Electric Department FAQ
What do I do if my power is out?
First of all, check your breakers or fuses. Once you have verified that it is not a problem inside your house, call the Electric Department at 545-4600. Our phones are answered by Electric Department personnel during business hours and by an answering service after hours. They can dispatch someone to investigate your outage.
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What if the outage is due to a hurricane?
Please be patient. If the outage is the result of a large storm or hurricane, it could take a while for our crews to restore power to the entire city. After an initial evaluation of the outage, we will give top priority to health care and public safety facilities. After these services are restored, we will concentrate on areas where we can restore service to the most customers.
If you have food in the freezer, keep the door closed. Frozen food will keep for 24 hours or more if the door is not opened. If it is an extended outage, placing ice in the freezer may help food keep for longer periods of time. Have batteries for flashlights and radios on hand.
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What do I do if there is a line down on the ground?
Don't touch it!! Always assume that a downed line is energized and can hurt you. Call the Electric Department immediately at 545-4600.
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How do I apply for a new service?
You will need to make your initial application with the Billing Department at City Hall. Customer Service representatives will set up your account and inform you of any application fees and deposits which may be required. You will also need to contact the Electric Department to arrange for an on-site evaluation of your service location. At this point, physical service arrangements will be discussed with you, i.e. the size of your service, the location of your meter base, any work necessary by the Electric Department, and work that will be required by you or your contractor.
Meter bases for residential service are provided by the Electric Department and can be obtained at our Office at 800 Church Street. A copy of your Electrical Permit will be required prior to the issue of a meter base. Electrical Permits can be obtained from the Building and Planning Department at City Hall.
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What do I do if my power has been disconnected?
Call the Billing Department at 545-4030 to make arrangements for payment of any past due bills or late charges. Service cannot be restored until the Billing Department has received payment.
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I need to do some excavation on my property. How do I know if there are any underground lines where I need to dig?
Call the Electric Department at 545-4600 and the Water Department at 545-4500. We will have someone locate any underground lines that we have in the area. Many other utilities can be located by calling the Palmetto Utility Protection Service toll free at 1-888-721-7877.
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What do I do if I would like a security light in my yard?
Just as with a new service, you need to call the Billing Department to have this light added to your account. Then an Electric Department representative will arrange to meet you to discuss where the light can be installed.
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My security light needs to be repaired. What do I do?
Call the Electric Department at 545-4600. The repair and maintenance are included in your monthly charge for the light, so there will be no additional charges to you for this service. Likewise, if there is a street light on your street that needs to be repaired, call the Electric Department and we will take care of it.
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