Electrical Safety

It’s important to remember that it is impossible to tell if a power line is energized by looking at it. It’s also hard to tell the different between power lines and other utility lines. Stay at least 10 feet away from any downed line and always assume that it is energized. Keep others away from any downed lines to protect them. Then check that it is within our service territory, and contact us.

There are numerous utility lines buried underground, including power lines. A free and easy way to ensure you’re staying safe is to call 811 to mark utility lines. Some lines will not be located, such as electrical or gas lines that you own on your property.

Always stay at least 10 feet away from power lines. This includes any equipment you may be on or using – such as ladders or pruners. Contact us to de-energize power lines before completing work. Never climb into a tree that is near or contacting a power line.

When planting trees or planning your home’s landscaping, it is important to select the right tree for the right place. Good landscaping utilizes shrubs and low-growing trees that are compatible with utility lines.

If you feel that you have trees that need to be trimmed or removed because they are too close to our power lines, please fix out an online Tree Trimming Request.

When working on outdoor projects, always look up and all around to see if there are any power lines near you or your working equipment. Accidental electrical contact can cause serious injury, or even death. Maintain a 10 foot distance between yourself and your equipment from any utility lines.

Know if your oversized, heavy-equipment, or other type vehicle and whatever you may be hauling has the necessary clearance to safely pass through our service territory without interfering with electric cables across roadways.

Clearance requirements for overhead electrical power lines spanning streets and roads are as follows:

• Maximum vehicle/trailer height of 16′ 5″

If your vehicle/trailer is above this height requirement, contact us to know the specific maximum height requirements for your vehicle and planned route, or to discuss alternative routes.

Electric-shock drowning happens when nearby electricity shocks and paralyzes someone, so they can’t swim or help themselves. This happens through accidental contact or faulty wiring. Keep yourself, those around you, and any boats, docks, lights, or sails at least 10 feet away from power lines. Ensure any wiring near water is safe.

If you believe someone or something near water has become energized, use an insulated implement to break contact and move them to a safe location. Immediately call 911 and perform any necessary emergency medical actions.

It’s important to teach your kids the importance of staying safe around electricity. Visit our Kids Corner for useful information.

Ensure your children know to play with toys, fly kites, and climb trees that are not near power lines. Likewise, they should stay away from electrical equipment and fencing, including electrical boxes, power poles, and household meters.

If a toy is ever entangled or touching electrical equipment, abandon it immediately and get an adult to see if it can be safely removed. If it cannot, contact us.