When a storm hits and causes damage to the electrical infrastructure, it's important to get the power back up and running as soon as possible. But who should be responsible for the cleanup? Should it be left to private customer-owned equipment and plant or utility-owned plant?

At AERIAL WORK UTILITIES, we provide the right solutions for all your electrical overhead and underground installations, ensuring electricity is delivered to where you need it, when you need it. And in post-storm cleanup situations, we believe that utility-owned plant is the best option for restoring power in a timely and efficient manner.

 

Advantages of Utility-Owned Plant:

1. Designed and maintained for the purpose of restoring power after a storm: Utility companies have specific protocols in place for post-storm cleanup work, and their equipment is designed to handle the most common types of damage caused by storms. This means that they can quickly assess the damage, determine what needs to be done, and start working on the repairs.

2. Equipped with the necessary vehicles and equipment: Utility-owned plant is equipped with specialized vehicles and equipment designed for the specific task of restoring power after a storm. This includes bucket trucks, line trucks, and specialized tools for repairing overhead and underground lines. This equipment is often expensive, and it may not be cost-effective for individual customers to purchase it for a one-time use.

3. Operated by trained and experienced professionals: Utility companies have highly trained and experienced professionals who know how to handle post-storm cleanup work safely and efficiently. They are well-versed in the latest safety protocols and best practices for post-storm cleanup work, which means that they can get the job done quickly while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

4. Cost-effective in the long run: While private customer-owned equipment may seem like a cheaper option initially, it may end up costing more in the long run due to maintenance and repair costs. Utility-owned plant is maintained regularly to ensure that it is always in good working condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns and costly repairs.

Disadvantages of Private Customer-Owned Equipment and Plant:

1. May not be well-suited for post-storm cleanup work: Private customers may not have the necessary equipment or expertise to handle post-storm cleanup work efficiently. This can lead to delays in restoring power to affected areas.

2. May end up costing more in the long run: Private customer-owned equipment may seem like a cheaper option initially, but it may end up costing more in the long run due to maintenance and repair costs. In addition, purchasing specialized equipment for a one-time use may not be cost-effective.

3. Location: Living in a place where you own private lines and equipment can be a disadvantage. Depending on your location, it may be dictated to you that you do own the private lines and equipment. This means that the utility company is not responsible for your equipment and lines. As a result, you will need to hire the right contractor to perform the necessary repairs on lines, poles, transformers, and other equipment. This can be a significant disadvantage, especially if you are not familiar with the technicalities of the equipment. In this blog, we will discuss the disadvantages of private ownership of utility lines and equipment and how it can affect you. 

4. Safety concerns and repair costs: When it comes to owning private utility lines and equipment, safety is a huge factor to consider. The utility company may de-energize the line for safety concerns, but as the owner, you will need to hire the appropriate contractor to perform the necessary repairs.

 

At AERIAL WORK UTILITIES, we understand the importance of restoring power quickly after a storm. That's why we believe that utility-owned plant is the best option for post-storm cleanup work. Our fleet of vehicles and equipment, along with our team of experienced professionals, is ready to help get the power back up and running as soon as possible.

Contact us today to experience reliable electrical installation and emergency services.

To learn more about the services we offer, please click here. If you have questions, we'd be happy to hear from you. Please feel free to call us at (289) 685-3489 or email Jfitz@awutilities.ca