Frequently Asked Questions

Pruning cycles allow us to control re-growth over a consistent percentage of a service territory and ensure that all areas are maintained over the same time period. Learn more about our tree pruning practices.

Hazard or danger trees are dead or dying trees or limbs that are mechanically unstable or biologically unhealthy and pose a threat to our electrical facilities. We try to identify and remove these trees as early as possible.

Tree crews are an integral part of outage restoration during and following storms. We work with our tree contractors to reserve resources ahead of major storms, and communicate with crews during and after power restoration to address hazard trees and other compromises to our system.

Tree debris is not removed during or after storms; this is the tree-owner’s responsibility. Any debris that is a result of our standard trim cycles is removed or put through a chipper. Pieces not fitting into the chipper are cut into manageable lengths and left for the owner or designee.

We don’t remove debris after our tree or line crews remove branches or trees during unscheduled outages and other emergencies.

We don’t take cut wood away because it has value and belongs to homeowners. It may be able to be sold if you don’t want to keep it yourself.

If you’ve requested pruning, we’ll visit your property for an assessment. If your trees affect power equipment or clearances, or pose a significant threat to our system, we’ll work with you to remove them.

While putting the lines underground sounds like a safe and aesthetic alternative to pruning, it’s not always the answer. Burying electrical lines is expensive and may lead to longer outages and more difficult repairs in the event of failure. Trees can still be damaged since roots are often impacted by underground work as well.

To mail in a payment, please address it to:

Unitil
P.O. Box 981077
Boston, MA 02298-1077

It can be tough to distinguish which parts of your electric service equipment are your responsibility, and which parts are Unitil’s to fix. During a power outage, we’re responsible for repairing the overhead electrical lines that run from the utility pole to your residence and for the electric meter. You’re responsible for repairs to other parts of your electrical system, including:

• Weather head and insulator — the point where electric lines connect to your residence Service entrance cable — runs from the weather head to the meter base and continues to the service panel in your home
• Meter base (box) — your electric meter is mounted to this
• Main service panel — includes the fuse boxes and/or circuit breakers and wires inside your home

When hiring a contractor for post-storm services, we recommend you get several quotes. Once the repairs have been made, please call Customer Service at 1-888-301-7700 so we reconnect your service to our power lines.

Customers are responsible for all equipment inside the building*, beginning at the meter.

This includes the union (where the meter is attached to the line or pipe entering the structure) and all lines after the union, including those within the structure. In some cases, the line from the meter to the structure is buried; however, the customer is also responsible for the maintenance of this line.

Unitil is responsible for all equipment prior to entering the building. This includes the gas service pipe, the regulator and the meter.

Learn more about service equipment responsibilities

*Occasionally, meters are located inside the building instead of outside. In these infrequent cases, company-owned piping enters the building and Unitil is responsible for all equipment up to and including the meter.

Your meter could be one of several models we use in our service areas. Digital and odometer displays are the most straightforward to read because they present your energy usage directly; dial meters can be a little more difficult.

Your meter tells us how much energy your property has used in the previous billing cycle and can help keep you informed of your monthly energy use, too. By comparing your monthly use over time, you can make more informed decisions about your usage and find ways to lower your monthly bill. Unitil’s electric meters are read through our AMI or Automated Metering Infrastructure technology, which allows us to take accurate meter readings without visiting your location.

You can view your usage on your monthly statement or on the "Billed Usage" or "Smart Meter" tab of your MyUnitil portal.