Electric Service Equipment: Who is Responsible?
Sometimes, confusion arises over who is responsible for the maintenance and repair of electric service equipment in and around a house. Use the diagram below (for overhead lines) to help distinguish between service equipment owned by Central Hudson and service equipment owned by you, the customer. This will help you know whom to call when there’s a problem with your electric service.
| EQUIPMENT | WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? |
| » A: Service lines* are the wires that run overhead (from a pole) or underground to your house. | Central Hudson |
| » B: The service bracket is where the service line attaches to the building. | Customer |
| » C: The weather head prevents damage to the wiring. It’s the entry point for wires going to the meter box. | Customer |
| » D: The service entrance cable runs from the weather head through the meter box to the electric panel in your home. | Customer |
| » E: The meter pan is installed by an electrical contractor. If you need it removed (for example, to replace your siding), fill out the Overhead Electric Protection Notification Form at least five days in advance. We’ll unfasten the box and, upon notification, will return to attach it. | Customer |
| » F: The meter measures the amount of electricity you use. | Central Hudson |
* Central Hudson is responsible for service lines in most cases, except when the home is a considerable distance from the road. In that case, the homeowner may own the poles and electric lines. Call Central Hudson if you need specific information about the service lines at your property.
Underground Electric Service
Single lots: Homeowners are responsible for repairs to all underground electric lines.*
Residential developments of two to four lots: Central Hudson is responsible for repairs to underground electric lines up to the point where the lines only provide service to one customer, at which point the homeowner is responsible for repairs.*
Residential developments of five lots or more: Central Hudson is responsible for repairs to all underground electric service lines in residential developments serving five or more lots with underground utility lines.
*An electrician should be called to make such repairs, or you may request Central Hudson to make the repair for a fee.
SAFETY FIRST: Never tamper with electric meters or service lines. Doing so can result in serious electric shock.
Natural Gas Service
Our natural gas customers are responsible for maintaining and repairing any equipment past the meter, such as furnaces, gas ranges, water heaters or pipes inside the home. Central Hudson is responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing gas meters and pipes up to the meter.