Did You Experience a Costly SMUD Power Outage?

If you did, there's a good chance you can get compensated for lost earnings, damaged property, and health problems if you file a SMUD power outage claim. While SMUD does make it easy for you to submit a request, their process isn't necessarily the best way to ensure you'll get the refund, credit, or cash award you deserve.

Let's look at how you can file a thorough, evidence-intensive claim on your own, or let a consumer advocacy company like DoNotPay do it for you.

How to Check for a SMUD Power Outage

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District operates an outage map, on which you can learn more about the loss of power in your area.

1. Navigate to https://www.smud.org/en/Customer-Support/Outage-Status. Look for the round, numbered outage icon closest to your home or office.
2. Click on the icon; it may zoom in and split into multiple, more location-specific alert icons
3. Take notes on which type of outage it is

• Light blue = unplanned outage
• Green = planned maintenance
• Dark blue = both unplanned and planned maintenance
• The number on the icon is the number of businesses or residences affected

4. Record the time the outage occurred, and the estimated time of restoration indicated on the right of the map.
5. Record the reference number on the right of the map.

The information you document from the outage map can help you later, as you build your case for compensation after a SMUD power outage.

How to File a Compensation Claim for a SMUD Power Outage on Your Own

Detailed proof of your losses is the best way to back up your claim. The more specific your evidence, the more likely you are to have your claim approved. While SMUD does have a claims form (linked below) you can avoid the possibility of them dismissing your case for lack of evidence if you send in your evidence right away.

Phase One: Gather Your Proof

Immediately after the lights go out, start taking notes about the outage and your losses. Be specific if you want the best chance at having your claim approved.

• The time of the outage and its restoration, as indicated on the outage map.
• The location, but when the outage and restoration actually occurred at your home or business.
• Receipts for or photographs of the perishables destroyed in the outage.
• Sales receipts for business days are similar to those affected by the outage.
• Your pay stubs if you are an employee who was sent home during the outage
• Your hourly rates if you're an independent contractor.
• List canceled appointments, meetings, or projects you were unable to complete.
• Property damage other than perishables, such as electronics.
• Include any repair estimates or replacement costs.
• If you surge protectors on your electronics.
• How family members and pets who are dependent on power for their health were affected.
• Itemized medical bills for health injuries incurred during the SMUD power outage.
• Photographic evidence whenever possible.

Phase Two: Send in Your Claim

The above records will help you fill out SMUD's Claim Form, downloadable here.

You can email your claim to claims@smud.org, or fax it to 1-916-732-5207 (Attention: Claims Department) but we recommend sending the completed form along with your own documents by mail. Include a cover letter that requests a specific amount to be reimbursed and mail your claim to:

Sacramento Municipal Utility District

Attn: Claims MS A255

PO Box 15830

Sacramento, CA 95852-0830

You can also drop off your claim at:

SMUD Customer Service Center

6301 S. Street

Sacramento, CA 95817

Phase Three: Follow Up

We recommend that you follow up your request within ten days of mailing your claim, or a week if you faxed, e-mailed, or dropped it off in person. You can use the e-mail address listed above, or call 1-916-732-5018.

How to Get Compensation for a SMUD Power Outage Using DoNotPay

If you want to get compensation for a SMUD power outage but don't know where to start, 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.

That sounds easier, doesn't it?

Does DoNotPay Help With Other Types of Outages?

Yes. We'll help you file a claim with any power or internet service provider across the United States, including 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

Why Should You Use DoNotPay?

Because we're…

Give us a test run with your SMUD power outage compensation claim today. You just might decide we're your best advocates for all your consumer challenges.