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Equipment Responsibility

​​When service damage occurs, it's important to understand who is responsible for the repair. Distinguish between areas owned by Delmarva Power and areas owned by the customer.

Elec​tric Equipment​

Items #2 and #3 are not applicable to underground installations. 

  1. Delmarva Power - Electrical Service Wire coming from Delmarva Power's system (overhead or underground)
  2. Customer - Attachment (the point where Delmarva Power equipment attaches to customer property)
  3. Customer - Weather Head and wire drip loop (the weather resistant entry point for customer wires going to the meter box)
  4. Customer - Riser/Raceway (the conduit that physically protects wires going to the meter box)
  5. Customer - Meter Enclosure/Box (contains and safely secures the electric meter)
  6. Delmarva Power - Meter (measures the amount of electricity used by the customer)

Residential Overhead Services

Delmarva Power will reinstall the customer's overhead service drop to the original point of attachment of the building. The customer is responsible for any repair to their service entrance cable(Line side and load side)

Residential Underground Services

  • After repair work on underground cables is completed, Delmarva Power will back-fill the trench to the original grade.
  • If the customer caused the damage, the customer is responsible for the costs to repair the cable, for reseeding or re-sodding the area, and for replacing any structures, fences, patios associated with the damage.
  • If Delmarva Power is responsible for the repair (breakdown in cable, etc.), Delmarva Power will reseed or resod the affected lawn or yard area back to its original condition.
  • Easements must be kept clear of trees, bushes, structures, fences, patios, etc. The restoration of power and repair of cable can be delayed if Delmarva Power cannot safely access its facilities​

Report Meter Damage 

Business and homeowners are encouraged to conduct a damage assessment of their facilities following a severe storm such as a hurricane. In many cases, there may be damage to your electric equipment that must be repaired before electric service can be restored to your property. While we are responsible for the service line that comes into your home or business and the electric meter, there are other components that are the responsibility of the property owner. If any of these components are damaged, we will not be able to restore electric service to your property. 

The property owner is responsible for the following components:

  • Weatherhead
  • Attachment hardware
  • Riser
  • Meter box

Overhead Service

If you have overhead service, check the weatherhead and riser for damage. This is the upside-down J-shaped metal cap and the pipe that runs down to your electric meter where the power lines connect to your home or business. If it appears bent or loose, have a licensed electrician make a closer inspection and repair it if necessary. Check the meter box, too, and if it is pulled away from the building have your electrician re-attach the box.  If there is damage to the meter, we will repair or replace it.  Your electrician can advise you if a permit or inspection is required. 

Underground Service

If you have underground service, check the riser (the pipe that extends below the meter into the ground,) as well as the meter box itself. If you see any damage, contact your electrician to inspect the items and make repairs if necessary.

We are responsible for the following components:

  • Service line - overhead or underground
  • Electric meter

If any of these components are damaged, please call 1-800-375-7117.

Gas Equipment

Delmarva Power ensures reliable and safe gas service to our customers. We rely on our customers to understand what they can do in order to maintain the areas that they are responsible for and to stay safe around natural gas.

Delmarva Power owns all pipes, underground and above ground, up to and including the gas meter, which is sometimes located indoors. Customers own and maintain all above ground and buried pipe after the meter, and their gas appliances.

Protect Gas Equipment and Piping

  • Ensure a minimum of three feet of clear space around each meter.
  • Use caution when performing any work around meters or moving vehicles or equipment near meters or piping.
  • Contact Delmarva Power at 800-375-7117 to report any suspected damage or signs of deterioration to meters or piping.
  • Make a free call to 811 at least two full business days (but no more than 10 days) before digging underground to ensure natural gas pipes and other utilities are properly located and marked.

For more information on natural gas safety, please visit our Natural Gas Safety page​.

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