Electrical repairs in Indianapolis, IN

Decide whether to call the utility or an electrician

If you are an AES Indiana customer and lose power, report the outage online or call 317-261-8111. AES asks customers not to assume it knows about an outage. A neighbor with power does not rule out a utility problem: AES explains that homes across a street can receive power through separate connections. [1]

For a problem confined to an outlet, switch or part of your home, describe the symptoms when arranging an electrician's visit. Note which rooms or devices lose power, when the problem started and what you were using at the time. Request diagnosis before authorizing a particular replacement.

Treat a downed line as live. Keep children and pets away, report it to AES Indiana, and do not remove tree limbs near it. If you face an emergency such as a fire, call 911. [1]

Give the electrician a scope they can price

Describe what you observed without naming a cause you have not confirmed. For example, identify which lights lost power and whether the problem returns when you use a particular appliance. Share photographs taken from a safe location, but leave covers and electrical equipment closed.

Have the contractor explain the initial visit charge, what diagnosis includes and when they will request approval for further work. Request proposed parts, labor, access work and exclusions in writing. Establish who will repair wall or ceiling openings if the job requires access through finished surfaces.

Before hiring, request evidence of insurance and the credentials applicable to your address and scope. Have the contractor explain how they will confirm permit and inspection requirements. For incoming-service work, discuss their experience coordinating with your utility.

Compare offers against the same repair description. If one contractor proposes a component replacement and another proposes broader work, request the diagnosis and evidence behind each recommendation. Agree on a spending limit for investigation and an approval step before the contractor expands the job.

Plan service-equipment repairs through reconnection

AES Indiana says customers are responsible for their meter box, service entrance cable and masthead, while AES installs and maintains the service line. If customer-owned equipment suffers extensive damage, AES may be unable to reconnect power until a qualified electrician completes repairs. Some cases also require an inspection before reconnection. [1]

For a damaged service entrance, include utility coordination and the path to reconnection in the written scope. Confirm who will contact AES, arrange any required inspection and provide your next update. Establish whether the proposed schedule covers the repair visit alone or also includes the remaining coordination.

AES Indiana's Goldbook overview requires customer installations to conform to local ordinances, inspection-authority requirements and utility rules. It also requires approval by the authority having jurisdiction before connection to power. AES reserves the right to review and approve the design and layout of new service facilities. [2]

Have the contractor identify which approvals apply to your work and what documentation you will receive at completion. Keep the repair invoice, equipment description and any inspection record together. Confirm a utility reconnection appointment separately from the contractor's expected completion time.

Prepare for the visit and any interruption

Clear a route to the affected area and arrange access to the equipment the electrician needs to inspect. Share previous repair records and identify equipment that needs continuous power. Agree on which parts of the home the contractor expects to disconnect and how you will receive updates.

For exterior service work, discuss how the contractor will handle unsuitable weather and rescheduling. The chart provides published October–December precipitation normals for Indianapolis as planning context. Use the actual forecast and the contractor's site assessment when choosing a work date. [3]

If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, make a backup plan before a planned interruption. AES Indiana says it can note a medical condition on an account but cannot guarantee priority restoration after an outage. [1]

Indianapolis October–December precipitation normals

Choose the next step for your electrical problem

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the affected rooms, devices and circumstances when the fault occurs.
2. Share photographs from a safe location without opening electrical equipment.
3. Confirm the diagnostic charge and approval step for additional work.
4. Request insurance evidence and credentials applicable to the address and scope.
5. Have the contractor identify who will arrange any utility coordination and inspection.
6. Agree on access, planned power interruptions and progress updates.
7. Keep the final scope, invoice and any inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AES Indiana repair my damaged meter box?

AES identifies the meter box as customer-owned equipment, along with the service entrance cable and masthead. Arrange a qualified electrician for repairs to that equipment and coordinate reconnection with AES. [1]

Does every electrical repair need an inspection?

These AES Indiana pages do not establish inspection requirements for every minor repair. AES says some damaged service-equipment cases require inspection before reconnection, and its Goldbook requires approval before connecting service installations. Have the contractor confirm the requirements for your scope and address. [1] [2]

What should I ask before accepting a repair quote?

Ask what the diagnosis supports, which components the contractor proposes to repair, what the visit charge includes and what needs separate approval. For incoming-service work, establish who will handle utility coordination, any inspection and reconnection arrangements.

Can I rely on a utility restoration estimate?

Use it as an estimate when making your plans. AES Indiana explains that restoration times can change as crews assess damage, learn the cause or identify a need for additional equipment and crews. [1]