HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-176-11/01/1988-CONSTRUCTION POLICIES PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES REVISED ELECTRIC RESOLUTION 88-176
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING REVISED ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION
POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
WHEREAS, Sections 26-24 and 26-463 of the Code of the City of Fort
Collins authorize the Director of Utility Services to promulgate
appropriate rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the electric
utility; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed revised Electric Construction
Policies, Practices and Procedures relating to the provision of electric
service to new construction and redevelopment and desires to approve the
same.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the revised Electric Construction Policies, Practices and
Procedures, attached hereto and incorporated by reference, be, and they
hereby are, accepted and approved.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of t C i 'of the City of
Fort Collins held this 1st day of November, 19
Mayo
TTEST:
a�
City Clerk
ELECTRIC CONSTRUCTION
POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
Application of Policy
This policy applies to all construction and remodeling or redevelopment.
For the purpose of this policy, remodeling or redevelopment is any con-
struction or modification which changes the character, use or occupancy
of a site or structure and effects the continued or future electric ser-
vice to such site or structure.
Underground Construction Required
All existing and new overhead utility lines and line extensions shall be
installed underground in accordance with the requirements of the elec-
tric rules and regulations.
Costs
Cost estimates from preliminary plats will be furnished to developers
for planning purposes (based on average electric costs developed by the
Utility from previously completed projects) on request. Developers will
be given a firm price for the underground electric system for a subdivi-
sion or mobile home park or planned unit development after meeting the
following requirements:
1. Furnish the Utility with three (3) copies of the final approved
subdivision plat.
2. Furnish the number, size, and location of points-of-service at
which electric service is requested.
When the developer requests the actual construction of the project be
started, a payment of fifty percent of the quoted firm price will be
required. This partial payment need only be paid on the portion of the
electric underground system which is to be constructed and not
necessarily on the whole subdivision project, provided that such portion
must be suitable for such partial electric service. Quoted firm prices
will include, off-site facilities, primaries and streetlights. The
owner will be charged for electric services not paid for by the devel -
oper.
The underground electrical system will be installed in two phases:
1 . The first phase includes the installation of the primary
conduit, transformer vaults, primary conductor, and customer
service provisions from the transformer vault to the nearest lot
corner or on-site transformer. Upon completion of this phase of
the project, the final payment of the quoted firm price becomes
due and payable. The electrical system will be energized follow-
ing receipt of payment of all project fees and charges.
2. The second phase includes the installation of the customer
service to the lot corner or on-site transformer or meter
socket. Service will be run upon mutual agreement, as to point-
of-service and meter location. A separate charge will be made
for the service prior to installation.
Modifications to the development plans requiring field changes in the
electric system and unforeseen construction obstacles such as frost and
rocky soil conditions will be charged on a change order basis and will
be coordinated with the developer prior to proceeding with the work.
Residential Construction
This policy should be applied to new subdivided areas where curb (except
for radius sections) and grading has been completed but where gas and
telephone utilities and paving have not been installed. (See
Construction Sequence. )
Residential construction as referred to by this Utility, is a single
phase primary system complete with transformer vaults and transformers
designed to reduce the primary system voltage to the standard residen-
tial voltage of 120/240 volts, three wire single phase, including the
three wire electric service to the meter location. The electric facili-
ties will generally be installed underground behind the curb or sidewalk
with a minimum cover of 30 inches, and will generally be completely at
or below grade utilizing front lot line construction. Streetlighting
will be installed in accordance with the City of Fort Collins design
criteria and standards for streets.
Meter Sockets
Meter sockets as approved by the Utility will be furnished and installed
by the owner or his agent as a contribution in aid to construction on a
non-refundable basis. Meter sockets shall be rated for a minimum of 100
amps. The Utility reserves the right not to energize an under-rated or
unapproved meter socket. Damaged meter sockets will be replaced and
installed by the owner or his agent at no expense to the Utility. For
single family dwellings, the Utility will approve only meter socket
housings and enclosures that are securable with a single meter seal . The
owner will be responsible for the special equipment required for service
capacity in excess of 200 amps.
Single Occupancy (single residence)
Before electric service is installed, the meter socket (furnished by the
owner and approved by the Utility) shall be installed and approval
obtained from the Building Inspection Department. A rigid non-metallic
conduit with a 24-inch 90-degree bend elbow attached from the socket to
a point 36 inches below finished grade, must be provided. The conduit
size shall be as specified by the Utility and shall not be less than 2
inches inside diameter. The Utility will furnish and install the ser-
vice conductors to the meter socket. The meter must be located for easy
reading and access by the Utility on a side wall of the residence as
close to the street side of the residence as possible and shall not be
in an enclosed or fenced area of the yard. The location of the meter
shall be such that it is not necessary for the electric service to cross
over or under the services of other utilities. The Utility will install ,
own, and maintain all underground service wires, buses, and electrical
devices up to and including provisions for connection of the customer's
service wires; such connection provision to be generally located within
the confine of the meter socket enclosure. All construction and mainte-
nance on the customer side of any provision for customer service wire
connection including the making of such service connections shall be
done by someone other than the Utility. The secondary electric service
is to be paid at the time the building permit is issued.
Multiple Occupancy (apartments)
Where service is provided to individual customers located in a structure
designed for multiple occupancy, meters should be grouped for service
from a single circuit secondary service. The location of the meters
shall allow access, at all times, by Utility personnel for the purposes
of reading meters and maintaining Utility owned equipment. The location
shall be on the exterior for multiple occupancy, unless otherwise
approved by the Utility. Each meter socket shall be plainly and perma-
nently marked to indicate which apartment or unit is supplied therefrom.
The marking is to be the same as the mailing address for each unit. The
owner or developer will be responsible for electricity delivered through
unmarked, illegible or incorrectly labeled meter sockets. All expenses
incurred by the Utility related to correcting improperly labeled meters
will be billed to the developer or owner whose responsibility it shall
be to pay such expenses within 30 days of receipt of said billing. The
owner will furnish and install Utility approved meter sockets and rigid
(non-metallic) service entrance conduit with 24 inch radius and 90
degree bend elbow to a point 36 inches below finished grade. The ser-
vice conduit shall be not less than 2-1/2 inches inside diameter or as
specified by the Utility. Utility approved sockets or socket arrange-
ments will be employed.
At the option of the Utility, the owner may be required to furnish and
install specified service conductors to the transformer terminals. Ser-
vice conductor size and insulation shall be as approved or specified by
the Utility. Trenches for secondary services to apartment complexes
which are 8 plexes and larger are to be inspected by Building Inspec-
tion.
Mobile Home Park
Ganged Meter Sockets
Electric facilities will generally be installed on rear lot lines
(unless otherwise approved by the Utility) to ganged meter sockets with
breakers, and will be installed and billed with the first phase of con-
struction. The location of the meter shall allow access, at all times,
by Utility personnel for the purposes of reading meters and maintaining
Utility owned equipment. The meter sockets with breakers will be furn-
ished, maintained, and installed by the owners. Meter sockets and
breakers shall be Utility approved devices. Meter sockets shall be
rated for a minimum of 100 amps. A 2-inch rigid non-metallic utility
service conduit (or conduits as required) from the meter sockets with a
minimum cover of 42 inches (t 6 INCHES) from finished grade, using a 24
inch radius 90 degree bend is to be installed by the owner and approved
by the building inspector. If the meter sockets are not building
mounted the 2" conduits shall be rigid steel and shall be supported in
concrete. The mounting height from the bottom of the meter to ultimate
final grade should be 36 inches. Each meter position shall be plainly
and permanently marked to indicate which unit is supplied therefrom. The
marking is to be the same as the mailing address for each unit. The
owner or developer will be responsible for electricity delivered through
unmarked or incorrectly labeled meter sockets. Expenses incurred by the
Utility related to correcting improperly labeled meters will be billed
to the developer or owner whose responsibility it shall be to pay such
expenses within 30 days of receipt of said billing. All wiring from the
customer side of the meter is to be installed, owned and maintained by
the owner. The point of delivery shall be the load side terminals of
the meter socket. The Utility will install , own, operate, and maintain
circuits and equipment up to the point of delivery. The Utility shall
have Utility sealed access to the meter socket. The customer shall own,
maintain and operate all breakers, receptacles, and other devices on the
customer side of the point of delivery.
Single Position Pedestals
Single position mobile home utility meter pedestals may be used with the
same Electric Construction Policies, Practices and Procedures as applies
to ganged meter sockets.
Planned Unit Developments
The applicable service rules as described under the residential
construction, mobile home park, and commercial headings apply.
Commercial
Commercial development will be considered on an individual basis depen-
dent upon size, type and characteristics of the load requirement. The
Utility will endeavor to provide special service voltages and/or connec-
tions when a Utility approved document is presented, provided that such
document or documents accurately and completely describe the owner's
load and desired entrance needs. Service requirements, construction
costs and payment terms will be given on request. Early contact with
the Utility during the planning stages is essential . The Utility will
not be obligated to provide special service voltages or connections to
those who have not coordinated their planning with the Utility. Entrance
requirements including location, number of phases, voltage, amperage per
meter, number of meters, and underground or overhead must be determined
with the Utility at an early date. Typically, the Utility will provide 3
wire 120/240 volt single phase, 3 wire 208Y/120 volt single phase, 3
phase 208Y/120 4 wire service, or 3 phase 480Y/277 volt 4 wire service.
Other service voltages or types must be approved by the Utility.
Because of planned underground service facilities and requirements to
convert overhead lines to underground, the location or characteristics
of existing or prior electric service facilities will not determine the
location or service characteristics of a new or modified electric ser-
vice entrance. Except when the Utility determines that underground is
not feasible, services will be installed underground. The owner will be
required to furnish, install , and maintain all circuits and equipment on
the customer side of the point of delivery.
Streetlighting will be installed in accordance with the City of Fort
Collins' design criteria and standards for streets.
Meter Sockets
For loads not exceeding 200 amps or 300 volts applicable meter socket
rules under the Residential heading apply. Contact the Utility for 320
amp single phase socket approval on a case by case basis.
For loads exceeding 200 amps or 300 volts but less than 600 volts, meter
sockets will be furnished by the Utility and installed by the owner or
his agent. Metering will be instrument transformer rated with instru-
ment transformers furnished by the Utility. The owner or his agent will
furnish and install all necessary conduit from the meter socket to the
instrument transformer location.
Instrument transformers and associated equipment such as enclosures,
racks, poles, cable, terminations, insulators, etc. , for primary meter-
ing will be furnished and installed by the Utility at the expense of the
customer on a non-refundable basis. The owner or his agent will install
the meter socket (furnished by the Utility) , and will furnish and
install all necessary conduit from the meter socket to the instrument
transformer location.
The location of the meters shall allow access, at all times, by Utility
personnel for the purposes of reading meters and maintaining Utility
owned equipment. The location shall be on the exterior unless otherwise
approved by the Utility. Each meter socket shall be plainly and perma-
nently marked to indicate which unit is supplied therefrom. The marking
is to be the same as the mailing address for each unit. The owner or
developer will be responsible for electricity delivered through
unmarked, illegible or incorrectly labeled meter sockets. All expenses
incurred by the Utility related to correcting improperly labeled meters
will be billed to the developer or owner whose responsibility it shall
be to pay such expenses within 30 days of receipt of said billing.
Construction Coordination Sequence
General
Construction coordination and scheduling is the responsibility of the
developer and owner/builder. To ensure maximum economy in construction,
the sequence of installation of utilities, streets, driveways,
sidewalks, etc. , must be coordinated with the Utility. Increased con-
struction cost incurred by the Utility due to the lack of economic
scheduling or construction coordination will be charged to the developer
or owner/builder.
In general , underground utilities should be installed in order from
deepest to shallowest, i .e. the deepest utility should be installed
first, the second deepest second, etc.
The underground utility installation sequence diagram included herein
illustrates the typical construction plan and profile along with typical
developer and owner/builder sequence steps. This diagram is provided as
a guide to assist the developer and the owner/builder. Actual construc-
tion sequences must be coordinated with the Utility on a project by pro-
ject basis.
Changes or additions to the electric system due to development devia-
tions will be made at the expense of the developer or owner. A develop-
ment deviation is any variation from the prescribed sequence of develop-
ment which increases the cost of construction for the Utility.
Prerequisite to Construction
Easements, indicated on the work sketch for the location of the under-
ground lines and services as furnished by this Utility, must be granted
by the developer. All lot corners pertaining to the underground system
must be staked and all final grading on the service lines and easements
completed before work will be started. Curb, (except for radius sec-
tions) , gutter, and final grade, adjacent to and 15 feet from the prop-
erty side of the curb, must be completed prior to the installation of
the electric facilities. Concrete curb and sidewalks must be cured to a
minimum of 7 days to prevent damage thereto.
Street Crossing Option
Upon the approval of the Utility, a developer may install conduits at
street crossings. This option serves to expedite the development
process when street paving is scheduled before the underground
electrical system can be installed. The Utility will specify the
locations of such crossing and provide all materials to the developer.
All crossings must be inspected and approved by the Utility. A credit
will be issued to the developer in the amount of the net savings
realized by the Utility due to the developer' s installation of the
conduits.
The developer/owner/agent is responsible for the cost and repair or
replacement of damaged or unusable conduit in street crossings provided
for installation of electric and joint use facilities.
Trenching Option
At the discretion of the Utility the developer or owner may be required
to furnish all necessary trenches, excavations, and backfills to meet
the requirements established by the Utility for the underground electric
system. A credit will be given based on trenching costs to the Utility
in average soils. All trenches dug by the developer or owner will be
inspected and approved by the Utility prior to the installation of con-
duits and conductors. The Utility will , in these cases, approve the
backfill material and installation. If the excavated material contains
rock, the developer will be required to supply proper backfilling mate-
rial .
It is the developer or owner's responsibility to coordinate all work
including the inspection of trenches and backfill . The Utility reserves
the right to test compaction or depth at the cost of the developer or
owner.
Joint Use Construction
In cases where the electric trench is to be used for the installation of
cable television and or telephone facilities, plans for same shall be
made with the Utility for inclusion in the final electrical design prior
to the developer's request for scheduling and a minimum of two weeks
prior to the date that electric construction is to begin.
The initial planning, coordination, and implementation of a joint use
agreement with the Utility shall be the responsibility of the devel -
oper/owner and or third party utilities desiring joint use trench.
The Utility will not offer joint use to those who have not completed the
coordination of their planning with the joint use parties.
Joint use costs will be charged to the owner/developer or third party
utility to recover engineering service, construction and administrative
costs.
Vacating an Easement
In the case where an easement has been granted and electric distribution
facilities have been installed, the parties seeking to have such
easement changed shall pay the Utility the actual cost for relocation of
the Utility's electric distribution facilities and shall provide the
necessary alternative rights-of-way.
Temporary Lines
Any temporary electric service lines required by the developer for
construction purposes before the underground system is completed shall
be at the expense of the developer. At the option of the Utility the
developer will be billed for the actual or estimated cost of construc-
tion, plus estimated retirement costs. There will be no charge for
recoverable materials.
Working Adjacent To Overhead Lines
Any person, consumer, business, or other party working within ten (10)
feet of overhead power lines carrying more than 600 volts shall provide
72 hours notice to the Utility of such work. The Utility shall coordi-
nate the efforts to cover up or in some manner to make such lines safe
for the work or activity. The consumer, person, business or party shall
pay all costs associated with making such lines safe. Failure to notify
the Utility 72 hours in advance of any activity within 10 feet of over-
head lines, shall relieve the Utility of all responsibility or liability
for accidents, injuries, or damages arising through or from such activi-
ties.
Locate Policy
To prevent service interruptions, personal injury, and property
destruction resulting from damage to underground facilities during exca-
vation, Colorado state law requires notification of utilities at least
two business days prior to any excavation. Notification will be made
through the Utility's notification agent. Upon receiving such notice,
the Utility shall advise the excavator of the location and size of
underground facilities in the proposed excavation area. The Utility
will designate the location of the facilities with clearly identifiable
markings within eighteen (18) inches, laterally, from the exterior sides
of the facilities. The excavator will undertake the excavation within
72 hours of receiving the facility location. If an excavator discovers
that the Utility has incorrectly marked the location of the underground
facilities, the Utility must be informed immediately and excavation must
be stopped. Utility personnel will repair any damage and correct the
faulty markings. Accidental damage to mislocated facilities will be the
responsibility of the Utility. Failure by the excavator to undertake
the excavation within 72 hours will relieve the Utility of all responsi -
bility and liability for the accuracy of the locations.
In the event of actual or potential damage to an underground utility
facility, the excavator shall stop excavation and immediately notify the
Utility of the location and extent of such damage. The excavator will
be responsible for the cost of repairing facilities, including mobiliza-
tion of Utility crews, damaged under any or the following conditions:
1 . Correctly located underground facilities,
2. Damage to facilities in areas where locations were not
requested,
3. Damage to facilities that were located in excess of 72
hours prior to excavation,
4. Continued damage to the Utility's system resulting after the
first exposure of incorrectly located facilities.
All excavation shall be in conformance with applicable local , state and
federal laws, and as described above.
Contractor Access To Energized Transformer Compartments
The Utility will provide access to energized transformer compartments at
the request of a licensed electrical contractor or electrician. No such
access will be allowed until the Utility and contractor/electrician have
executed an agreement specifying the responsibilities of each party. The
contractor/electrician must take every reasonable measure to ensure that
public health, safety, and welfare is protected during the period in
which access to the transformer has been granted.
Other Rules and Regulations
Where other published rules of the Utility do not conflict with the
above, they are applicable.
Glossary
Building Site Charges - Charges for installing electric service lines
from the street to the residential meter or commercial transformer. Off
site facilities (kVa load) charge, primary service charge, and secondary
service charge are collectively referred to as "building site charges" .
Development Charges - Charges for providing primary electric service to
the lot corner of the site including the cost of streetlight
construction. Three charges, off site facilities, primary charge and
streetlight charge are collectively referred to as "development
charges".
Excavation - Any operation in which earth is moved or removed by means
of any tools, equipment, or explosives and includes, but is not limited
to, auguring, backfilling, ditching, drilling, grading, plowing-in, pul -
ling-in, ripping, scraping, trenching, and tunneling.
Off Site Facilities - Delivers electric power from main substations to
subdivisions and load areas.
Off Site Facilities Charge - Cost to bring primary electric power from
main substations to subdivisions and load areas.
Point of Delivery - That point defined as the load side of the electric
meter or the load side of the main disconnect where current transformers
(CTs) are employed or as otherwise designated by the Utility beyond
which the customer is responsible for installation and maintenance of
electrical equipment.
Point of Service - That point at which the Utility's service lines, pri-
mary or secondary, enter the property of the consumer, or as otherwise
designated by the Utility.
Primary Charge - Cost to bring primary electric power at primary voltage
from the subdivision boundary to the internal loads in the subdivision.
Primary Electric Service - All cable, enclosures, switches, and
associated apparatus necessary to provide primary service to the
transformers or primary bus from the primary feeder.
Primary Feeder - Delivers electric power at primary voltage to the
subdivision or individual load from the off site facilities.
Primary Service Charge - Cost to bring primary voltage electric cable to
pad mounted transformers or building vaults on customer's premises.
Secondary Electric Service - Electric distribution service cables of 600
volts and below from the transformer to the customer's metering point.
Secondary Service Charge - Cost to bring electric distribution service
cables of 600 volts and below from the transformer to the customer's
metering point.
Streetlight Charge - The charge for the installation of new street-
lights. Streetlights are installed in accordance with the City of Fort
Collins' Design Criteria and Standards For Streets.
Utility - The City of Fort Collins Light and Power Utility.