When you’re planning a project that involves electrical changes, whether it’s an addition to your home, a new whole-home generator or an EV charger, there’s more to think about than just paint colors and timelines. Before you pick up a tool or start coordinating with contractors, contacting your co-op should be one of your first steps. Doing so can help you avoid unexpected delays, extra costs and safety risks as you update your home.
Why Communication Matters
One of the most common issues we see is members starting electrical work without letting us know. Many larger projects, like adding wiring, changing the location of your meter or installing new systems that draw power from the grid, can affect the electrical service we provide to your home.
If we know what you’re planning, we can:
-Tell you whether service upgrades, disconnections or reconnections will be needed, and what the timeline looks like.
-Coordinate temporary power disconnects safely when work makes them necessary, so that only trained co-op personnel perform them.
-Help you understand any costs that might result from changes to your service, so you aren’t surprised after the project has started.
Contacting us early can also help ensure that your contractor has the right information before work begins, which means fewer delays and smoother project completion.
Understanding the Inspection Requirement
When it comes time for reconnection after a project that disconnects your meter, we cannot turn the power back on until we’ve received the final electrical inspection from your county or town inspector. That means if your renovation requires meter removal or a temporary disconnection, it’s even more important to communicate with us before the job starts. Planning ahead helps reduce the amount of time you may be without power and ensures that all safety requirements are met.
Which Projects Should You Call About?
Not every small change around the house requires a call, but many projects that impact electrical service do.
Before you begin, reach out if you’re planning work like:
-Adding on to your home or finishing a room
-Relocating your meter or electrical panel
-Installing a whole-home generator
-Adding solar panels, EV charging or other major equipment
-Significant rewiring or service upgrades
And remember: in addition to contacting us, if your project involves digging in your yard, call 811 before you dig so underground utility lines can be located before work begins.
How We Can Help
Our member service team is here to answer your questions and walk you through the process. Whether you’re unsure if your project affects your service or you want guidance on what to expect, we’re just a phone call or email away. Call us at 800.222.3107 or email
info@pemc.coop.