Restoration process and member responsibilities
What to do before power can be safely restored
After an outage occurs due to a downed service line to your home, MTE crews will perform a visual safety inspection to determine whether there is damage to the weatherhead, riser pipe, or meter base. If no damage is found, Middle Tennessee Electric will reconnect electric service to the home.
Middle Tennessee Electric cannot restore power to a home if the weatherhead, riser pipe, or meter base is damaged. If the line to your home's weatherhead is damaged, crews must first make sure reconnecting service will not create a safety risk for you, your home, or the electric system.
If any equipment a member is responsible for is damaged, repairs must be completed by an electrician before service can be reconnected. Once repairs are finished and an electrical permit has been issued, you or your electrician can contact member support at 877-777-9020 with the permit number to request reconnection.
What crews are looking for
Before reconnecting a service line to your home, crews must make sure the connection will not put you or your home at risk. Damage to weatherheads, risers, and meter bases can occur when debris or vegetation falls on equipment or pulls on the line. If damage is found to the weatherhead, riser pipe, or meter base, crews cannot restore power until those parts are repaired.
Equipment diagram
This image should show the weatherhead, riser pipe and meter base, along with which parts are the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain. Infographic available in Canto Website Asset album.
What to do to get power restored
If your meter base, riser, or weatherhead is damaged, you will need to hire an electrician to make the necessary repairs. Your electrician must obtain the proper electrical permit through the correct city or state electrical inspection authority. After the repairs are complete, you or your electrician should call 877-777-9020 and have the permit number ready so MTE can schedule reconnection as quickly as possible.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for repairs?
If the weatherhead, riser pipe, or meter base is damaged, the homeowner or member is responsible for having those repairs made before service can be reconnected. If there is damage to the meter itself or the service entrance cable, MTE is responsible for those repairs.
Do I need to hire an electrician?
Yes. Damaged equipment must be repaired by an electrician before reconnection can happen.
Do I need a permit before power can be restored?
Yes. Your electrician must obtain the proper electrical permit through the correct city or state electrical inspection authority before the work is complete.
When should I call MTE for reconnection?
After repairs are finished, you or your electrician should call member support at 877-777-9020 to request reconnection.
What do I need when I call?
Please have the electrical permit number ready when you call. Once MTE confirms the permit information, service restoration will be scheduled as quickly as possible.
Contact MTE’s Member Support Team
We understand our members expect more than just affordable, reliable, and safe electricity. You also expect outstanding member service, which includes helping you find answers and solutions to your concerns.
From myMTE app issues to billing questions and everything in between, our member support team is always here to provide you with the help you need. We've put together some useful information for you, but feel free to contact us directly to discuss any additional concerns you have. 
Email:info@mte.com
Phone 877-777-9020