What is a Red Tag?
A Red Tag is a safety action taken when electrical equipment or conditions at a property are identified as unsafe or hazardous.
When a Red Tag is issued:
- Electric service is shut off to protect people, property, and first responders.
- The location cannot be re-energized until safety issues are resolved.
- The customer must complete required repairs, inspections and approvals before service can be restored.
- A Red Tag is not a bill or penalty—it is a safety requirement.
Why was my service turned off?
Service may be disconnected due to:
- Fire damage to the structure or electrical equipment.
- Exposed, damaged or unsafe wiring.
- Damaged meter panel, service conductors or mast.
- Conditions identified by emergency responders or field crews as unsafe.
For hazardous conditions please stay 100 feet away and call 911.
How do I restore my electric service?
Follow these steps in order:
- Make repairs: Hire a licensed electrician or contractor to fix all damaged electrical equipment.
- Obtain permits: Contact your local city or county to pull required permits for electrical work.
- Complete inspection: A city or county inspector must verify the work is safe.
- Get inspection approval: Inspection approval must be issued before service can be restored.
- Request service restoration: Contact SCE by calling 1-800-655-4555 to request reconnection or start service and make sure your account is active.
- Utility verification and scheduling: SCE confirms inspection clearance and system readiness, then schedules energization.
- Service restored: Power is turned back on once all safety requirements are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Service cannot be restored until all hazards are corrected and inspection approval is received. If inspection is missing, service must remain off.
The property owner/customer is responsible for repairing damaged equipment on their property. Work must meet local electrical and building codes.
Yes, in most cases. Your local city or county will determine what permits are required.
An inspection release is official confirmation from the city/county that your electrical system is safe. This release is required before service can be restored.
Contact SCE to request reconnection and start or reactivate your service account.
Common delays include missing inspection approval, failed inspection or incomplete repairs, electrical equipment not meeting code and incomplete required upgrades.