Electric FAQs

Why does my power go out?

There are many reasons that power outages occur, including natural causes such as lightning and high winds from storms; ice on tree limbs; and animals like birds, squirrels and snakes getting into electrical equipment and lines. Man-made reasons for outages include car accidents that damage equipment, helium balloons that get into overhead lines and construction crews digging into underground electric lines

A lesser known reason for an individual home’s power going out is transformer overload. This occurs when additional electric loads are added by the customer and cannot be carried by the service transformer. To remedy this, the CPW must replace the existing transformer with a new one that can carry the added load.

To report a power outage call 942-8100

Why does the Greenwood CPW need to prune old, valuable trees?

The CPW has a utility right-of-way to maintain safe clearance around primary and secondary electric distribution lines. In most cases, the right-of-way extends 10 feet on either side of high-voltage electric lines. As many of us have experienced, severe weather conditions can compromise electric service and public safety if trees or tree limbs fall on electric lines. By trimming trees within right-of-ways, the CPW is ensuring the reliability of the electric system and helping to eliminate dangerous conditions that might result from a storm.

My home or business needs more outdoor lighting for safety. How can I get a security light?

Greenwood CPW offers a full-line of security lighting for residential and business needs. A typical residential small security light on an existing pole costs $7.35 + adjustments per month and will be added to your utility bill. Other types of security lights vary in cost per month depending upon the type and wattage of light needed. Depending upon the location of the light, an additional installation charge may apply.

To inquire about having a security light installed at your property, call 942-8100. If you already have a security light through the CPW and you need to get it repaired, call 942-8100.

How can I protect my valuable electronics (personal computer, stereo, television, microwave, etc.) from being damaged by lightning or other voltage fluctuations?

Today’s electronics operate with greater sensitivity and less tolerance to power fluctuations and interruptions than ever before. The CPW encourages its customers to protect their electronic equipment through proper surge protection measures.

The first step to surge protection is to make sure that your home or business is properly grounded. To determine this, a certified and licensed electrician can perform a service ground check. Without proper grounding, no other level of surge protection may be helpful.

A customer can then have an electrician install a meter base and/or main panel surge protection device. These devices should be UL-1449 rated. Please have your electrician contact the Electric Department at 942-8150 before installing a meter base protector.

The third level of surge protection is at the electrical outlet. This is the most common method of surge protection used by consumers; however, customers need to first consider surge protection at the entrance of your home’s electric service (meter base or main panel) first, to absorb most of the voltage spike caused by lightning or interruptions.