How Co-ops Prioritize Repairs After a Major Storm
Whenever the electricity goes out, we’ve come to expect service will be restored within a few hours at most. But when major thunderstorms or tornadoes cause widespread damage, longer outages often result. Line crews work long, hard hours restoring service, but it’s a task that needs to be done methodically to be done safely.
Every co-op follows a basic principle when it comes to restoring power. Priority goes to the lines that will get the most people back in service the quickest.
- This usually begins with main lines
- Continues out to tap lines
- Then to individual service lines
Be Prepared for Outages
People on life-supporting medical equipment need to have a plan in the event of an extended outage. Be prepared to move to a place that has power until power is restored to the residence. Remember, the best way to make your family and home safer is to be prepared before a disaster happens.
Who’s Responsible for Fixing What?
If your electrical components are damaged during a storm, you may need to repair them before power can be restored to your home. Identify your type of service connection below to learn what components you are responsible for.
Above-Ground Electric Service
Co-op responsibility:
Electrical service wire- Pole
- Electric meter
Member responsibility:
- Weather head
- Attachment
- Drip loop
- Riser/raceway
- Meter enclosure/box
- Any pole with a meter attached to it
Underground Electric Service
Co-op responsibility:
Pedestal- Electric meter
- Underground lines
Member responsibility:
- Meter enclosure/box
- Riser/raceway