Summer storms can pack a punch. Heavy rain, frequent lightening and strong winds cause significant damage to homes and also to electrical equipment. As we assess the damage, some of the equipment needing repaired may not be owned by I&M. This is critical to understand as we work to return service to our customers as safely and quickly as possible. 

See if you can take power: Activar la Electricidad después de una Tormenta

When cleaning up after a storm, you may see power restored to certain locations or buildings first, such as police and fire stations, local hospitals and 9-1-1 call centers. I&M then targets large areas of impacted customers before servicing smaller outage clusters. In the final phases of restoration, work transitions to restoring power to individual properties, like a single home. But what if your power is still out?

También ver: Cuatro Fases para Restaurar la Energía Después de una Tormenta

Repairs to some parts of a home's electrical system are the responsibility of the homeowner. And for the homeowner's safety, I&M cannot restore power to damaged equipment. If your home's electrical system has been damaged following a storm, there are certain steps needed before we can safely restore your power.   

Understanding Responsibility

I&M is responsible for wires, service lines and facilities that deliver electricity to your house and the meters that measure electricity use. Homeowners are responsible for electrical equipment attached to their house, including meter bases, riser pipes and weatherheads. If that equipment is damaged, you will need to contact a licensed electrician to make necessary repairs. I&M is not authorized to repair privately-owned equipment.

Schedule Repairs

If customer-owned equipment is damaged or pulled loose from the house, the homeowner will need to set up an appointment with a licensed electrician to make the appropriate repairs. Do not try to fix the damage yourself.

Inspection and Restoration

Once the repairs are complete and have passed all required inspections, contact I&M at 800-311-4634 and we will work with you to restore power.

Damage from a storm may mean there are wires and other equipment down near your home. Always avoid any contact with this equipment and assume everything is still energized. Wait for a licensed electrician to make an assessment.

If customers have any questions on their ability to receive power following a significant storm or want more safety information, please call the Customer Solutions Center at 800-311-4634 or visit https://www.indianamichiganpower.com/safety/.