Electric Department

About Tuscumbia Electric Department

Tuscumbia Electric Department has been in business since 1937 and currently serves over 4000 residential customers and over 750 small and large commercial customers inside the corporate limits. Tuscumbia is one of the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) 153 power distributors. Tuscumbia's power is currently provided by a 161 kV feed from TVA and distributed through a 13 kV system from the substation located on Decatur Street.

Electrical Safety - Downed Power Lines

Downed power lines are a serious emergency. Never under any circumstances go near a downed power line or anything that is in contact with the line. It is very possible that the line could be energized, and there is absolutely no way for you to tell the difference.

If you are in your vehicle that hits a pole and wires fall on your vehicle, stay inside and ask someone to call 911 for fire and police rescue first, then Tuscumbia Utility Department. Unless severe injury or fire threatens your life, you should remain in your car until a representative tells you it is safe. If you must leave, jump completely clear of the vehicle, never touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time. Land with your feet together and shuffle away.

Indoor Electricity

• Always be safety conscious around electricity to avoid burns, shock, and fire.
• Never operate an electrical appliance while touching a metal object (especially plumbing), standing on a wet surface, or taking a bath or shower.
• Always unplug appliances before cleaning or removing parts.
• Keep motors clean.
• Never insert metal objects into an appliance or outlet.
• Do not play with cords and wall outlets. Cover unused outlets with plastic safety caps.
• Avoid using extension cords whenever possible. If you must use one, ensure it is heavy enough. Don't plug extension cords together.
• Never yank cords out of the wall by pulling on the cord.
• If lights dim when an appliance goes on, motors slow down, or fuses blow frequently, your house may be inadequately wired.

Fires

• Misused electricity is the number one cause of all fires (circuit overloads, short circuits, inadequate cords).
• A hot electrical device, like a light bulb, can get too close to combustibles and cause a fire.
• The insulation on an overloaded cord may burn or melt, exposing live wires which can spark.
• Electrical fires have a source of electricity that may still be conducting current.

Outdoor Electricity

• Never touch wires running through a tree. Check before climbing trees.
• Always check for overhead power lines before working and avoid contact.
• Beware of High Voltage Danger signs. Never play near electrical installations.
• Stay away from fallen power lines. Call us immediately.
• Keep ladders (especially metal ones) AWAY from electric lines.
• Disconnect equipment or turn off circuits when changing bulbs.
• Never use electric tools outside in rain or on wet surfaces.
• Wear shoes while using electric lawn mowers or hedge clippers.
• Use an electric power mower on dry grass only.
• Antennas should be grounded and have lightning arresters.
• Outdoor outlets should always be GFCI type.

Kites

• Fly kites only in open fields, away from electric lines.
• If your kite catches on a wire or pole, don't try to remove it.
• DON'T use products containing metal, foil, or tinsel on kites.
• DON'T fly kites near public highways or in stormy weather.

How to Read Your Meter

The Electricity Department encourages all customers to read their electric meters regularly to track consumption. Your bill is based on kWh usage (Current Reading - Previous Reading).

Digital Meters: Simply write down the numbers shown on the display.

Try reading your meter daily and subtracting the previous day's reading to monitor your daily usage.

Security Light Program

Outdoor security light preferences may be 175-watt mercury vapor, 400-watt mercury vapor, 100 watt high-pressure sodium, or 250 watt high pressure sodium fixtures. There is no installation charge, but a one-year contract is required. Tuscumbia Electric Department handles all maintenance.

Tree Trimming Policy

Tuscumbia Utilities trims and removes trees along electrical easements for public safety and service reliability. Trees located off the right-of-way that interfere with lines may be removed with customer approval (we will cut down, clean up brush, and leave wood if requested).

Tree limbs around customer service lines are the customer's responsibility. We can drop the service line temporarily at no charge during normal hours to allow you to trim safely.

Questions? Call the Electrical Superintendent at (256) 383-0321.