Know What's Below
Visit Call Before You Dig is a free service up to Kootenai Electric Cooperative's meter that locates underground wires and lines in Kootenai County. Call the toll-free number, 811, at least 2 business days but no more than 10 business days before digging or excavating and have the following information ready: start date, phone number, type of work, job location, and special marking instructions.
After making this call the locations of underground wires and lines will be marked. This prevents digging equipment from hitting or cutting off power, water, phone, cable, or gas lines. Accidental contact with a line can result in serious injury and possibly death. Damages to these lines can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood and could include fines and repair costs.
Please note: underground lines that extend beyond the meter or are on member-owned equipment may not be located unless you call for a private location. To learn more visit the Idaho Digline or view the Member vs. Kootenai Electric Cooperative Responsibilities information below.
- Kootenai Electric maintains power distribution lines, transformers (above and underground), service lines, power poles, pole ground, and meter.
- Members maintain meter socket, service mast, Weatherhead, service mast guy, service point, and service panel.
- Shared: For tree trimming, KEC maintains primary lines (pole to pole) while members maintain service lines from pole to the house.
Knowing the safety precautions and legal responsibilities of your electric service is important for all KEC members. You may not be aware of what equipment is the homeowner’s responsibility and what is KEC’s responsibility. Electric meters are the property of KEC. Removing the meter with current flowing through it can lead to an electrical explosion. The person working with the meter could be injured or killed. If you’re planning on doing electrical work, contact KEC and we will send certified personnel to your site. Under no circumstance should meters be removed or relocated—temporarily or permanently—by anyone other than authorized KEC employees.
For overhead service, KEC is responsible for the cable that runs from the utility pole to your home. This wire is called a “service line.” The service line connects to your house at the “service mast,” a vertical pipe-like structure attached to the top of the box that houses your electric meter. The service mast and the box that holds the meter are the homeowner’s property and responsibility.
For underground service, KEC is responsible for the transformer, underground wire from the transformer to the meter, and the meter. If you have any questions about your electric service responsibilities, please call KEC at (208) 765-1200.