40,000 households.
• Employees participate in an annual community giving drive, benefiting the M.U.D. Home Fund, the United Way of the Midlands and other local non-profit agencies. From 2022-2024, employees donated nearly $374,000 to support these organizations.
• For nearly 20 years, M.U.D. has partnered with Omaha Public Power District to organize the annual Heat the Streets Run & Walk for Warmth, raising funds and awareness for utility assistance. In 2025, the event broke fundraising and attendance records, garnering $226,000 for customers in need.
• MU.D. provides a mobile hydration station to provide free tap water at large public events in the summer. From 2022-25, the station was at 56 events with approximately 538,000 total attendees.
• Its employee volunteer program, M.U.D. Serves, allows all employees the opportunity to volunteer with local non-profit community organizations. From 2022-2024, M.U.D. employees served 614 volunteer hours.

The Torch Awards honor businesses and nonprofits for putting integrity into action. BBB Midwest Plains’ awards celebrate organizations in: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. For more information, visit their website.