A New Layer of Protection is now available to Roanoke Cooperative member-owners
From summer thunderstorms to unexpected events on the electric system, power surges can happen quickly—and they can place major appliances and electronics at risk. Beginning September 1, Roanoke Cooperative member-owners will have a new option to help protect the equipment that keeps their homes comfortable, connected and running.
Connection Protection is a cooperative-installed meter-base surge protection program. The device is installed at the electric meter, where it helps divert a large portion of incoming surge energy safely to ground before that energy can travel farther into the home.
The program offers a convenient way to add a first line of defense without purchasing and arranging installation of a meter-base device on your own. The cost is a one-time $50 installation charge and $7.99 per month, conveniently included on your Roanoke Cooperative electric bill.
Getting started is simple: Contact Roanoke Cooperative at 252-209-2236.
Once the agreement is received, a Roanoke Cooperative service technician will arrange installation of the device.
Connection Protection works best as part of a layered approach. The meter-base protector helps address surges entering through the electric service, while quality plug-in surge protectors can add protection for sensitive electronics such as televisions, computers, gaming systems and smart-home devices. Devices connected through phone, cable or data lines may also need protection on those pathways.
No surge-protection device can prevent every type of surge or guarantee that damage will never occur. However, adding protection at the meter can help reduce your home’s exposure and provide greater peace of mind when storms roll through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Connection Protection is Roanoke Cooperative’s meter-base surge protection program. A surge-protection device is installed at the electric meter to help reduce damaging electrical surges before they travel farther into the home.
Connection Protection is designed to help protect many of the valuable electrical devices in your home, including:
- Televisions
- Computers & laptops
- Gaming consoles
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- HVAC systems
- Washers & dryers
- Microwaves
- Smart home devices
- Wi-Fi routers & modems
- Security systems
- Kitchen appliances
Many people think power surges only happen during lightning storms.
The truth is that most surges actually originate inside the home when appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, or other large motors cycle on and off. External events like lightning, vehicle accidents, fallen trees, or utility switching can also create damaging surges.
Even small surges that go unnoticed can slowly wear down sensitive electronics over time.
Connection Protection helps reduce the impact of these damaging voltage spikes before they enter your home's electrical system.
Power surges can be caused by:
- Lightning
- Utility switching
- Fallen trees
- Vehicle accidents involving power lines
- Large appliances cycling on and off
- Air conditioners
- Electric motors
When a surge reaches the electric service, the device helps divert a large portion of the excess electrical energy to ground. It provides a first line of defense for major appliances and other equipment connected to the home’s electrical system.
The program has a one-time $50 installation charge and a recurring charge of $7.99 per month. Both charges appear on the participating member-owner’s Roanoke Cooperative electric bill.
A Roanoke Cooperative service technician installs the meter-base surge protector.
Installation may require a brief interruption of electric service. If so, the member-owner should receive advance instructions about what to expect.
In many cases, the technician may only need access to the meter. Roanoke Cooperative will provide any access or scheduling instructions before installation.
No device can prevent every type of surge or guarantee against damage. The meter-base device is designed to reduce surges entering through the electric service. Layered protection is recommended for sensitive electronics and other pathways.
Yes. Quality plug-in surge protectors are recommended for televisions, computers, gaming systems, smart-home equipment and other sensitive electronics. Equipment connected to cable, phone or data lines may need protection on those pathways as well.
No. Connection Protection is not an insurance policy and should not be viewed as a replacement for homeowners or renters insurance
Have more questions? Contact Roanoke Cooperative at (252) 209-2236.
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