OPElectric: What to Know About This South Carolina Electrical Service

OPElectric is a cooperative electrical utility serving parts of South Carolina

OPElectric is a member-owned electric cooperative that provides power to rural and suburban areas across South Carolina. Unlike investor-owned utilities, OPElectric operates as a cooperative, meaning the people it serves own and govern the company. If you live in OPElectric's service territory and need electrical work done, understanding how the utility works—and what it does versus what a licensed electrician does—will help you plan repairs and upgrades correctly.

OPElectric handles the power lines, poles, transformers, and infrastructure that deliver electricity to your home or business. A licensed electrician handles the wiring, outlets, panels, and equipment inside your building. The two roles are separate, and knowing which one you need prevents confusion and delays.

Key Takeaways

• OPElectric is a member-owned cooperative that delivers electricity to parts of South Carolina, not a company that performs electrical work inside homes or businesses.
• If your power is out or you have an issue with the lines or meter outside your building, contact OPElectric directly.
• For electrical work inside your home—wiring, outlets, panel upgrades, or appliance installation—you need a licensed electrician, not OPElectric.
• OPElectric members can contact the cooperative's customer service line to report outages, ask about billing, or request information about service in their area.

When to contact OPElectric versus a licensed electrician

OPElectric's responsibility ends at the meter on the outside of your building. Everything from the meter inward—your panel, wiring, outlets, switches, and appliances—is your responsibility and requires a licensed electrician if work is needed. OPElectric handles the power delivery system: the poles, lines, transformers, and equipment that bring electricity from the grid to your property.

Contact OPElectric if your power goes out, if you smell burning near the meter or outside lines, if a tree has damaged lines on your property, or if you have questions about your bill or service. Contact a licensed electrician if you need to install new outlets, upgrade your electrical panel, replace wiring, troubleshoot problems inside your home, or have any work done on equipment you own.

If you are unsure whether a problem belongs to OPElectric or an electrician, call OPElectric first. The cooperative can tell you whether the issue is on their side of the meter and can refer you to a licensed electrician if needed.

How to reach OPElectric customer service

OPElectric operates a customer service line where members can report outages, ask billing questions, request service information, or report safety concerns. The cooperative's website lists the phone number and hours for your local office, since OPElectric serves multiple counties and may have regional contact points.

For outages, OPElectric often has an automated outage reporting system that lets you report the problem and receive updates by phone or text. If you call during business hours, a representative can walk you through troubleshooting steps or dispatch a crew if the problem is on OPElectric's side of the meter.

Finding a licensed electrician in OPElectric's service area

OPElectric does not perform electrical work inside homes or businesses, so you will need to hire a licensed electrician for any interior work. South Carolina requires electricians to be licensed by the state, and you can verify a contractor's license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) or ask for proof of licensure before hiring.

Ask potential electricians whether they have experience working in your area and whether they are familiar with OPElectric's service. Some electricians work regularly with specific utilities and know common issues or requirements. Get written estimates from at least two contractors before deciding, and check references if the job is large or complex.

Understanding your OPElectric bill

OPElectric bills include charges for the electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours, plus any applicable service fees or seasonal adjustments. Your bill shows your meter reading, the dates of the billing period, and a breakdown of charges. If your bill seems unusually high, check whether you have used more power than usual (heating or cooling seasons often raise usage) or whether a rate change has taken effect.

Contact OPElectric's customer service if you have questions about specific charges or if your bill has changed significantly without explanation. The cooperative can review your account and explain what you are being charged for. If you are having trouble paying your bill, ask whether OPElectric offers payment plans or assistance programs for members in hardship.

Outages and emergency response

When a storm, accident, or equipment failure causes an outage, OPElectric dispatches crews to restore power. The time to restore service depends on the cause and scope of the outage. A downed line affecting one neighborhood may take hours; widespread damage from a major storm may take days.

During an outage, report the problem to OPElectric through their outage line or website. The cooperative tracks outages and can tell you whether your area is affected and when power is expected to return. Do not assume OPElectric knows about an outage—reporting it helps the cooperative prioritize and deploy crews efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I smell burning near my meter or outside power lines?

Turn off power at your main breaker if it is safe to do so, leave the area, and call OPElectric immediately. Do not touch the meter, lines, or any equipment. Burning smells near electrical equipment can indicate a serious hazard, and OPElectric needs to inspect and repair the problem.

Can OPElectric help me upgrade my electrical panel or add new circuits?

No. OPElectric delivers power to your meter; a licensed electrician handles all work on your panel, wiring, and circuits. You will need to hire a licensed contractor for any interior electrical upgrades.

How do I report a power outage to OPElectric?

Call OPElectric's customer service line or use their website to report an outage. Many cooperatives offer automated outage reporting and text or email updates. Check OPElectric's website for the specific number and options in your area.

What if a tree on my property is touching OPElectric's power lines?

Contact OPElectric to report the hazard. The cooperative may trim or remove branches that threaten the lines. Do not trim branches yourself—power lines are dangerous, and only trained crews should work near them.

Is OPElectric the same as a licensed electrician?

No. OPElectric is a utility that delivers electricity; a licensed electrician is a contractor who performs electrical work inside buildings. You need OPElectric for power delivery and billing; you need a licensed electrician for repairs, installations, and upgrades inside your home or business.