My busbar insulator? is melted how dangerous is this

The lights and plugs had tripped upstairs, last night. When I went to check out the panel I heard sizzling. I removed the cover panel. The busbar on the right (125 amp Panel) at the very top has melted the plastic holder. It scared me so I turned the main off. I called my electric company this morning, SMUD. Told them that I wanted to have the power disconnected and wanted to know the procedure. I wanted to upgrade from 125 amp panel to a 200. They told me it would take 3 to 5 days to have that done and I had to talk to their designer what the....So I am without power and I am cold and so is my kid! No power is no fun. SMUD said to get the bus bar repaired until I could talk with the designer. I went and pulled a permit today anyway. My question is, since SMUD isn't too worried am I just over reacting? Can I REALLY continue to use power?