Mast Repair & Payment Program

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Mast Repair Service

Buildings connect to electrical service through an electrical service mast. While BWL is responsible for the lines that run up to the mast, the mast itself is the property and responsibility of the home or business owner. If your mast is damaged and you lose electrical service as a result, you are responsible for making necessary repairs before BWL can restore your power.

BWL Meter Department

The BWL Meter Department is open from 7:30am to 3:30pm Monday through Friday. Electrical contractors and customers may pick up the following replacement parts required for power restoration resulting from damage to meter boxes due to masts being pulled away from their homes at the Haco Customer Service Center at the cul-de-sac on the east end of the building.

The equipment is free of charge to contractors and customers. It's important to note that customers should pick up these parts only at the direction of their electrical contractor:

  • 200 amp residential meter socket
  • Meter hubs in these sizes: 1”, 1 ¼”, 1 ½”, 2”, 2 ½”
  • Nylon screw type house knobs
  • Nylon riser clamp knobs for 2” rigid risers

Frequently Asked Questions

We've provided answers to the most commonly asked questions about mast repair and our payment program.

BWL power lines connect to a home or business at the vertical pole or "mast" on the sides buildings, or "house knobs" - those little knobs attached to the building. The meter - which records the amount of electricity used - is BWL equipment and the responsibility of the utility.

The customer is responsible for repairs to equipment shaded in orange (see diagram below). Masts or house knobs mark the point where BWL power lines connect to a home or business and are the customer’s responsibility. The property owner may choose to utilize the Emergency Mast Repair and Payment Program or they may use other alternatives to have the mast repaired. The meter is the BWL’s responsibility to maintain or repair. However, the equipment the meter attaches to (the meter box, see diagram) is the owner’s responsibility.
 

View Diagram

If your mast has been damaged, but your power is still on BWL will need to turn off the electricity to your home. Having mast damage with live electric current can cause a fire or other safety issues. Once your power has been shut-off, you can have the necessary repairs completed by a licensed electrician. Once this has been completed, BWL will return to restore power to your home.

Your repayment method will be agreed upon in advance when you sign a 3rd Party Payment Agreement. The repair charges can be applied to your BWL account as a separate line item or it can be billed on a separate invoice. The charges will be spread over a 12-month period without interest and payments can be made using the same method(s) that you use to pay your current utility bill. Early payoff will be accepted.

Typically after a storm or high winds, our repair crews leave bright orange notifications on residences’ door knobs. These “door hangers” list the type of repairs needed, and whether repairs will be done by BWL crews. It also lets customers know if they are responsible for repairs or need to consult or hire a licensed electrical contractor. The BWL cannot contract out for repairs. If you have any questions about our repair policies, please call our Customer Service Department at 517-702-6006.

After responding to a storm-related call at your property, a BWL crew member may leave a door tag that contains a list of BWL approved electrical contractors. A sample of the door tag can be viewed by clicking on the following link:

Emergency Mast Door Hanger

In order to be eligible for this program, property owners must retain a BWL approved electrical contractor and sign a 3rd Party Payment Agreement.

An agreement can be obtained from a BWL-approved electrical contractor. The agreement will be provided to property owner when mast repair services are performed.

To participate in the program, contact one of the following BWL approved contractors:

Any and all electrical contractor performance issues or concerns will be between the property owner/customer and the electrical contractor. The BWL does not inspect, verify, warrant, guarantee or otherwise affirm the work performed by the electrical contractor. The customer/property owner is responsible for ensuring any contractor work is performed in accordance to their satisfaction. Your signature on the 3rd Party Payment Agreement signifies your agreement to pay for the repairs.

This program is available for all BWL customers who would like an alternative financing option in the event repair is needed to a customer-owned mast.

This program is provided as an alternative financing option, not to be combined with your insurance company plan. Payment agreements are established between the BWL and the property owner. However, these types of damages may be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy. Please review your insurance policy or check with your insurance agent for possible coverage.

Payment agreements are established between the BWL and the property owner. Tenants should work with their landlords to get their mast repaired.