Keep green metal transformer boxes clear of obstructions
With warm spring weather comes yard work and SMUD wants customers with high-voltage equipment and transformers in their yards to help keep everyone safe by maintaining clearance around the green metal utility boxes.
Remember to keep eight feet of space around this equipment when planting trees and shrubs, or building fences and other structures. Proper clearance helps SMUD crews restore power more quickly and safely during a power outage. It also helps them perform scheduled maintenance more safely and efficiently. The clearance is a legal requirement, as regulated by the California Code of Regulations.
Also, remember to call 811 before you start digging to request a utility-locate before each ground disturbance job. Using usanorth811.org for your notification can save time. There is no cost for the customer and all utilities will respond to mark the locations of their underground lines so that there isn’t an accidental dig-in, which can be dangerous and result in injury and expensive repairs. The notification is valid for 28 days so if the excavation project goes beyond this timeframe, notify USA North again to renew your ticket. For businesses, or if a homeowner hires someone, it’s the law to request a utility-locate a minimum of two full business days before doing any digging. But for do-it yourself homeowners, it’s the way to stay safe and avoid financial and legal responsibility for repairs and/or injuries.
For safety’s sake, never climb on, plant or dig around neighborhood electrical transformers.
About SMUD
As the nation’s sixth-largest, community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, SMUD has been providing low-cost, reliable electricity to Sacramento County for more than 75 years. SMUD is a recognized industry leader and award winner for its innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies and for its sustainable solutions for a healthier environment. In 2020, SMUD’s power supply was more than 60 percent carbon free, and SMUD has a goal to reach zero carbon in its electricity production by 2030.