Who Owns What? 

Summer often brings calm, sunny days—but it can also deliver sudden, severe storms. These storms can cause major damage to vital electric equipment across our community.

At Citizens Electric, we work year-round to stay prepared, but these events highlight the importance of shared responsibility. It’s essential for members to understand which parts of the electric system they’re responsible for and which we maintain. Knowing the difference can help prevent delays, speed up repairs, and keep everyone safe when storms strike.

Equipment Breakdown

Citizens Electric is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines that run to your home, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters, and pad mounted transformers.

On the other hand, you are responsible for the equipment located between the electric meter and your home or business, including any underground service lines that lead into the structure and the service panel. Members are also responsible for the weatherhead and service mast located outside the home (see the graphic).

If any equipment you are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed electrician to conduct the repairs. A professional has the expertise to assess and manage these types of repairs. When severe weather damages electrical equipment, any necessary repairs to homeowner-owned equipment must be completed before we can restore power to your home or business. By addressing what’s within your control, you help our crews work more quickly and safely.

We also want to highlight something we all value—our trees and landscapes. While we take pride in the natural beauty of our community, regular tree trimming is essential to maintain reliable electric service and reduce storm-related damage. We routinely trim trees across our service area to enhance reliability. If you see a tree limb obstructing a distribution power line near your home, please contact us. For limbs or vegetation near your service line, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility—please hire a professional tree trimming service for assistance.

When we work together, we do more than keep the lights on - we help build a stronger, safer, and more resilient community. By learning about the essential equipment that powers our daily lives, we can all be better prepared to begin repairs and restoration when severe weather strikes.

If you ever have questions about your service, safety, or anything else, we’re just a phone call away at 1.877.876.3511.