BTU to Perform Aerial Inspection of Electric System
Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), through the assistance of a contractor, will be conducting an aerial inspection of various elements of the BTU power system on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 through Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. The contractor hired to do the work will be using a UAV Drone to inspect parts of the BTU transmission system. […]
BTU Launches Text Notification System
Bryan Texas Utilities has launched a text messaging notification system. The service will notify customers regarding any planned or unplanned outages and important service or energy emergency alerts. The service also allows customers to utilize key words to report outages or request status updates.
BTU, TPWD Work to Improve Fisheries at Lake Bryan
Bryan Texas Utilities, in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division, is pleased to announce the completion of two significant stocking initiatives aimed at improving fisheries and enhancing angler experiences at Lake Bryan.
There are several components that make up an electric service connection between BTU and our customers.
Both BTU and the customers share certain components of this connection, and each is responsible for the maintenance and repair of their own equipment. The question is, who owns which of these components?
Here’s a breakdown of the components of a standard electrical system that are owned and maintained by BTU, and those components that are owned and maintained by the customer:
These are electric power lines that run from electric substations to the local customers. Distribution lines can carry 4,000 to 34,500 volts and cover relatively short distances. Transmission lines typically carry higher voltages of 69,000 volts and up and cover longer distances.
Also known as a utility pole, a power pole is used t o support overhead power distribution lines, transformers, service lines, communication lines, and, in some cases, street lights. Attaching signs or other items to a power pole is strictly prohibited, as they can weaken poles and are a safety hazard for linemen.
Transformers are used to step down the high voltage from the distribution line to a voltage usable by the consumer, anywhere from 120 volts to 480 volts for most customers. Transformers can be pole-mounted if the distribution lines are overhead, and padmounted for underground electrical wiring.
This is the bundle of cables that run from the transformer to the service point connection of the customer’s building. If the service line is overhead, this connection usually takes place at the weatherhead (see definition below). If the service line is underground, this connection takes place at the meter socket
The electric meter measures the amount of electricity that flows from the BTU grid into the customer’s home or business. The back side of the meter consists of four prongs, which fit into the meter socket to create the connection that allows electricity to flow into the customer’s home or business.
BTU crews do not prune branches that contact or are close to contacting the overhead service line. However, at your request, BTU will disconnect the service and move it if necessary to allow you or your contractor to safely trim, prune, or remove trees and other vegetation. Call BTU at 979-821-5700 for more information. For any digging near an underground service line, call 811 at least two business days before digging to have all underground utility lines marked.
The weatherhead is the rounded cap on top of the service mast, and it is designed to keep water from flowing down the mast into the meter socket. The weatherhead is the point of transfer between BTU’s service line and the customer’s service entrance wires, which is called the “service point” (see inset in the graphic). The wires at the service point are anchored to the mast and dip downward before leading up to the weatherhead. This dip is called a “drip loop,” as it allows rain to drip off of the wires before entering the weatherhead.
The service mast holds the wires that run from the service point into the meter socket. The service mast plays an important role, as it protects the wires carrying 240 volts of continuous, unfused electricity into the meter socket. If there is any damage to the service mast, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Call a licensed electrician immediately to examine the mast for damage.
The meter socket, also called the meter box or meter can, is a weatherproof metal box usually mounted on the outside of a building. The meter socket is the connection point for the BTU meter. If the Meter Socket is damaged by weather or any type of accident, it must be repaired or replaced by a professional electrician.
The service panel, also called the breaker panel or fuse panel, is the central distribution point for electrical service to the customer. The service panel houses the circuit breakers or fuses, which are safety devices designed to cut power to individual electrical lines that are overloaded or damaged.
View our real-time power outages map to see how many BTU customers are being affected by an outage, and view the status of outages in your area. Our map updates every 2 minutes, so you'll always be up to date. ... View Map
BTU to Perform Aerial Inspection of Electric System
Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), through the assistance of a contractor, will be conducting an aerial inspection of various elements of the BTU power system on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023 through Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023. The contractor hired to do the work will be using a UAV Drone to inspect parts of the BTU transmission system. […]
BTU Launches Text Notification System
Bryan Texas Utilities has launched a text messaging notification system. The service will notify customers regarding any planned or unplanned outages and important service or energy emergency alerts. The service also allows customers to utilize key words to report outages or request status updates.
BTU, TPWD Work to Improve Fisheries at Lake Bryan
Bryan Texas Utilities, in partnership with Texas Parks and Wildlife Inland Fisheries Division, is pleased to announce the completion of two significant stocking initiatives aimed at improving fisheries and enhancing angler experiences at Lake Bryan.
© 2024 Bryan Texas Utilities.
Follow Us:
