As July rolls in with longer days and rising temperatures, it also brings the increased potential for severe weather. Summer storms can arrive quickly and hit hard, sometimes causing significant damage to essential electric equipment throughout our community.
Medina Electric Cooperative is always prepared to respond swiftly to outages and restore power safely, but it is also important for homeowners to understand which parts of the electric system are their responsibility and which are maintained by us at the co-op. Understanding these key differences can help speed up repairs and ensure everyone stays safe when the weather turns rough.
Medina EC is responsible for maintaining and repairing the equipment and lines that provide your power, including utility poles, distribution power lines, electric meters and padmounted transformers.
Medina EC members 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.
If any equipment that you (the homeowner) are responsible for is damaged, please call a licensed electrician to conduct the repairs. A professional has the experience and know-how to assess and manage these types of repairs.
When severe weather damages electrical equipment, it’s important to note that any necessary repairs to the homeowner’s equipment must be conducted before Medina EC crews can restore power to your home or business for the safety of that location, all members and all staff. By understanding the equipment you are responsible for, the repair and restoration process will be smoother and faster.
Our community takes great pride in the beautiful trees and landscaping that contribute to the natural beauty where we live; however, regular vegetation management is essential to ensure reliable electric service and minimize damage from severe weather. Medina EC regularly trims trees throughout our service territory to improve service reliability. If you spot a tree limb that is obstructing a distribution power line outside your home, please call the co-op so we can trim those limbs and maintain those lines.
By working together to understand the essential equipment that powers daily life, we can all be better prepared to start the repair and restoration process if severe weather impacts our community.
If you have any questions about your electrical equipment, we’re here to help. Please contact Medina EC at 1-866-632-3532.
Until next time,
Trey Grebe
