Overhead Service

Overhead service, also known as an overhead service drop, is the overhead electrical power line coming from our utility pole to your home. The following information will provide you with the basic steps involved with the process of installing a new overhead service.

Because the availability of the electric power source varies from customer to customer, please contact us early in your planning stage so we can assess your needs and determine costs. We may need to extend our higher-voltage power lines to provide service to your property. This requires additional time and possible additional charges.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing Overhead Electric Service

Your Request
Our Consultation
Your Service Options
Your Electrician's Role
Your Municipal Inspection
Our Inspection
Installing Your Overhead Service
Receiving Your First Electric Service Bill

Your Request
Call us at 800.477.4747 to request an overhead service. Please have the following information available:
- Your full name
- Telephone number (daytime)
- Address/Cross streets
- City/Township
- Lot number (if applicable)
- Subdivision name (if applicable)
- In-care-of mailing address for billing purposes (usually your current address)
- Social Security Number or other identification
- Account Number found on your DTE Energy bill, if you're a current customer
Our Consultation
Upon receipt of the information in Step 1, one of our representatives will contact you within five working days for the following information:
- Site plan (if applicable)
- Electric load information (your electrician may assist you)
- Proof of ownership (if applicable)
Once we have this information, your site will be inspected to determine the nearest power source and meter location options for the installation of your new overhead service.

PLEASE NOTE: If you are considering future exterior modifications that could affect your service, such as a swimming pool, landscaping, deck or patio, please mention these plans to our representative. Considering your future plans now may save you money later.
Your Service Options
Our representative will help you choose the service option that best meets your immediate needs:
1. A meter box is usually installed after the house has been framed, wired and the main disconnect box has been installed.
2. Temporary electric service installations provide electrical service during the construction phase of your home. This service may be provided in areas where facilities are available. Our representative will advise you of availability as well as charges and/or other possible alternatives.
Your Electrician's Role
Your licensed electrician or electrical contractor installs the meter box, attachment point, and service entrance cable. Our representative will explain the required specifications about your installation.

NOTES:
1. You are responsible for providing a Detroit Edison-approved meter box. Detroit Edison installs, owns and maintains the electric meter.
2. These installations may require an electrical permit before work can begin. Contact your local municipality about the necessary permits and inspections.
Your Municipal Inspection
Most municipalities require inspections of electrical installations. Check with your municipality for guidelines. If an inspection is required, you, your contractor or electrician should make those arrangements with the municipal inspector. The inspector will verify that the installation meets the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the municipality's local ordinance standards.
Our Inspection
When your municipality has approved your meter box installation, we will inspect the installation to make sure Detroit Edison standards are met for your service and safety.
Installing Your Overhead Service
After your installation passes the required inspections, we will proceed with installing your overhead service within 15 working days, unless delayed by poor weather conditions, storms or power outages. When installations are delayed we make every attempt to resume our installation schedule within two weeks after power restoration work has been completed.
The installation of your overhead service drop and the meter in the meter box will complete the construction of your electric service installation.

Landscaping:
Appropriate clearances are important for providing safe working conditions when our field personnel are maintaining the electrical equipment on your property. The area around your meter box must be clear of permanent structures, such as shrubs, trees and also central air-conditioning units.

Trees branch outward as well as upward, and need adequate space to grow. By finding the right spot to plant your tree now, you can avoid interference with overhead electric power lines in the future. Tree limbs, which can knock down or come in contact with power lines, are the most common cause of power outages. We recommend you contact your local nursery when selecting a tree for planting near pole-to-pole power lines.

Detroit Edison will maintain necessary clearances for overhead pole-to-pole power lines and will initially clear the path for your new overhead service drop. Later maintenance trimming around your service drop is your responsibility. We recommend you consult a professional tree-trim service to do this work.

When you're making your landscape plans, ask our representatives for the necessary clearances for planting near or around electrical equipment. When selecting planting locations also remember underground utilities. Avoid planting too close to gas, water and sewer lines.

For your safety, remember, before you dig call MISS DIG at 800.482.7171.

See more information for planting near electrical equipment.
Receiving Your First Electric Service Bill
You should receive your first electric service bill within 35 days after the installation has been completed. If this does not occur, please contact us at 800.477.4747.

Additional Resources

Installing underground electrical service
Converting service from overhead to underground
Get definitions of the terms used in the above instructions