If your electrical system was damaged by the storm and your utility company will not restore power to your property, you need to hire a licensed electrician to inspect your building’s electrical system.

If there was no damage to your building’s electrical system, your electrician must submit a letter to your utility company stating there are no problems with the electrical system in order to have your power restored. Your utility company will turn your power back on after they receive the letter.

If there was damage to your building’s electrical system, your electrician must make the necessary repairs and submit a letter to your utility company certifying there was damage and the necessary repairs were made to have your power restored. Your utility company will turn your power back on after they receive the letter.

Your electrician can perform the repair work immediately without having to file an application or obtain permits from the Department of Buildings (DOB). However, the necessary applications must be filed with DOB within two business days of commencing work.

In most cases, any electrical wiring that came into contact with salt water will be required to be removed and replaced. Dried salt can be a conductor of electricity and cause an electrical fault or a fire. A licensed electrician may be able to disconnect the affected wiring branches to permit equipment in the rest of the building to be returned to service.