Introduction

While constructing our pool, it became necessary to upgrade our home’s power panel to support both the pool equipment and a new septic pump. On the advice of Jim Grabowski, we chose Lanier Electric Group for this task. We didn’t consult our neighbors for additional recommendations and overlooked the fact that the company had only been in business for three years. This raised concerns about their experience with advanced technologies.

Decision Making and Initial Consultation

Let me tell you how this decision turned out. If sharing our ordeal helps you sidestep a similar predicament, it’s worth telling our story. We engaged Lanier Electric for consultation during our pool construction, needing expert electrical advice. The consensus was that a new, sleek-looking electrical panel would be the best solution. Preferring a different aesthetic, my wife and I chose to provide the panel ourselves rather than use the options Lanier offered. Before purchasing, we confirmed with Derek from Lanier that our chosen panel was suitable. Upon his approval, we bought the panel and necessary breakers.

Complications on Installation Day

Complications arose on the installation day. Derek, accompanied by another technician named Luis, informed us that our panel couldn’t be used because it lacked ‘feed-through lugs.’ Derek admitted he had overlooked this detail. After they left, I searched online for a solution. I discovered an adapter that would make our panel compatible. Derek agreed to install this adapter, and it seemed we had solved the problem.

Unexpected Issues with Duke Energy

A week after the successful installation, Derek informed us that Duke Energy had not approved the panel. Our power would be disconnected the following morning. This was despite Derek knowing a week earlier from Duke Energy that the panel wasn’t approved. Caught off guard and with Derek’s sudden and unprofessional demand for additional payment to install a new panel they provided—or alternatively, suggesting we could hire someone else—we felt cornered. Given the urgency of not losing power, we reluctantly agreed to his terms, feeling exploited for additional money.

Addressing the Issue

This experience was not only frustrating but also showcased a lack of transparency and professionalism from Lanier Electric. It significantly impacted our trust and led to unexpected financial and emotional stress. In a bid to resolve the issue, we reached out to Lanier Electric once more. Derek agreed to come back and install the panels he had purchased, though he did not specify which models he would be using. Initially, he informed us that we would need to cover the cost of the materials and pay for four hours of labor. Shortly after, he called back to adjust the terms, stating that the job would require eight hours of labor and insisting that we pay these costs upfront. Faced with the prospect of being without electricity for an extended period, we felt compelled to agree to these new terms.

Final Installation and Oversights

Upon installation, Derek swiftly completed the work and departed without any further discussion. After he left, we inspected the setup and discovered several oversights: he had not labeled any of the breakers, leaving us to guess their functions, and he had left behind a considerable mess. This lack of professionalism and care in the final stages added to our frustration and dissatisfaction with the service we received from Lanier Electric.

Outbound Links:

1. Lanier Electric Group – for more details about the company.
2. Duke Energy – to learn about their approval process.

Internal Links:

1. Pool Construction Tips – for additional insights on pool construction.
2. Home Electrical Upgrades – to explore more about electrical upgrades for homes.