Umair Gaines
Power outages can be frustrating and costly, and it is often unclear whether the electric company or the consumer is responsible for the financial burden. In some cases, power outages can cripple communities, leaving thousands of people without power for days. Ultimately, it is the consumer's responsibility to maintain their electrical equipment and wiring inside their homes, while the electric company is responsible for the wire up to the pole and the meter. During storms or accidents that cause power outages, electric companies may offer compensation for items that spoil or for hotel stays, but this is not guaranteed and may require legal action.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wires from pole to house | Responsibility of the utility company |
| Wires from meter to house | Responsibility of the homeowner |
| Electric meter | Responsibility of the utility company |
| Weatherhead | Responsibility of the homeowner |
| Overhead line | Responsibility of the homeowner |
| Service drop | Responsibility of the utility company |
| Meter base/box | Responsibility of the utility company |
| Circuit or fuse box | Responsibility of the homeowner |
| Service line, transformer, meter, or other electrical equipment | Oncor and Oncor contractors have access to repair and maintain |
| Low voltage lines | Responsibility of the homeowner |
| High voltage lines and transformer on the utility pole | Responsibility of Oncor |
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What You'll Learn
Responsibility for repairs and maintenance
Electricity companies are responsible for maintaining and repairing electric lines running between poles, performing regular readings, and repairing service entry cables that run from the power lines to the house. They are also responsible for installing and maintaining electric meters, and performing regular readings to ensure accurate measurement and billing of electricity usage.
Homeowners, on the other hand, are responsible for maintaining most of the equipment on their property, including the wiring in and around their homes, the service entry cable from the electric meter to the house, and the meter base. They are also responsible for keeping trees on their property at a safe distance from power lines and maintaining the weatherhead, a hood-shaped cap that sits atop a metal pipe connecting the home and electric service lines.
In the case of underground electric lines, the responsibility for repairs depends on the number of lots served by the lines. For residential developments of two to four lots, the utility company is responsible for repairs up to the point where the lines only serve one customer. For developments of five or more lots, the utility company is responsible for repairs to all underground electric service lines.
It is important to note that homeowners should never attempt electrical work themselves unless they are licensed electricians. Instead, they should hire a qualified electrician to perform any necessary electrical repairs or maintenance to avoid hazards and ensure their safety.
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Electric company vs homeowner responsibility
Electric companies are responsible for generating and providing electricity to consumers. They are also responsible for repairing and maintaining wooden utility poles, power lines, transformers, and electric meters. In the case of electric meters, electric companies are responsible for meter installation and maintenance, but the homeowner should contact their local electrician if they are experiencing issues with their meter. Homeowners are responsible for repairing the electric meter itself but must contact the utility company to turn off the power before attempting any repairs.
The service entry cable is the wire that runs from the utility company's power lines to the electric meter on the side of the house. Utility companies are responsible for repairing service entry cables that run from the power lines to the house, but homeowners are responsible for repairing the portion of the cable that runs from the electric meter to the house.
In terms of safety, electric companies have a responsibility to exercise a degree of care commensurate with the danger for the protection of those who may be subject to peril. This includes making reasonable inspections of wires to discover and remedy hazards and defects, and ensuring that utility wires are not sagging, hanging, or too low.
Homeowners are responsible for maintaining most of the equipment on their property, including the wiring in and around their homes. This includes the wires connecting the weatherhead to the meter and the lines leading from the meter. Homeowners are also responsible for maintaining any trees on their property and keeping them a safe distance from power lines.
Overall, it is important for both electric companies and homeowners to understand their responsibilities to ensure the safe and efficient operation of electrical systems.
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Electric company's duty of care
Electric companies have a duty of care to their customers and the general public to ensure their safety. This includes the proper installation and maintenance of electrical equipment, such as power lines, transformers, and electric meters, to prevent injuries or deaths caused by electricity. Electric companies are responsible for generating and providing electricity to consumers while ensuring the safety of their workers and the public.
In most cases, electric companies are not liable for defects in the electrical system they supply if they are merely furnishing electricity. However, they have a duty to inspect, repair, and maintain their equipment, including wires and power lines, to identify and rectify any hazards or defects. This duty of care extends to ensuring proper insulation of dangerous wires near trees and maintaining a safe distance between trees and wires.
The standard of care expected from electric companies may vary depending on the jurisdiction. Courts have imposed a high degree of care on those maintaining electric wires, especially to protect children from potential injuries due to their curiosity and ignorance of danger. Electric companies may be held liable for injuries caused by their negligence, even if they had no prior knowledge of a dangerous condition in their system.
To fulfil their duty of care, electric companies must exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in the construction, maintenance, and inspection of their equipment. They are expected to conduct regular exercises and drills to prepare for cyber and physical attacks, as well as significant outages caused by severe weather events. Additionally, they are responsible for restoring power safely and efficiently after disruptions, often with assistance from mutual aid networks within the industry.
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Electric meter issues and repairs
Utility Company Responsibilities:
Utility companies are generally responsible for repairing service entry cables that run from their power lines to the electric meter on the side of a house. They are also typically responsible for performing regular meter readings to ensure accurate electricity measurement and are usually obligated to fix any issues with the meter they installed. Additionally, they may provide emergency services to address urgent electrical problems.
Electric Company Responsibilities:
Electric companies are responsible for meter installation and maintenance. They are also in charge of reading the meter. If you suspect any issues with your meter, it is essential to contact your electric company, and they will send a professional to assess the situation.
Homeowner Responsibilities:
Homeowners are generally responsible for repairing the portion of the service entry cable that runs from the electric meter to the house. They are also typically accountable for maintaining most of the equipment on their property, including the wiring in and around the home. Homeowners should contact their utility company to turn off the power before attempting any repairs. It is important to hire a licensed electrician for maintenance and repairs to avoid hazards and injuries.
Signs of Meter Issues:
Meter issues can result in sudden increases in your electricity bill due to faulty readings. Mechanical issues, such as broken dials or gears, are common problems. Electrical damage, while less common, can cause long-term issues and impact the accuracy of electricity measurements. If you notice any signs of damage or suspect something is wrong, contact your utility company or electric company for assistance.
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Trees and power lines
The responsibility for maintaining trees near power lines is shared between electric utility companies and property owners. Utility companies are responsible for safeguarding the main power lines between poles or substations, while property owners are responsible for maintaining trees that could interfere with service lines. Service lines are the smaller lines that connect the main lines to individual homes or businesses.
Property owners must ensure that trees on their premises do not threaten service lines. Regular inspection and timely trimming can prevent disruptions to individual electric service. In some cases, a permit may be required to cut down a tree, especially for large trees or those protected by local ordinances.
Utility companies are responsible for ensuring that power lines are clear of trees and vegetation that could cause damage or disruption. This includes trimming or removing trees from areas surrounding power lines to provide safe and reliable electric service. In the event of a storm or other emergency, utility companies may also be responsible for cutting, trimming, or removing trees or branches from their equipment to restore service and ensure future reliability.
It is important to note that specific regulations and responsibilities may differ based on state or municipal policies. For example, in Massachusetts, removing or trimming trees within 10 feet of primary power lines is illegal unless done by an OSHA-certified line clearance worker. In Maryland, the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulates tree maintenance by utility companies, and municipalities may have their own ordinances regarding tree removal.
If you have concerns about trees near power lines, it is best to contact your local utility company or a professional tree service company for guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
The power company is responsible for repairing power lines up to where they connect to your home. The homeowner is responsible for any wires after the connection to pole lines. The homeowner is also responsible for any trees on their property and must maintain a safe distance between trees and power lines.
Contact the power company to shut off the service. Stay away from any fallen wires as they should be considered dangerous. After the power company has turned off the power, call a local tree service company to remove the downed tree.
No, you should not attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself. Tree trimming near power lines is extremely dangerous and requires precise work, knowledge, and experience. In Massachusetts, removing or trimming trees within 10 feet of primary power lines is illegal unless you are an OSHA-certified line clearance worker.
