Show All Answers

1. How do I arrange for a meter to be removed if I am replacing my siding?

Do not remove the meter yourself. Call the Electric Line Division at 419-468-5520 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday to help you.

2. What do I have to do if I am upgrading or changing my electric service?

Call the Electric Line Division between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. at 419-468-5520, Monday through Friday. A permit is required before you are upgrade your service. The new meter base must be purchased from the Electric Line Division. The installation of a disconnect is required whenever there is a change to the outside service. An inspection is required before you start your job.

3. Who do I call to report tree limbs interfering with electric lines?

Call the Electric Line Division at 419-468-5520 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

4. How do I report a street or traffic light not working?

Call Electric Line Division at 419-468-5520 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. After these hours call the Galion Police Dept. at 419-468-9111.

5. Can I donate a Christmas tree?

Yes, just call 419-468-5520 and we will put you on the list.

6. What is a disconnect or main breaker? How do I use it?

A disconnect or main breaker is used to cut off power to your entire home. In an emergency, such as during an appliance fire or while rescuing a person from household electrical shock, cut off the power to your house at the disconnect or main breaker. If it is faster for you to access your circuit breaker panel or your fuse box, turn all the breakers off or unscrew all the fuses to cut off power to the house.

7. What do I do if I see downed power lines?

Most overhead power lines are not insulated. When lines from a utility pole fall to the ground, always assume they are energized and dangerous. Energized lines can be deceiving by appearing lifeless and harmless but do not touch the lines! Stay a safe distance away (50 feet or more). See our storm safety page for more important information on downed lines. If someone is in contact with a fallen line, don't try to rescue them because you risk becoming a victim yourself. Warn others to stay away and call 911 for help.

8. What if the downed line is touching the car while I'm in it?

A car touching a downed line will become energized. Remain where you are, if possible, and wait for help. Do not step out of the car. If you must get out of the car because of fire or some other hazard, jump free of the car so that your body clears the vehicle before touching the ground. Once you clear the car, shuffle at least 50 feet away, with both feet on the ground. See our storm safety page for more important information on downed lines.

9. How do I handle an electrical shock?

There are 2 classifications of electric shock - low voltage and high voltage.

Low Voltage (Household)

• Call for emergency medical help immediately by dialing 911.
• Determine if the person is still in contact with the circuit or power source. If the person is in contact, assume the circuit is still energized.
• Turn off the power at your fuse box or circuit breaker panel.
• If you can't turn the power off, use a dry piece of wood, a plastic or wooden broom, or dry leather clothing to separate the victim from the power source.
• Never attempt to remove a person from an energized circuit with your bare hands!
• Once the victim is free, if they are not breathing or does not have a heartbeat, start CPR immediately; the victim is probably in cardiac arrest (Do not attempt CPR if you don't know the correct procedures).
• If the victim is conscious, keep them seated and quiet. Take the victim to the hospital for testing and observation or call 911.

High Voltage (Outdoor)

• If a person is in contact with a power line, assume the line to be energized and dangerous.
• Do not attempt to use an insulating device to free the person from the power line.
• Stay clear and warn others to keep away (50 feet or more).
• Call immediately for emergency medical help by dialing 911.
• Call your electric utility company.

10. How do I handle electrical fires?

Always be prepared. Keep a multi-purpose, type "ABC" (type "C" for electrical fires) fire extinguisher nearby. Mount the fire extinguisher in plain view near an escape route and away from potential fire hazards such as heating appliances. Review the manufacturer's instructions and know how to use the extinguisher prior having an emergency. If there is a fire:

• Make sure everyone has left or is leaving the house before attempting to fight a fire.
• Don't fight the fire if the fire could block your escape route.
• Call 911 for help even if the fire seems small and you think you can put it out.
• If the fire is confined to an appliance, electrical cord, outlet, or switch, shut off the power by opening your main breaker or disconnect, which is usually located near the electric meter. If it is faster, shut off the circuit breakers at your electric service panel or unscrew the fuses at the fuse box. Do this only if you can do so without endangering yourself.
• Never use water on an electrical fire! Water can carry the electricity back to you and you could receive a deadly shock.
• Use your multi-purpose or "C" fire extinguisher to put out the fire. If you manage to put out the fire, have the firefighters check to be sure the fire is not smoldering out of plain sight.

11. How do I prevent an electrical "dig-in" when excavating on my property?

Before excavating always call OUPS at 1-800-362-2764 if you are in Ohio. Do not dig until all utilities have located and marked the lines. If there is pad-mounted electrical equipment near the work area, then it is a good indication that underground lines exist. You must contact OUPS first. To prevent delays, your electric utility will require at least 72 hours notice. There is no charge for this service.

12. What do I do if I damage an underground electric line?

If an underground power line is damaged during excavation, warn others to keep away and call for your electric utility company or 911 immediately. If an underground power line is damaged when excavating with a backhoe or other mechanical equipment, the operator should remain on the equipment or vehicle until the equipment can be moved and cleared from the power line. If the operator must get off because of fire or some other hazard, the operator must jump free rather than step off the equipment. The operator should never step down or simultaneously touch the ground and equipment that is in contact with the power line.

13. What do I do if I hear noises or sounds coming from power lines and transformers?

Most sounds and noises such as static or humming noises are normal. However, if you hear unusual sounds such as an explosion from the power lines or transformers, please call your electric utility office immediately.

14. If my home becomes flooded, when are the electrical outlets safe to use?

You should have your electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician after a flood. Have the electrician visually inspect your system and perform tests to determine any deterioration in the system.