Electrical Equipment and Clearances

Doing any landscaping for your home or business? Make sure you adhere to the correct clearance guidelines around the City's electrical equipment when designing where to place plants, shrubs, fencing, and any other yard materials. Access this convenient  diagram of common high voltage electrical equipment that can be found on your property and further instructions with schematics about Electrical Equipment Clearances. 

Mylar Balloons and Power Lines Don't Mix

Mylar balloons are a fun, festive way to say “Happy Birthday,” “Get well soon,” and “Congratulations.” If not properly handled, they also cause power outages that impact homes and businesses. One Mylar balloon contacting a power line will cause a short circuit resulting in a hazardous condition and power outage that inconveniences customers and causes potential costly equipment repairs.

To reduce those types of incidents, use these safety tips with balloons:

•           Keep metallic balloons away from power lines.

•           Always attach a weight to metallic balloons when using them outside.

•           Never release metallic or latex balloons outside.

•           Never use metallic ribbon with balloons.

•           Always deflate metallic balloons and dispose of them properly when you’re through with them.

Never attempt to retrieve a balloon, kite, or other objects from or near power lines. Instead, contact Richland Energy Services for help at (509) 942-7421 during office hours (7:00 AM – 3:30 PM) and (509) 943-4428 after hours.

Equipment Theft

Electrical utilities have been plagued with the theft of copper wire and other metals. Electrical system damage resulting from thieves not only costs thousands of dollars, it can also, cost lives.  If the electrical system is damaged, it operates incorrectly and puts electric utility workers lives in danger. 

If you suspect someone is stealing wire or vandalizing City of Richland property, please call 911. Your call could save someone’s life.

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