General

New map makes it easier to report streetlight outages

OPPD customers just gained a new, high-tech way to report and track streetlight outages in their neighborhood.

A new map now available at MyOPPD.com will streamline the process and offer customers updates about a specific outage.

The service is available for all streetlights in OPPD’s service area as well as the OPPD-owned private outdoor lights used by farmers and city dwellers to illuminate their property.

OPPD unveiled the tool as part of a larger technology rollout to empower customers with more information and stronger service. The utility recently unveiled a new regional map where customers can report and monitor outages in their neighborhood and surrounding areas, among other upgrades.

“We’re consolidating all of these tools into one easy-to-use space,” said Ryan Larson, an OPPD business enablement lead. “Now, customers can go to one site for their needs instead of having a bunch of separate tools.”

New and improved

OPPD launched the new streetlight map this month with several major improvements over the previous version, Larson said.

Now, customers who want status updates on a damaged streetlight can subscribe to that specific job to learn when repair work is complete. OPPD will also notify those subscribers if a streetlight needs more extensive and time-consuming repairs, such as a full pole replacement.

To see the new streetlight map, visit MyOPPD.com and click “Outages” near the bottom of the page. From there, click “Report a Streetlight Issue” to access the map. To view a specific light, click the “Search” button in the top-left corner of the page and enter a nearby address.

Every green or red on the map represents a streetlight. Green dots are lights that OPPD believes are working properly. Red dots are streetlights with a reported issue.

Clicking a dot will reveal more information about the light, including its location, ID number and status. A menu on the right side of the screen allows customers to zoom to that specific light and report an issue.

Customers who access the site will also be able to see if someone else has already reported an outage.

More user-friendly

Previously, customers wanting to report a streetlight issue would have to call OPPD directly or use an older app. The new system allows them to do so from the MyOPPD website or their phone without having to use an app. Under the old system, customers who wanted to report a private outdoor light issue would have to call OPPD directly.

“The map provides higher accuracy from a reporting perspective,” Larson said. “Crews are going to be able to identify where they need to go more easily to assess the problem. The goal of the new streetlight outage map is to improve the customer experience and interaction with OPPD as a whole.”