Does OPPD offer rebates for energy-efficiency improvements for commercial buildings?
How can I eliminate the demand charges from my bill?
Why am I getting charged for a demand that is higher than my actual monthly reading?
I have multiple accounts. Why is one multiplier higher than the other?
I am interested in installing a windmill. What are OPPD's requirements?
Why do I have to pay a deposit and when will it be refunded?
I don’t think my bill is accurate. Who do I call?
How do I know I’m on the best rate?
Can I get my meter read / bill to come at another time of the month?
Can I be on budget billing or level pay?
I’m planning on constructing a new building. Who do I contact and what information does OPPD need to get my project started?
I need my transformer relocated. Is there a charge for this?
I'm adding load to my facility. How do I know if my transformer is sized correctly?
I want to arrange a short outage so I can do some electrical work on my panel. How do I get this arranged?
Don't see your question listed above?
OPPD customer service representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 12 midnight, seven days a week. Please call 536-4131 in the Omaha area, and 1-877-536-4131 outside of the metro area.
OPPD's 24-hour emergency/outage number is 1-800-554-OPPD. (The 1-800 prefix must be dialed even if the call is local.)
Does OPPD offer rebates for energy-efficiency improvements for commercial buildings?
OPPD offers the following incentives for installing heat pump systems for commercial applications:
o One-time only energy credit of $100 per installed ton for any heat pump installation o An additional $25 per installed ton for using an electric boiler o Life-cycle cost analyses for evaluating various HVAC options at no cost For more information call any local Electrical Service Designer office.
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How can I eliminate the demand charges from my bill?
OPPD’s rates use standard utility pricing, commonly known as DEC pricing. DEC stands for Demand, Energy and Customer. OPPD’s rates include charges for each of these.
Demand relates to the amount of electricity used by customers at a specific time. OPPD’s demand rates measure demand in 15-minute intervals. OPPD builds power plants and transmission lines to supply electricity. OPPD’s generating plants and transmission lines must be large enough to supply electricity at all times. Demand charges recover the costs of building and maintaining power plants and transmission lines.
OPPD rates contain demand charges for larger customers (over 50 KW demand). If you are a larger commercial customer, you can manage your demand charges by controlling energy use in your facilities. Turning equipment on at the same time can sometimes result in peak demands from in-rush currents. Alternate scheduling of your larger motor loads can help. You can also implement energy savings improvements like variable frequency drives, digital controls, and energy efficient lighting to reduce your demand and consumption charges. Another option may be to try our Time of Use Rider which offers a lower demand ratchet if energy is used outside normal peak periods. An OPPD representative can assist you with identifying the best solution for your business. Just contact your local Electrical Service Designer office or Account Executive @ 636-3536.
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Why am I getting charged for a demand that is higher than my actual monthly reading?
There are 3 factors that are considered in determining a bill demand; the actual kW for the month, 85% of the highest summer kW, 60% of the highest winter kW, or the minimum for the rate, whichever is the highest of those factors will determine the bill demand for the current month.
Another reason could be a low power factor percentage, which we will power factor correct your demand to 85% of your actual kW. Additional information about OPPD rates can be found on OPPD’s website
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I have multiple accounts. Why is one multiplier higher than the other?
The multiplier is subject to the meter type and the size of load at each service. Using meters with multipliers enables us to use smaller equipment to read your electric usage. Having different multipliers does not mean you are getting charged more or less for each kilowatt-hour of energy used, it simply helps us to read the usage using smaller equipment. The multiplier does not relate to higher charges for electricity used but is simply a measuring tool to ensure accuracy of meter reads and associated billings.
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I am interested in installing a windmill. What are OPPD's requirements?
If you are considering installation of generation equipment, you should contact OPPD @ 552-4930 to talk to a representative about your particular installation. It is important to become familiar with all local, state and federal requirements concerning installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and OPPD's representative can review this information with you.
OPPD requirements for generation equipment that operates electrically isolated from the OPPD system (open transition) can be found in the OPPD General Wiring and Metering Specifications Manual. OPPD requires notification, consultation, and inspection for all standby generator installations. Please see our Meter Manual.
Equipment that operates or is capable of operation while electrically connected to or parallel to the OPPD system must meet stringent OPPD requirements including an OPPD application and review process and execution of written operating agreements. OPPD will often require the generator facility to install an exterior service disconnect switch, protective relaying, and other specialized equipment. The specific technical requirements for generation equipment capable of 'closed transition' operation can be found in the OPPD Distributed Generation Manual. Click here for information on energy purchase rates.
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Why do I have to pay a deposit and when will it be refunded?
Deposits are utilized to control costs associated with collection activities and to ensure that costs associated with collection activities are not passed on to our other rate payers. Deposits are assessed on all new general service customers and previous general service customers who currently do not have service.
OPPD offers several account security options other than deposits.
• Surety Bond – obtained from your insurance company • Irrevocable letter of credit – obtained from your financial institution
General Service customers are eligible for a refund after 4 years of service if they have maintained a good pay history. Customers can have no more than two late payment charges in 4 years to qualify.
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I don’t think my bill is accurate. Who do I call?
Contact OPPD’s Call Center @ 536-4131 and a representative will be happy to review this with you.
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How do I know I’m on the best rate?
A rate analysis is conducted on all general service customers on an annual basis to ensure that they are on the best rate. You can request an analysis at any time. OPPD Account Executives and Electrical Service Designers can also meet with you and provide an energy review which includes a review of your annual electrical usage including rate comparison information. Contact OPPD at 636-3536 or contact our Electrical Service Designers to arrange for an appointment or to discuss rate comparisons.
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Can I get my meter read / bill to come at another time of the month?
This most generally cannot happen, the meter reads are on certain cycles for specific areas.
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Can I be on budget billing or level pay?
Because of weather and other factors, monthly electric service bills may vary widely throughout the year. With the Level Payment Plan, you know exactly how much your monthly payment will be. OPPD offers the Level Payment Plan to qualified commercial customers on Rate Schedules 230 and 231. To qualify for the plan, payment on your account must be current. Commercial customers must have had an OPPD account for at least two years and must have an acceptable OPPD credit record.
To find out more about the level pay program check out our website or call 536-4131 to talk to an OPPD representative.
Be sure to check fuses and breakers as soon as possible. Outages are often caused by a blown fuse or tripped breaker.
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I’m planning on constructing a new building. Who do I contact and what information does OPPD need to get my project started?
It is always great to contact your OPPD representative as early as possible when planning a new construction project. You can call 636-3536 to reach the appropriate Electrical Service Designer or Account Executive or go to OPPD.com's section on Electrical Service Designers.
Below is a checklist which identifies the information that will be required.
Information Needed Prior to New or Upgraded Service
Project identification
1. Project name
2. Owner’s name and phone number
3. Contact person’s name and phone number
4. Architect and consulting engineer
5. General contractor and electrical contractor (when known)
6. Project address/service address 7. Legal description (for easements, if needed)
Building location
1. Site plan
2. Building elevations
3. Grade changes planned
4. Distribution pole relocations
Electrical Data
1. Total connected load details:
a. Lighting kW
b. Motor HP
c. Heating kW
d. Air conditioning kW or tonnage
e. Miscellaneous
2. kW of largest unit of load
3. Estimated maximum demand in kW (if available)
4. Type of transformer installation desired:
a. Padmount
b. Overhead
c. Other
5. Point of entrance desired
6. Voltage and phases desired
7. Electrical one-line diagram
8. Number and size of each main disconnect
9. Number and size of line and load conductors
10. Meter location desired
11. kVa meter or specialized (pulse) metering needed
12. If rewiring, old meter number
13. Possible future load additions
Time Schedule
1. Work drawings, start and completion dates
2. Bid date
3. Permanent service date
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I need my transformer relocated. Is there a charge for this?
Typically relocation of equipment can have fees associated but these are handled on a case by case basis. Fee determination is based on the reason for relocation, easement and/or right of way details, and time, labor and materials involved. Please contact your Account Executive or Electrical Service Designer to schedule an appointment. Click here to find your representative contact information or call 636-3536 to schedule an appointment.
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I'm adding load to my facility. How do I know if my transformer is sized correctly?
When adding electrical load to an existing facility you should always contact your OPPD Account Executive or Electrical Service Designer to discuss your plans to ensure that OPPD facilities can accommodate your new load. This is also a good time to review your rate to ensure you are on the best rate. To contact your OPPD representative please click here.
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I want to arrange a short outage so I can do some electrical work on my panel. How do I get this arranged?
Outages can be scheduled by contacting your Account Executive, Electrical Service Designer or Customer Service Analyst. Call 636-3536 and your call will be transferred to the appropriate personnel.
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