Why Was My Electrical Service Turned Off?
Your electrical service was temporarily disconnected because BWP crews identified damaged equipment or another unsafe condition that posed a potential safety risk. We understand this is inconvenient, and we apologize for the disruption. In some cases, if the condition allowed, crews may have temporarily made the equipment safe or left partial power on until permanent repairs can be completed.
However, if the required repairs are not completed within the timeframe provided in your notice, your electrical service will be disconnected. Please refer to the notice left at your property for information about your specific situation, as additional site-specific conditions or requirements may apply.
Why Your Electrical Service Was Turned Off
Around 3:55 a.m. this morning, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) responded to a large water main break affecting West Hollywood and the surrounding area near Sunset Boulevard, Holloway Drive, and area streets. The break caused a significant amount of water to flood the area.
It is important for BWP customers to know that our water system is not connected to LADWP’s system, and this incident does not affect Burbank. BWP water remains safe to drink.
Main breaks are often unpredictable and are the result of many factors. At BWP, we mitigate that risk by using acoustic-based leak detection technology for water loss management, leak detection, and pipe condition assessment. We currently have 71 of these devices deployed throughout our city at strategic locations, and these devices are monitored 24/7. This technology can sense abnormalities and automatically notifies BWP crews to check the area. This helps us find and fix small leaks before they turn into big breaks.
Also, BWP has a full crew on standby 24/7 to respond within 1 hour in case of water main breaks and leaks. Our vehicles are always stocked with parts and fueled up in preparation for these emergencies. Burbank is only 17.4 sq miles in size, and this enables us to respond promptly to any water disruptions that occur. This quick response also allows us to mitigate the situation more quickly, assess repairs, and reduce potential impacts on customers.
We're Here to Help You Restore Your Service
Please Follow These Steps to Help Restore Your Service:
When our field crews identify an issue, they notify our Electric Service Planning team, who will visit the property, inspect the condition, and provide a meter spot that outlines the work required for a main electrical panel replacement.
If you have questions about the issue or need assistance, our Electric Service Planning team is here to help. Residential customers can contact ERES@burbankca.gov or (818) 238-3647, and Commercial customers can contact ECOM@burbankca.gov or (818) 238-3565.
You can also find additional information on our Electric Service Planning page, including our Frequently Asked Questions and electrical service specifications webpages to help guide you through the process.
After you receive your meter spot from Electric Service Planning, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from the City of Burbank Building and Safety Division before work can begin.
For assistance, contact Building and Safety at (818) 238-5220 or building@burbankca.gov, or visit the Community Services Building, First Floor, 150 N. Third Street, Burbank, CA 91502. You can also visit the Building and Safety website for permit information and application requirements.
Once you have received your permit and paid all required fees, your licensed electrician may begin the necessary work.
We understand that an unsafe electrical condition with your electric service was likely unexpected. If you are concerned about the costs to replace your panel, BWP may be able to offer a payment arrangement for eligible BWP-related fees. Please contact your Electric Service Planner to discuss available options.
If you're unable to complete your electrical panel replacement by the required deadline, contact your Electric Service Planner as soon as possible to discuss your options.
While repairing a damaged component may be possible in some limited situations, older electrical panels are often difficult to repair in a way that meets current electrical codes. Panelboards may not be refurbished and any panel damage including arcing, fire, corrosion, physical damage, missing labels and listings, compliance with current metering requirements, or the availability of new manufacturer approved and listed original equipment manufacturer (OEM) replacement parts will prevent a repair from being approved.
For this reason, BWP recommends full replacement as the quickest and safest way to getting power turned back on. Building and Safety is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) who makes the final determination and will need to provide the release that it is safe to energize. BWP requires that metering equipment comply with the Rules and Regulations, including access and Electric Utility Service Equipment Requirements (EUSERC).
If panel availability or other circumstances delay your project, you may be eligible for temporary power through a customer-provided temporary power pole. This option requires a separate permit and meter spot but can provide electrical service for up to one year while permanent corrective work is completed.
After the work is completed, the City of Burbank Building and Safety Division will inspect the installation. When Building and Safety issues a release confirming it is safe to re-energize the service, BWP will reconnect your electrical service.
This program is only available to Burbank water customers.
Forms will be available here or by calling BWP at (818) 238-3500.
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