Who Fixes Power Poles and Wires on the Street — Your Electrician or the Power Company?

You see that big pole outside with all the cords? That’s where electricity comes into your neighborhood. But if something goes wrong — like a wire falls, a transformer blows, or the power’s out on the whole block — who do you call?

Short answer:
👉 That’s your utility company’s job — not your electrician’s.

Let’s break it down.

🪵 What’s That Pole Called?

It’s officially called a utility pole or distribution pole. It usually carries:

• Electrical power lines (the high ones)
• Cable & internet lines (the low ones)
• Sometimes streetlights and transformers

These poles are owned and maintained by your local electric company — in Connecticut, that’s usually Eversource or United Illuminating.

🧰 So What Do Electricians Like Us Handle?

We handle everything from the pole to your panel — and everything inside your home.

Here’s what we can (and do) work on:

• The weatherhead (where the wires enter your home)
• The service cable (running down your wall)
• The meter socket and main electrical panel
• All your home’s wiring, outlets, and fixtures

✅ If the issue is on your house or inside it, call us.
❌ If it’s up on the pole or in the street, it’s the power company’s job.

🛑 Never Try to Fix Power Lines Yourself

Even if it’s a line touching your tree or driveway — do not touch it, go near it, or try to cut it. Even if it looks “off” or “not live,” it can still be deadly.

Call your utility company immediately. In Connecticut, that’s:

• ⚡ Eversource: 800-286-2000
• ⚡ United Illuminating: 800-722-5584

🔎 How to Know Who to Call

SituationCall an Electrician?Call Eversource?Lights flickering in your home✅ Yes❌ NoPower line down on your street❌ No✅ YesYour electrical panel is sparking✅ Yes❌ NoEveryone on your block lost power❌ No✅ YesMeter box is damaged on your house✅ Yes✅ (they may coordinate with us)Tree hit your service line⚠️ Both — electrician for the house side, utility for the street

👷 We Work With the Power Company — Not Against Them

Sometimes repairs overlap — especially after storms or tree damage. Eversource might shut off the power, and we step in to repair your home’s side of the service, like reattaching the weatherhead or replacing damaged conduit. Then they restore power when it’s safe.

At E&A Electric LLC, we’re familiar with utility protocols and can help coordinate with them when needed.

☎️ Still Not Sure Who to Call?

If you’re unsure, call us anyway. We’ll walk you through it, check what’s yours vs. what’s the utility’s, and let you know the safest next step.

📞 E&A Electric LLC — Local, licensed, and always here to help.