Did an OPPD Power Outage Cost You Money?

Getting left in the dark is, at best, an inconvenience. At worst, an OPPD power outage can damage your property, require you to shut your business down for the duration, or even cause injuries. While power companies expect a certain amount of preparation on the part of customers, and there's not much they can do when severe weather causes power outages, you can still file a compensation claim when there's an Omaha Public Power District power outage.

The question is, are you going to take the DIY method when filing your claim, or are you going to use a consumer advocacy product like DoNotPay?

How to Check the Status of an OPPD Power Outage

Omaha Public Power District has a robust set of tools with which you can keep tabs on a power outage. This is important because as soon as the lights go off, you should begin documenting everything, from the steps you take to monitor OPPD's repair progress to the day you receive a decision about your claim.

Besides, having a good estimate of the outage's duration will help you plan in case it's expected to last more than a few hours. Within four hours, your refrigerated perishables will begin to go bad, according to the CDC, even if you keep the doors closed, and within 48 hours your frozen goods will, too. You depend on electricity to keep your household fed, your home safe, and your business or wages rolling in, so staying informed is in your best interest—and taking notes will help you build your case for reimbursement.

Check the Outage Online

1. Go to this link to view the OPPD outage map.
2. Click on outage markers for more information about outages near you.
3. Review the sidebar on the right for more information.

Check the Outage on Your Phone Through the OPPD App

1. Go to this link to view information about the OPPDconnect app.
2. Select either the iOS or the Android app icon depending on your mobile device's operating system. You'll be taken to that operating system's app sales platform.
3. Download the app for free.

How to File a Compensation Claim on Your Own

If you're going to advocate on your own behalf, it's essential that you are as detailed and professional as possible when building your case. This reduces the chances of OPPD dismissing your claim.

Gather Your Evidence

Once the power is back on, it's time to take stock of your losses. Here's what information you'll need to back up your claims.

For property losses:

• Indicate whether you used surge protectors on your electronics.
• Provide receipts for damaged personal property.
• If you have estimates on property repairs or replacements, include these.
• If you have lost perishable food or medication, inventory items as you discard them.
• Photograph everything.

For personal injuries:

• Let OPPD know about your battery-operated flashlights and lanterns, and that you used them for safety.
• Include a doctor's note or an itemized medical bill.
• Include receipts related to the injury, from first aid supplies to out-of-pocket deductible or treatment costs.
• Take photographs of your injuries.

For lost business revenue or wages:

• Write down how your business or work was affected by the outage.

• Inoperable cash registers, safety lighting, or internet

• Submit sales receipts for comparable business days to show likely losses from closing the shop.
• Include pay stubs or tax records to prove average daily or hourly wages.

Send in Your Claim

Gather your documentation and draft a cover letter that briefly summarizes the included documents, and requests a specific amount for reimbursement. Note that OPPD likely factors in depreciation for damaged property, so you likely won't get the full cash value.

Make at least one copy for your own records, and mail your claim with delivery confirmation to:

Omaha Public Power District

Claims Department

444 S 16th St. Mall

Omaha, NE 68102-2247

While you should expect OPPD to take about four to six weeks to process your claim, it's a good idea to follow up by calling 1-877-536-4131 within 10 days of sending in your claim.

How to Use DoNotPay to Get Compensated ASAP

If you want to get compensation for an outage but you'd rather have a "AI Consumer Champion" handle it for you, DoNotPay has you covered in 9 easy steps:

1. Go to the Outage Refunds product on DoNotPay.

2. Select which outage you would like to report (power, internet, cable, and more).

3. Select your energy provider and enter your account number.

4. Indicate when the outage started and how long it lasted.

5. Verify your account information.

6. If you want to be reimbursed for losses related to a power outage, choose whether you want to be reimbursed for personal injuries, damaged property, or both.

7. Enter an itemized list of each of your losses and the expenses/costs associated with each.

8. Upload documents or photographic evidence that proves your losses. Also add the names of any witnesses who can attest to your losses if possible.

9. Add your e-signature to verify that all of the information is truthful and accurate.

Why Should You Use DoNotPay?

When you use DoNotPay, you can expect the following results:

Does DoNotPay Help With Other Types of Outages?

Yes! We file claims on behalf of our subscribers every day, including power and internet outage claims for utilities like these:

• Spectrum Internet
• DTE Energy
• Pacific Gas & Electric
• Oncor Electric Delivery

What Else DoNotPay Can Do For You

• Robocall compensation
• Neighbor complaints
• Jump the phone queue for any company
• Get help with bills
• File insurance claims
• File a customer complaint
• Appeal parking tickets in any city

Are you ready to give DoNotPay a try? Let us help you get compensated for an OPPD power outage today!