where does the electric company's responsibility end?

[cpl]

Hi everyone, brand new user here- Trying to solve/avoid a problem. I started having trouble with the power in my house- Lights flickering randomly here and there, power going out totally from time to time. Had electrician check it out, he replaced my main breaker panel, then discovered the problem was outside the house.
Con Ed, our supplier, was supposedly responsible since the problem was before the meter.. Yet they're telling me I'm responsible because the problem is in the pole attached to the side of the house that leads to the meter. Isn't that still theirs?
Either way, if the problem lies in that pole, the cause of the problem was a car accident that has the actual utility pole leaning about 20 degrees- The accident was a few years back, and Con Ed did a hasty temp fix. I believe that's what's causing the issue now, but can't seem to get a straight answer from them as to where their responsibilities end and mine begin.
So.. Anyone else had any similar issues? How'd they get resolved?
thanks,
Ian

[Pete]

hi there, sorry to hear this. So is the pole that's causing the problem on your property or some public area? If it's on your property I would think the person who caused the car accident should have more responsibility. Of course since it's been a couple of years it's probably hard to get to it.
If the pole is in public area, maybe giving a call to the city and see what's their suggestion?
Sorry if my comments don't help much.

[Amy]

Nevertheless, I think you should find out from the electric company exactly how to fix the problem, it should be within their scope of knowledge and expertise. Isn't the electric company the one that knows everything about electricity provided to your home.

If they don't provide any help or advice, you may want to look into going to the BBB or city government to complain about the problem.

[Amy]

I feel like if the problem is coming from the outside of my home (the grid, pole, etc..), it should be fixed by the electric company. I would fix whatever problem from my side that is inside my home.

[HomeBuildingHelp(dot)com]

In most cases, the electrical company owns the service lines and other infrastructure from the back of your home panel out.

9 times out of 10, that pole is theirs.

Same with cable co.
Same with phone co.
Same with gas co.
etc.

Once the service provider connects to the panel, demarcation, meter, etc, the problem becomes yours. However, if it happens on the service side of the panel, demarcation, meter, etc, it is theirs.

Hope this helps.

[raldous]

Originally Posted by cpl

Hi everyone, brand new user here- Trying to solve/avoid a problem. I started having trouble with the power in my house- Lights flickering randomly here and there, power going out totally from time to time. Had electrician check it out, he replaced my main breaker panel, then discovered the problem was outside the house.
Con Ed, our supplier, was supposedly responsible since the problem was before the meter.. Yet they're telling me I'm responsible because the problem is in the pole attached to the side of the house that leads to the meter. Isn't that still theirs?
Either way, if the problem lies in that pole, the cause of the problem was a car accident that has the actual utility pole leaning about 20 degrees- The accident was a few years back, and Con Ed did a hasty temp fix. I believe that's what's causing the issue now, but can't seem to get a straight answer from them as to where their responsibilities end and mine begin.
So.. Anyone else had any similar issues? How'd they get resolved?
thanks,
Ian

Typically, althought to be sure consult the power company, the power company is responsible up to the connection at the top of the mast leading in to the meter base. Sometimes, they are responsible all the way to the meter.

Should be easy enough to call or better yet, visit the power company office and ask. It should also be detailed in their policies and procedures document.


---"Had electrician check it out, he replaced my main breaker panel, then discovered the problem was outside the house. "-------
---Seems to me I would be questioning the qualifications of this electrician.