No heat. No power.Look beyond the utility.

Utility or property?

The dividing line matters.

In AEP Ohio territory, the utility's tariff identifies the metering device as company property while the meter base and its internal parts are customer-owned and maintained. Other equipment ownership can depend on the service configuration and utility rules.

That means a utility may confirm power at its side of the service while an electrician is still needed for the meter base, service conductors, disconnect, panel, or other customer equipment.

Weather exposure

Seals, connections, and enclosures age.

Outdoor service equipment faces rain, snow, temperature changes, physical damage, and years of expansion and contraction. Failed seals or damaged enclosures can allow moisture into connections and accelerate corrosion.

Do not open, touch, or attempt to dry damaged service equipment. Even when the home appears dark, utility conductors may remain energized.

What to do

Start outside the hazard zone.

Check the utility outage map or call the utility from a safe location. Note whether the whole property is out, whether some lights are unusually bright or dim, and whether neighbors are affected.

Call emergency services for fire, smoke, active arcing, a downed line, or immediate danger. For property-side electrical failure, Buckeye Electric can inspect the service equipment, coordinate with the utility, and plan the repair and inspection path.

• Stay away from fallen lines and damaged meter or service equipment
• Turn off or unplug sensitive equipment only if it is safe to do so
• Do not repeatedly reset a main breaker
• Report partial power, burning odors, heat, buzzing, or arcing immediately