A severe windstorm or falling tree branch can damage more than shingles and siding. If the overhead electrical service attached to your home has been pulled loose, bent, or shifted, power may not be safely restored until the damaged equipment is repaired.
At East Meridian Electric, we recommend treating this as an electrical service issue, not a general exterior repair. Electrical Mast Repair may be required when customer-owned service equipment on the home is damaged. A Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can assess the affected equipment and coordinate the electrical repair process.
What Is an Electrical Service Mast?
The service mast supports and protects the overhead electrical service where it connects to a home.
Manitoba Hydro states that for overhead residential service, the homeowner is generally responsible for the attachment point on the home and electrical equipment beyond that point, except for the meter.
That means Electrical Mast Repair is typically the homeowner’s responsibility when the mast or attachment on the building is damaged. A Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can determine what part of the customer-owned equipment needs repair before reconnection can occur.
What Should You Do After a Storm or Tree Damage?
Do not approach or touch damaged overhead electrical equipment.
If a power line is down, Manitoba Hydro advises staying at least 10 metres away and calling 911. Report the outage or service damage to Manitoba Hydro so the utility can assess its side of the service.
If the mast attached to the house is damaged, Manitoba Hydro specifically advises customers to arrange repairs with a licensed electrician before power can be safely restored. This requirement was reiterated during major Manitoba storm restoration efforts in 2026.
For Electrical Mast Repair, a Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can inspect the visible damage and determine the work needed on the home.
Who Repairs the Mast: Manitoba Hydro or the Electrician?
Manitoba Hydro repairs utility-owned equipment, while the homeowner is generally responsible for damaged customer-owned service equipment on the property. Its guidance specifically states that a damaged mast on the home must be repaired before power can be restored.
Manitoba Hydro also states that only a licensed electrician can work on the consumer’s service, which includes the mast, meter socket, and service box.
A Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can complete the applicable Electrical Mast Repair and coordinate the inspection required before reconnection.
Does the Repair Need a Permit and Inspection?
Yes. Applicable service work must follow Manitoba’s electrical permit and inspection requirements.
Manitoba Hydro states that electrical work must have the required permit before repairs begin and damaged service equipment must pass inspection before power can be restored. For properties outside Winnipeg, a Manitoba Hydro inspector typically handles the inspection process.
This is why Electrical Mast Repair is not simply a matter of fastening the mast back to the wall. The service equipment must be repaired correctly and approved before it is re-energized.
A Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can handle the electrical scope and help coordinate the required permit and inspection.
What Information Should You Have When Calling an Electrician?
If it is safe to do so from a distance, gather:
- Whether power is completely out
- Whether the mast appears bent, detached, or leaning
- Whether a tree or branch struck the service
- Whether Manitoba Hydro has already attended
- Photos taken only from a safe location
Do not climb onto the roof or approach damaged conductors to get better photos.
Residential Electrical Service Repairs in RM of Macdonald
East Meridian Electric provides residential electrical services throughout the RM of Macdonald and surrounding areas, including service and emergency electrical work.
If storm or tree damage has affected the overhead electrical service attached to your home, Electrical Mast Repair may need to be completed before Manitoba Hydro can restore power. A Residential Electrician in RM of Macdonald can assess the damage and help coordinate the steps required for inspection and reconnection.
Storm or tree damage pulled your electrical mast loose? Contact East Meridian Electric to have the customer-owned service equipment assessed and repaired before power is restored.
