(308) 324-2386
Meter pulled from panel

When a customer needed to add an electrical panel to their home, they sought the help of a local contractor. Unfortunately, the contractor was not a licensed electrician and he wired the new panel incorrectly. He also pulled the meter to disconnect power multiple times while working in the customer’s home. Both instances could have resulted in an electrical fire, physical injuries or even death.

Dawson PPD’s technology helps report power outages. An employee noticed a disconnected meter through a computer reading and sent a maintenance lineworker to investigate. The lineworker discovered the pulled meter and disconnected the power for safety purposes.

Major residential electrical upgrades require an electrical inspection according to Nebraska law. It is important for homeowners to contact Dawson PPD to ensure that the District’s existing electrical equipment can support the upgrades. Without proper notification, the electric service may be disconnected or unreliable. Damage to either Dawson PPD or the homeowner’s property may occur.

It is not safe for unqualified individuals to pull a meter to disconnect power.

“Pulling the meter does not guarantee that the power is disconnected,” said Safety and Loss Prevention Coordinator Dean Kunkee. “There’s a high chance for an arc flash if the meter is pulled. This can cause an electrical fire and seriously injure or kill a person.”

An arc flash is a phenomenon where a flashover of electric current leaves its intended path and travels through the air from one conductor to another, or to the ground. The results are often violent. Injury or death can occur when a person is near the arc flash.

“The main thing to remember is the meter is not a disconnect device,” he said.

Consider installing a disconnect or double-throw switch to safely disconnect power. Dawson PPD offers a rebate for a double-throw (also known as transfer switches) worth $200-300. Customers may also request temporary electrical disconnection.

It is also important to hire a licensed, qualified electrician when planning major electrical upgrades. Homeowners may search the Nebraska State Electrical Division’s website for licensed electricians.

Dawson PPD is committed to the electrical safety of the public. If you are planning to do any electrical work in your home, please safely disconnect electrical power and consider hiring a licensed electrician.

OTHER NEWS

Increase in EnergyWise rebates will continue in 2020

Three of the most popular residential EnergyWise programs will continue to have higher incentives into 2020. "In response to the devastating flooding this year, Nebraska Public Power District and its wholesale providers, including Dawson PPD, increased the incentive...

read more
Public power rocks!

Public power rocks!

  October is Public Power Month. Here's some facts about public power: Local people serving local people from the board to the lineworkers and front desk Involved in the communities they service with economic development assistance Reliable mix of energy...

read more
SmartHub Saves: Sara Bennett, Gibbon

SmartHub Saves: Sara Bennett, Gibbon

This series focuses on Dawson PPD customers who use SmartHub to manage their electrical use. SmartHub is a free web and mobile app available to all Dawson PPD customers. To sign up, call Dawson PPD at 308-324-2386 or visit DawsonPower.com under the payments tab. When...

read more
Translate »