As spring arrives in our service area, many Wake Electric members are heading outdoors to plant gardens, install fences and tackle home improvement projects. Before you get started, Wake Electric encourages you to take a few important safety steps to protect yourself, your property and your community’s electric service.

Call 811 before you dig. No matter how small the project, always contact 811 at least three business days before digging. This free service ensures underground utilities are located and marked. Accidentally striking, damaging or disconnecting an electric line can result in serious injury, costly repairs and unexpected service interruptions — all of which are easily avoided with a quick call or online request to 811.

Watch for overhead lines. Spring growth can bring tree limbs too close to power lines. If you notice branches near lines on or around your property, contact Wake Electric. Never attempt to trim tree branches near power lines yourself. Our trained crews have the proper equipment to manage vegetation safely and help prevent outages.

Do not tamper with your electric meter. If you’re upgrading your panel, replacing siding or making exterior improvements, it may seem convenient to remove or pull the meter temporarily but Wake Electric strongly warns against this. Your electric meter and meter base are cooperative-owned equipment and should only be handled by qualified professionals. Pulling or cutting a meter can create serious risks, including electrical shock, fire hazards and damage to your home’s electrical system. If your project requires temporary disconnection or relocation of your meter, contact Wake Electric first so we can coordinate safely with you and your licensed electrician. Unauthorized meter tampering results in a $200 investigation fee and may lead to additional legal consequences.

By planning ahead and putting safety first, you help ensure reliable service for yourself and your neighbors all season long. If you have questions about tree trimming or your electric service, contact Wake Electric at 800.474.6300. We’re always here to help!