As spring planting season arrives, you may be inspired to enhance your yard and garden. While it’s tempting to plant something near a green utility box, it’s important to understand that these boxes, often called pad-mounted transformers or junction boxes, house high-voltage equipment that connects your home to electricity. They are safe when properly maintained, but blocking or tampering with them can pose serious risks.

To keep your family, plants and Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative's underground electrical equipment safe, follow these important guidelines:

Call before you dig.

Call 811 to locate and mark underground lines. This will help prevent accidental damage to underground equipment and ensure you stay safe while planting.

Maintain a safe clearance.

Keep a 10-foot distance in front of the box to ensure access for maintenance and repairs and maintain a 5-foot clearance on the sides and back to allow adequate space for the equipment to function safely and for emergency access.

Avoid planting near or covering.

Do not plant directly around or cover the utility box with plants, soil or mulch. The equipment needs to remain visible and accessible at all times for safety and maintenance.

Supervise children and pets.

Keep children and pets away from the boxes. They should not play near or climb on them.

Ensure proper ventilation.

The boxes need air to stay cool and operate safely. Keep the area around the box free from obstructions that could block airflow.

Report any issues.

If you notice any damage or if the box is open, immediately contact a member service representative at 800-842-7708 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to report the issue and prevent potential hazards.