Power Restoration Plan

Step 1: High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Marlboro Electric begins by mobilizing linemen and other critical staff. The big problems are handled first – like damage to transmission lines, which serve thousands of people. These problems must be corrected before crews can focus on other areas where more localized damage may have occurred.

Step 2: Substations

Marlboro Electric crews inspect substations to determine if the problem starts there, or if there could be an issue down the line. If the root of the problem is at the substation, power can be restored to hundreds of members at one time.

Step 3: Main Distribution Lines

MEC linemen then check the main distribution power lines. These lines carry electricity away from the substation to large groups of members in communities or subdivisions. When power is restored at this stage, all consumers served by this distribution line could see their lights come on, as long as there is no problem farther down the line.

Step 4: Tap Lines

Next, linemen check the service lines, called tap lines, which deliver power to transformers, either mounted on poles or placed on pads for underground service, outside businesses, schools and homes. The remaining outages are fixed based on restoring service to the greatest number of members.

Step 5: Individual Homes

Sometimes, damage will occur on the service line between your house and the transformer on the nearby pole. This may explain why you have no power when your neighbor does. Always call to report an outage to help crews isolate these local issues.

Restoring power during widespread outages involves much more than flipping a switch or removing a fallen tree off a line. At each stage of the restoration process, Marlboro Electric linemen work to restore power safely to the greatest number of our members in the shortest time possible. To learn more about the procedure for restoring power, watch the short video below.

View a restoration plan illustration of how we restore power.