HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-177-11/01/1988-REVISED ELECTRIC SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS RESOLUTION 88-177
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING REVISED ELECTRIC SERVICE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
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 regarding the
provision of electrical service; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed revised Electric Service Rules
and Regulations and desires to approve the same.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS that the revised Electric Service Rules and Regulations, attached
hereto and incorporated by reference, be, and they hereby are, accepted and
approved.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Coun �f the City of
Fort Collins held this 1st day of November, 1988. �/
r ,
mayor
TTEST:
City Clerk
ELECTRIC SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
General
These rules and regulations set forth terms and conditions under
which electric service is supplied by the Light and Power Utility of
the City of Fort Collins (hereinafter called the Utility) and are
intended to govern all classes of service supplied by the Utility to
consumers (sometimes called users) both within and outside the corporate
limits of the City.
The Utility provides a choice of several rate schedules for electric
service to the following customer classes: residential , co—ercial and
industrial . Charges, applicability and terms and conditio;_ of service
are specified in each of the rate schedules. Copies of the electric
rate schedules are available at the Utility Customer Service Office. In
addition to the provisions and conditions herein, service supplied under
the electric rate schedules is subject to the service regulations speci-
fied in the rates, Electric Construction Policies, Practices and Proce-
dures, and such amendments or additions thereto as may be made by the
City.
Electric service furnished by the Utility is also subject to the
requirements set forth in the Code of the City relating to electrical
installations, inspections, licensing, permits and regulations, and in
the rules and regulations of the Chief Electrical Inspector pursuant to
the Electrical Code.
Any waiver at any time of the Utility's requirements under these
rules and regulations shall not be deemed as a waiver as to any viola-
tion or other matter subsequently occurring.
Service Available
Unless stated otherwise in the rules and regulations pertaining to
specific electric rate schedules, electric service supplied shall be 60
cycle alternating current typically as follows:
Single Phase
3-wire 120/240 or 120/208 volts
Three Phase
4-wire 208 wye/120 volts
4-wire 480 wye/277 volts
The Utility reserves the right to specify the phase and nominal vol -
tage at which service shall be supplied and to serve at different vol -
tages where distribution is made at other nominal voltages.
Type Of Service
Permanent
Unless specific arrangements are made to the contrary, electric ser-
vice shall be considered rendered on a continuous, permanent basis sub-
ject to termination as provided later in these rules and regulations.
Temporary Service
Temporary service is considered as that service required by such
consumers as circuses, construction contractors, carnivals, tent shows
and similar enterprises. Prior to the start of any construction
required to provide temporary service, the applicant shall pay to the
Utility an amount equal to the Utility's estimate of the total cost of
constructing and removing all facilities necessary to supply the desired
service less the salvage value of the materials used. At the Utility's
option, this billing may be issued following completion of the temporary
installation. The amount paid is non-refundable and cannot be applied
to service bills. The cost of electric service shall be in accordance
with the provisions of the application for such service and shall be as
stated in the applicable schedules of rates.
Term Of Service
Discontinuance By Consumer
Any consumer desiring to discontinue electric service should com-
plete and submit a "Termination Request" form to the City three days
prior to the desired discontinuance date. At the City's discretion,
requests to discontinue service may be accepted by telephone. The con-
sumer shall be financially responsible in any event for electric service
rendered until the final meter reading is obtained. Further, such
request does not relieve the consumer in any way from any minimums or
payments guaranteed under the consumer's service contract.
Discontinuance By City
The Utility may discontinue service under any of the following
conditions:
1 . If the user's wiring or equipment is considered unsafe, service
may be discontinued after notice and shall not be reconnected
until the unsafe condition has been corrected. The Utility may
discontinue service without notice to the user if the unsafe
condition could be considered dangerous to the life, health or
safety of any person. Notice is defined as the Utility deposit-
ing, postage prepaid, in the first class United States mail ,
such notice or letter to the user describing any unsafe condi -
tions.
2. Service may be discontinued without notice to the user if, in
the opinion of the Utility, continued service is detrimental to
the Utility's facilities or to others served by the Utility.
3. Service may be discontinued for nonpayment of past-due accounts
directly or indirectly related to the provision of electric ser-
vice, in which event written notice shall be given in accordance
with the Termination of Service-Notice and Hearing Section.
4. The consumer shall not connect any energy-consuming appliance or
device on the Utility's side of a meter or tamper or otherwise
interfere with the proper operation or registration of the Util -
ity's meter or permit others to perform such connection, inter-
ference or tampering. Violation of this provision may subject
the consumer to criminal prosecution and result in the discon-
nection of service without notice. Service will not be recon-
nected until the consumer has paid an estimated service bill for
the approximate period during which such violation existed and
has installed standard service entrance wiring in accordance
with the prevailing requirements of the Code of the City relat-
ing to electrical installations, inspections, licensing, permits
and regulations.
5. Service may be discontinued upon violation of the provisions
described under the section headed "Consumer's Use And Facili -
ties" as included herein.
6. Except where written notice prior to discontinuing services is
specifically not required by these regulations or has been
waived in writing by the consumer, services shall not be discon-
tinued prior to the giving of written notice required by these
rules and regulations.
In the event of disconnection by the City for any of the foregoing
causes, and after evidence is submitted that the cause for disconnection
has been corrected, electric service shall not be restored until payment
of a combined administrative and service restoration fee has been made.
Termination Of Service-Notice And Hearing
1. If any bill for electrical service is not paid within 25 days
from the billing date or if the City determines that service
shall be terminated and written notice is required pursuant to
these rules and regulations, the City shall mail via first class
United States mail or shall cause to be delivered to the con-
sumer' s premise receiving service, a written Delinquency Notice
or Notice of Intent to Terminate. Such written notice shall be
addressed to the consumer at the address to which bills for ser-
vice have been sent and shall contain the following information:
a. The number of the account.
b. The amount of the unpaid bill , the date of the unpaid bill ,
or the other condition causing service to be terminated.
c. The officer of the City to be contacted to inquire about
the written notice and the telephone number at which such
officer can be reached. Such officer shall be authorized to
change any electrical service billing which is in error.
d. The date, not less than seven days from the date the written
notice is mailed, on which service shall be terminated if
the account is not paid or if the condition causing termina-
tion of service is not corrected.
e. Advisement of an additional charge if a turnoff notice is
mailed or delivered.
If an agreement on the amount due or other reason for termina-
tion, cannot be reached with the officer identified in the
notice, the consumer has the right to a protest hearing before
the hearing officer. A written request for such a hearing must
be filed with the Utility Customer Service Division prior to the
proposed date of termination of service. The consumer may
appeal an unfavorable decision to the financial officer whose
decision is final .
2. If, by the date specified in the notice, the condition warrant-
ing disconnection has not been corrected and no appeal has been
upheld, or if a check for payment of utility service has been
returned by the bank upon which it was issued as nonpayable, the
City may mail or deliver a turnoff notice to the premises
served. Such notice shall be left on the premises or sent via
first class United States mail and no further delivery of notice
shall be required. Such notice shall contain the following:
a. The name of the consumer and the number of the account.
b. The address of the premises served.
c. The date and time, not less than 48 hours after mailing or
delivery of the notice, when service shall be terminated
unless the condition causing termination of service is cor-
rected.
d. The amount required to be paid, or the condition to be
corrected, in order to avoid termination of service.
e. The amount of additional charge that shall be imposed to
reinstate service if service is terminated.
3. If the delinquent account is not paid, or the other condition
causing termination not corrected, within the time required by
the turn-off notice, the City shall terminate service to the
premises. Service shall not be reinstated until the cause for
disconnection has been corrected and the turn-off notice fee and
a service restoration fee have been paid. Such fees shall be
cost based.
Refusal Of Service
The Utility may refuse to provide service or to install service
equipment under any of the following conditions:
1 . The person or firm requesting the service or installation of
service equipment currently owes the City a delinquent amount
for any City utility services previously provided, whether to
the same or different premises.
2. The person or firm requesting the service or installation of
service equipment owes the City a delinquent amount for utility
service equipment previously installed.
If the City refuses to provide service or install service equipment
as specified herein, the person or firm requesting such service shall be
informed by the City in writing within five business days as to the rea-
son for the refusal and the delinquent amount that must be paid before
the City shall fulfill the request.
Notwithstanding the above, if any person or firm disputes the amount
owed, such person or firm may receive service as requested after depo-
siting with the City the amount requested, to be held by the City in
trust, for a period not to exceed thirty days, pending final determina-
tion of the amount owed. Such person or firm shall submit, within fif-
teen days of receipt of the Refusal of Service notice, a written state-
ment as to the disputed amount, and the City shall make its determina-
tion within fifteen days of such statement.
If such statement is not submitted to the City within said fifteen
days, or if the City shall determine that the amount is properly owed to
the City, said deposited amount shall be delivered to the City in satis-
faction of the amount owed. Appeal of any such determination by the
City shall be in accordance with the Termination of Service Notice and
Hearing procedures provided in these rules and regulations.
Service Contract
Application
The service connection at any location under any schedule of rates
shall be proceded by a signed application for service at the Utility
Customer Service Office. Not withstanding the foregoing, at the City's
sole discretion, applications for utility service may be accepted by
telephone. Approval of an application by the City and acceptance of
utility service, by the consumer shall constitute a contract between the
consumer and the City whereby the consumer shall agree to pay the City
for utility service in accordance with the applicable rate schedule and
to abide by the rules and regulations contained herein. This contrac-
tual obligation of the consumer may not be assigned without the prior
approval of the City. The property owner of the premises to be served,
if different than the applicant, shall be jointly financially respon-
sible for all utility services delivered to the premises, regardless of
any change of tenancy or ownership. Accordingly, the City may require
the property owner to sign the application for service. In the case of
multiple services, separate applications shall be required for each ser-
vice under the rate schedule applicable to such service. Meter readings
shall not be combined for billing purposes, except when aggregated read-
ings are available and deemed appropriate by the City.
No promise, agreement or representation of any employee of the Utility
shall be binding upon the Utility, unless the same shall have been
incorporated in the application and contract for service.
Service Charge
A charge shall be made for the processing of a request for electric
service as prescribed by the applicable rate schedule.
Service Deposits
1. The City may at any time require any utility consumer to pay a
service deposit if the consumer has received one or more final
turn-off notices for delinquency or if the consumer is unable to
provide proof of satisfactory credit history, or for any other
reason that the City may deem appropriate.
2. The amount of the deposit shall be two times the estimated
monthly bill for electrical energy to the premises served as
determined by the City.
Returned Checks
The City shall charge a fee for any check returned unpaid for any
reason from a bank. The City may also deliver to the consumer a turn-
off notice in accordance with these rules and regulations.
Selection Of Rates
The Utility shall , if desired, assist the prospective consumer in
selecting the available rate for service best suited for his require-
ments. The consumer shall be responsible for the rate schedule selected
or under which service has been used, and the consumer's use of service
and payment therefor shall be in accordance with the provisions thereof.
If a consumer desires to change the rate under which electric service is
rendered, an application for service under the new rate must be sub-
mitted by the consumer.
Based upon the consumer's historical billing demand, the Utility may
require a consumer to change to an applicable rate.
Metering And Billing
Metering Of Service
The consumer shall provide at the consumer's expense, suitable
mounting space or enclosure for the installation of metering equipment
in accordance with the Code of the City relating to electrical installa-
tions, inspections, licensing, permits and regulations. The Utility
shall own and maintain metering equipment suitable and necessary for
measuring the electric energy supplied. Service supplied under each
electric rate schedule shall be separately measured and billed. Primary
metering equipment, except for the meter, shall be furnished and
installed by the Utility at the expense of the consumer as a non-
refundable Contribution in Aid of Construction.
With the exception of service to adjoining properties owned and
controlled by the user as a single commercial or business enterprise,
service to the same consumer at different locations shall necessitate
separate applications for metering and billing. Where electric service
is furnished under more than one rate schedule to a user at one
location, such service shall be provided at the same point of delivery.
Service shall be supplied and metered at the secondary voltages
listed under "Service Available" section above unless otherwise approved
by the Utility.
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 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 shall be responsible for electricity delivered
through unmarked, illegible or improperly labeled meter sockets.
Expenses incurred by the Utility related to correcting improperly
labeled meters shall be billed to the developer or owner.
Accuracy Of Meters
Meters measuring electric service shall be checked for accuracy
before installation and periodically thereafter on a scheduled or sample
basis as determined by the Utility. Meters shall be considered accurate
when they measure within 2% plus or minus when tested at 100% of full
test current. No meter shall be kept in service which registers usage
under no load conditions.
Billing Period
Meter reading shall be accomplished as nearly as practicable on a
thirty-day or monthly basis. Bills for payment become delinquent within
twenty-five days after the billing date and the service becomes subject
to shut-off as provided under "Discontinuance by City. " If the Utility
is unable for any reason to gain access to read any meter, or for any
other reason the Utility is unable to obtain a meter reading, the con-
sumption and demand shall be estimated by the Utility.
Budget Billing
If any single-family residential consumer has resided at the service
address for six months, has a satisfactory payment history and so
requests, the City may estimate the average monthly bill of such con-
sumer based upon the historic use of electrical service by that consumer
at that service address. Such average amount shall be the monthly bill
rendered to the consumer for eleven billing periods. In the twelfth
billing period, the City shall collect the amount the consumer owes or
apply a credit to the consumer's account for over-payments. The monthly
budget billing amount shall be adjusted for changes in the base electri -
cal rate or historical use. Budget billing can be obtained upon making
a request for the same at the Utility Customer Service Office.
Fixed Consumption Billing
Fixed Consumption Billing is defined as billing for service provided
to a constant or predictable unmetered, electrical load for which the
Utility has predetermined the consumers billing consumption based upon
connected load, estimated usage, test measurements or other means.
Billing amounts and terms of service shall be in accordance with the
electric rate schedule which would be applicable to the load if it were
metered; provided, however, that the Utility reserves the right to
correct past billing amounts at any time to correspond with test
metering results and to adjust billing consumption in accordance with
updated load estimates based on current or anticipated loads and condi-
tions.
Fixed Consumption Billing may be offered to the consumer at the sole
discretion of the Utility, and such billing is subject to withdrawal
whereupon electric service may be discontinued by the Utility upon
thirty days' written notice to the consumer. Alteration of facilities
or conditions, or addition of load by the consumer without prior
approval of the Utility shall constitute diversion of electric energy.
The consumer may discontinue electric service to a Fixed Consumption
Billing load by providing proper request of such discontinuance to the
Utility.
Errors
The Utility shall use all reasonable means to avoid billing errors
and shall , as soon as any error is discovered, rebill for the correct
amounts, whether this involves additional payment by the consumer or
credit to the account by the Utility regardless of the time periods
involved. Payments due to the Utility for such errors shall be col -
lected in the same manner as payments for regular bills for service.
Incorrect billing due to faulty meter measurement beyond the
accuracy limits hereinbefore stated shall be corrected by revised bill -
ing based upon corrected readings for the approximate period during
which the meter inaccuracy existed. Bills for corrected usage shall be
due and payable in the same manner as regular bills for service.
Diversion Of Electric Energy
If energy-consuming devices or equipment are connected ahead of the
meter, or if there has been any tampering with or connections to the
Utility's distribution facilities or service equipment or any tampering
with the Utility's meter including breaking of meter seals which would
make possible or result in the consumption of electricity not registered
on the Utility's meter or an inaccurate measurement of demand, the con-
sumer shall be subject to immediate discontinuance of service without
notice and to prosecution under applicable laws.
The installation of a check meter by the Utility and registration on
this meter at a greater rate than on the regular meter, after both
meters have been tested and found accurate, shall establish a rebuttable
presumption of such diversion of electricity.
In the event of such diversion of electricity, the Utility shall be
entitled to collect from the consumer, at the appropriate rate suffi-
cient funds to cover the cost of all additional power and energy esti -
mated by the Utility which was not registered on the meter because of
such diversion of electricity, and also sufficient funds to cover all
expenses incurred by the Utility on account of such unauthorized act or
acts. Further, service shall not be reconnected until the consumer
has installed such entrance and service equipment as is necessary to
prevent further diversion of electricity. The consumer may also be
required to pay a service deposit.
Lien On Property
The owner of every house, building, lot or premise shall be finan-
cially responsible for all electric service delivered to such property,
and the cost of all unpaid bills for service shall constitute a perpet-
ual lien upon the property, which lien may be enforced by an assessment
upon the property so served, all as provided by the Code of the City.
Any information relating to the amounts due from the consumer on account
of utility service provided by the City shall be made available upon
request to the owner of the real property to which the service is being
provided or to his or her agent.
Gratuities
Inspectors, agents and employees of the Utility or the City are for-
bidden from accepting any personal compensation or gratuities from con-
sumers.
City's Facilities
Continuity Of Service
The City shall use reasonable diligence at all times to provide con-
tinuous service at the agreed nominal voltage, and shall not be liable
to the consumer for complete or partial failure or interruption of ser-
vice, or for fluctuations in voltage, resulting from causes beyond its
control or through the ordinary negligence of its employees, servants or
agents.
Voltage Regulation
The Utility shall be diligent in providing electric service with
reasonable voltage variations. However, the Utility shall not be
responsible or liable for voltage or quality variations caused by the
consumer's appliances and equipment such as may be produced by starting
motors, x-rays, welders, pumps, etc.
Ownership Of Transformers
Generally, the Utility shall install , own and maintain all trans-
formers required to deliver service at the Utility's standard secondary
voltages. Where secondary service is metered on the primary side of the
Utility's distribution transformers, or if the consumer owns the trans-
formers and substation converting to the secondary voltage, credits
shall be applied as provided in the applicable rate schedules.
When service is delivered at primary voltage, the consumer shall
generally own, install and maintain all transformers. Under schedules
of rates for primary service and where secondary service is delivered or
metered at secondary voltage, correction factors shall be applied as
provided under applicable rates.
Overhead Service Loops
Consistent with current construction practices, service loops shall
generally be installed underground. Overhead service loops shall be
installed only at the Utility's discretion. Only one service loop
shall be connected to a single premise or property, except in unusual
cases and as approved by the Utility. If more than one service loop is
installed, it shall be connected to the same general delivery point to
facilitate disconnection of the property in the event of fire or other
emergency. Where practicable, all service loops shall be installed from
Utility's secondary distribution at the lot line. If the property of
the consumer does not abut on the right-of-way of the Utility's distri -
bution system, it shall be the consumer's responsibility to provide ade-
quate easements or bring wiring to a point designated by the Utility.
Attachment To Poles
Attachments to Utility's poles or lighting standards shall not be
permitted except upon specific written authority of the Utility. The
attachment of radio or TV antennae or other objects is specifically pro-
hibited. Attachment of communications circuits such as telephone, com-
munity antennae systems or other communication media may be made pro-
vided that a joint use contract has been entered into between the Util -
ity and those desiring to make such attachments. Said attachments shall
conform to the requirements of the latest edition of the National Elec-
tric Safety Code and additional requirements, if any, by the Utility.
Tree Trimming
The consumer shall permit the Utility to trim the limbs and branches
of trees, bushes and shrubs to the extent that such trimming shall be
reasonably necessary to avoid interference with the Utility's lines or
to allow access to the Utility's meter or other equipment on the con-
sumer's property. The consumer shall be responsible for such trimming
of trees as may be necessary to avoid interference with the Utility's
meter and service wires running from the Utility's distribution poles to
the point of delivery on the consumer's premises.
Shortage Of Electricity
The Utility shall make every reasonable effort to furnish a continu-
ous supply of electricity to meet demands. However, should shortages
occur by reason of acts of God or causes beyond the immediate control of
the Utility, the Utility shall have the right to grant preference to
those present and future services which in its opinion are the most
essential to the public welfare. The Utility shall not be held liable
for monetary lass or loss of business from shortages in supply of elec-
tric energy.
Liability
All installations of wire, meters, transformers or other materials
or equipment made by the Utility shall remain the property of the
Utility and shall not be tampered or interfered with directly or
indirectly by the consumer or any other unauthorized persons. The
consumer shall be liable for any damage or loss to the property of the
Utility or other persons and injury to Utility employees or other per-
sons through such unauthorized tampering or interference.
Underground Services From Overhead Distribution
Upon the request of the consumer, the Utility shall install or cause
to be installed an underground service from an existing overhead distri -
bution system, provided that the consumer pays to the Utility an amount
equal to the estimated cost of the underground service. Such payment
shall not be subject to refund and shall not be applied to payment of
bills for electric service. Such underground services shall remain the
property of the Utility and shall be operated and maintained by the
Utility, provided, however, that if damages to such services are caused
by the consumer, the consumer shall pay the full cost of restoring the
service to its original condition.
If an existing underground service previously installed as provided
above requires relocation or replacement because of new construction or
changes on the consumer's premises or because of increased loads, the
cost of such modification shall be borne by the consumer.
Line Extension Policy
Where the Utility is requested to extend, augment or alter its
facilities, or if the Utility is requested to provide new or additional
capacity that may be needed, the Utility shall provide such extension,
augmentation or alteration in accordance with the requirements of these
rules and regulations and The Construction Policies, Practices and
Procedures.
All existing overhead electric utility facilities on or adjacent to
the affected service location shall be converted to underground facili-
ties in conjunction with the augmentation, extension or alteration of
any part of such utility service facilities, except where the Utility
determines that underground construction is not practical or feasible.
Utility line extensions shall be installed underground in accordance
with these rules and regulations, The Electric Construction Policies,
Practices and Procedures, and the requirements of the Code of the City.
The consumer, owner or developer shall pay the full estimated cost
of such conversion, extension, alteration or augmentation of facilities
and a proportionate share of the cost of associated underground distri -
bution system facilities necessary to provide additional service capac-
ity, all as determined by the Utility. Such payment shall be made as a
non-refundable contribution in aid to construction.
Line Extension Policy-Street Lighting Service
Extension of the street light system of the City shall be made in
accordance with the Code of the City. The full estimated cost of
streetlighting service shall be paid for by the consumer, owner or
developer.
Consumers Use And Facilities
Consumer's Installation
Before acquiring motors or other electric energy-consuming devices
or providing for the installation and electric wiring for same, the user
or prospective user of electric service shall notify the Utility in
ample time of its intent to determine if such motors or devices may be
connected to the Utility's system under the Utility's rules and regula-
tions governing electrical installations. The Utility shall then deter-
mine if it has electrical service of the desired phase and voltage
available therefor or whether extensions and improvements of the Util -
ity's system shall be required. The Utility shall also establish
points of delivery for service and meter locations.
Electric service shall be delivered to the consumer at one point of
delivery for each premise, such point of delivery to be designated by
the Utility. Only authorized employees of the Utility shall be per-
mitted to make and energize the connection between the Utility's service
wire and the consumer's service entrance conductors.
The costs incurred by the Utility through any changes in point of
delivery and/or in the location of the Utility's meters necessitated by
changes on the consumer's premises shall be subject to reimbursement to
the Utility by the consumer.
All energy-consuming equipment of the user and all wiring therefor
on the user's side of the point of delivery shall be furnished,
installed, owned and maintained at all times by the user in conformity
with applicable electric codes and in conformity with the City's rules
and regulations pertaining to electrical installations, and the rules
and regulations of the building official . Where service is supplied at
primary voltages, the consumer shall provide, own, operate and maintain
all facilities beyond the point of delivery at the end of the primary
service unless specific arrangements are made to the contrary.
If the consumer desires electric service at voltages, either
primary or secondary, other than those available from the Utility's
distribution system, the consumer shall furnish, own and maintain all
special transformers and special control equipment necessary to supply
such voltage or service. If special metering shall be required in such
cases, the costs thereof shall be paid by the consumer. Such metering
equipment, however, shall be and remain the property of the Utility and
shall be tested and maintained by the Utility.
If the consumer has connected equipment, the operation of which is
detrimental to service to other utility users, and if the consumer
desires to continue the operation of such equipment, the Utility may
require the consumer to install motor generators, line filters, reac-
tors, isolation transformers, or transformer and/or line capacity beyond
that normally required, in order to eliminate the detrimental effect
upon other consumers. If such remedial measures involve expense on the
part of the Utility, all such costs shall be reimbursed by the user.
If the consumer's demands are measured in such cases, the Utility may
determine the billing demands on shorter intervals than fifteen minutes
regardless of regular provisions in individual rates pertaining to the
determination of billing demands.
The consumer shall furnish and maintain required indoor, outdoor or
underground space and facilities for the installation of the Utility's
transformers and other equipment necessary to properly render electric
service to the consumer.
Easements
By making application for electric service, the consumer agrees to
grant or arrange for an easement on the consumer's property for the
installation, operation and maintenance of electric lines, wires and
other equipment of the Utility necessary to render service to the
consumer. When requested by the Utility, the consumer shall without
expense to the Utility make or procure a conveyance to the Utility of
satisfactory easements across the property owned or controlled by the
consumer for the Utility's lines or extensions thereof necessary or
incidental to the furnishing of service to the consumer. If such instal -
lation must be made on or over the property of a third party, it shall
be the responsibility of the consumer to obtain an easement for the
Utility from the third party before the installation can be made and
service rendered.
If, after service is originally rendered, the consumer's property
is divided in such a manner that part of the property no longer has
access to the right-of-way of the Utility's distribution system, the
consumer shall reserve an easement for the benefit of the Utility so
that the Utility may render electric service to such isolated parcel .
City Access
Authorized employees of the Utility shall have the right of safe
access to the consumer's premises at all reasonable times for any pur-
pose incidental to the supplying of electric service. Access to the
electrical meters and utility service equipment located on the con-
sumer's premises must be provided for proper billing. If any meter can-
not be read or access to utility service equipment is not provided for
three consecutive months, the consumer shall be notified by first class
mail that this condition must be corrected or the City shall discontinue
service until access to such equipment by Utility personnel is accom-
plished.
Foreign Power
Unless specific arrangements are made as provided under the Parallel
Generation section of these rules and regulations, the consumer shall
make exclusive use of service provided by the Utility and no other
source of electric energy shall be connected to any installation which
in turn is connected to the Utility's electric distribution system. This
provision does not preclude the use of emergency generating systems
owned by the consumer, provided that switching arrangements are
installed to prevent the possibility of the emergency generator and the
Utility's service being connected to the load simultaneously. The man-
ner of connection of any emergency generating system must be approved by
the Utility prior to use.
Resale of Electricity
Electric service shall be furnished for the sole use of the consumer
at the premises designated in the service application and contract, and
the consumer shall not directly or indirectly sell or otherwise dispose
of such service to any other person or persons, provided, however, that
electrical service may be provided to a tenant by the owner as part of a
lease-rental agreement. The Utility reserves the right to refuse to
furnish electric service to any consumer where such service is to be
resold to others. In the event that such resale comes to the attention
of the Utility, the Utility shall have the right, without prior notice,
to either discontinue service to the consumer or to furnish service
directly to the subconsumer.
Load Balance
Where secondary electric service is used, the consumer's equipment
shall be connected to balance the consumer's electric loads as follows:
With single-phase 3-wire, the current carried by the neutral shall
be not more than 15% of the current in either of the other wires.
With three-phase systems, the consumer's load in any phase shall be
not greater than 15% more than the load in either of the other two
phases.
Power Factor
The consumer shall at all times maintain a power factor as near
unity as practicable and never lower than 90% lagging. Luminous elec-
tric discharge tubes or other loads having inherent low power factor
shall at all times be provided by the consumer with effective power fac-
tor correction equipment such that the power factor resultant from such
energy use shall not be less than 90%. Where such power factor correc-
tion equipment is used, the consumer shall install disconnecting or con-
trolling equipment as needed to prevent excessive voltage variations on
the Utility's system. See the applicable rate schedule for regulations
specific to each rate class.
Demand - Motor Limits
Single-phase, fractional horsepower motors may be used on a
residential or business service. However, motors served at a nominal
voltage of 120 shall not have locked rotor starting current in excess of
20 amperes. Single-phase, fractional horsepower motors having locked
rotor currents in excess of the foregoing limits at 120 volts must be
operated from circuits having a nominal voltage of 240.
By special authorization of the Utility, single-phase motors of
greater than fractional horsepower may be operated on service to
residential and business users, depending upon motor and load
characteristics, including starting frequency and capability of the
Utility's electric system serving the load. Approval of the Utility
must be obtained before installation of any such motors and such
approval shall be valid only for specific locations.
Single-phase 240 volt motors up to a maximum rating of 71 horsepower
may be operated under the applicable rate schedule. As a protection to
service and equipment, the installation of single-phase motors of 5 and
71 horsepower shall have the approval of the Utility and shall have such
characteristics, or be equipped with a starter of such design, that the
instantaneous current shall be limited to 300% of normal full load
current.
Three-phase motors up to 200 horsepower may be supplied under appli-
cable rate schedules, provided that such motors have been manufactured
in accordance with National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
standards, and further provided that suitable protection equipment and
devices have been installed. Under some conditions, the Utility may
require the installation of reduced voltage or other types of starting
equipment. Such equipment may be required where, in the opinion of the
Utility, the starting frequency adversely affects service being rendered
to other consumers.
Intermittent Loads And Stand By Service
Subject to the approval of the Utility, use of x-ray machines,
induction-type welders or equipment with similar operating characteris-
tics shall be permitted under applicable rate schedules on secondary
service, provided that adequate transformer and distribution capacity is
available.
An incremental demand charge may be added if the consumer's load is
of an intermittent or fluctuating character or reflects frequent start-
ing with high current inrush, or if standby service is provided for any
reason. In these cases, the Utility may consider the billing demand as
the maximum amount of power used at any time, may add to the measured
demand of the steady load up to 50% of the maximum fluctuating load, or
may add to the measured demand an incremental demand charge determined
from either the nameplate data of the equipment or by the kVa of extra
transformer capacity necessary to serve such loads. The consumer may
also be required to pay a one-time charge equal to the investment in
special facilities necessary to serve such fluctuating load or to pro-
vide such standby service. Previous demand charge payments may not be
applied as payment toward such investment.
Standby service may be utilized for back-up power, supplementary
power or maintenance power to Qualifying Facilities operated in parallel
with the Utility as provided herein.
Indemnity To City
The City shall not be held responsible for any injury to persons or
damage to property occasioned or caused by the acts, omissions or negli -
gence of the consumer or of any of the consumer's agents, employees or
licensees in installing, maintaining, operating or using any of the con-
sumer's lines, wire, equipment, machinery or apparatus, and for injury
and damage caused by defects in the same. The consumer shall hold the
City harmless and indemnify it against any and all claims and liability
for injury to persons or damage to property when such injury or damage
results from or is occasioned by the facilities located on the con-
sumer's side of the point of delivery unless caused by the negligence or
wrongful acts of the City's agents or employees. The consumer shall pay
all costs that may be incurred by the City in enforcing this indemnity.
Working Adjacent To Or In The Vicinity Of Overhead Electric Lines
Any person, consumer, business or other party working within ten
feet of overhead power lines carrying more than 600 volts shall provide
seventy-two hours notice to the Utility of such work. The Utility shall
coordinate 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 cost associated with making such lines safe. Failure to
notify the Utility seventy-two hours in advance of any activity within
ten feet of overhead lines shall relieve the Utility of all responsibil -
ity or liability for accidents, injuries or damages arising through or
from such activities.
Locate Policy
To prevent service interruption, personal injury or property
destruction resulting from damage to underground facilities during exca-
vation, state law requires the notification of utilities at least two
business days prior to any excavation. Notification is to be made
through the Utility's notification service. Upon receiving such notice,
the Utility shall advise the excavator of the approximate location and
size of the underground facilities in the proposed excavation area. (See
"Electric Construction Policies, Practices and Procedures".)
Parallel Generation, Interconnection And Transmission
Application
Any Qualifying Facility may interconnect with, operate in parallel
with, or transmit over the Utility's facilities as provided herein.
Each Qualifying Facility shall make application to the Utility and
obtain written approval of entrance location, number of phases, voltage,
number and types of meters, and underground or overhead connection
before making commitments to equipment purchases and before the start of
construction. Each Qualifying Facility shall provide the Utility, upon
request, a copy of a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission qualifying
certificate for the proposed facility.
Parallel Generation For Consumer's Use
A consumer receiving electric service from the Utility may generate
all or part of such consumer's instantaneous energy or capacity needs by
operation of a Qualifying Facility in parallel with the Utility system,
provided that electric service is being rendered under the standby pro-
visions of a demand-metered rate schedule and provided further that such
Facility is constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with
these rules and regulations. Under the above described conditions,
energy or capacity in excess of the consumer's instantaneous needs shall
not be purchased by the Utility and shall not be generated or trans-
mitted into the Utility system through the consumer's electric service
connection with the Utility, unless delivery to a purchasing utility has
been arranged.
Delivery To A Purchasing Utility
The Operator may designate a purchasing utility to which energy and
capacity is to be delivered, such delivery to be made to any intercon-
nected utility with which the Operator has appropriate transmission or
sale/purchase agreements in accordance with the provisions of these
rules and regulations. In such event, the Utility may assess charges
for losses and other costs incurred as a result of such delivery. The
Utility may require a special contract with the Operator and other
interested parties to such delivery.
Satisfactory evidence of a sale/purchase agreement and all necessary
interconnection and transmission agreements with interested parties must
be presented to the Utility at least thirty days before generation of
energy and capacity for such sale is commenced.
The Utility shall not purchase energy or capacity from any source
other than Platte River Power Authority (Platte River) because of the
Utility's contract to purchase all electric power and energy which it
requires for resale and the operation of its electric distribution sys-
tem from Platte River. In order to encourage cogeneration and small
power production, Platte River shall purchase any electric energy or
capacity offered to the Utility from a Qualifying Facility in accordance
with the provisions of its tariffs.
Initial Start-Up
Each Qualifying Facility shall notify the Utility of the initial
energizing and start-up test of the Qualifying Facility's generating
equipment. The Utility shall have the right to be present at such test.
Notice of such initial energizing and start-up test shall be given by
the Qualifying Facility to the Utility at a reasonable time prior to
such event. No Qualifying Facility shall operate in parallel with the
Utility system until all safety standards, relays, controls and other
devices, as required by the Utility, have been met.
Facility Design And Construction
The Operator shall design, construct, install , own, operate and
maintain the Facility and all equipment needed to generate and deliver
energy and capacity except for any special facilities constructed,
installed and maintained by the Utility. The Facility shall meet all
requirements of applicable codes and all standards of prudent electrical
practice and the requirements of the Utility. Such requirements may
include locks, seals, breakers, protective relaying, automatic synchro-
nizers, meters and disconnecting devices. The Qualifying Facility oper-
ator shall submit all of the Facility's specifications to the Utility
for review and approval prior to connecting the Facility to the Util -
ity's system. The Utility's review of the Operator's specifications
shall not be construed as confirming nor endorsing the design, or as any
warranty of safety, durability or reliability of the Facility. The
Operator agrees that, upon demand of the Utility, the Operator shall
change its Facility to comply with changing requirements of the Util -
ity's system.
Interconnection Facility Construction And Meter Installation
The Operator shall construct, install , own and maintain interconnec-
tion facilities and system protection facilities as required for the
Utility to provide for system capacity, safety and operation. In the
event it is necessary for the Utility to install special facilities or
to reinforce its system for purposes of receiving the Operator's energy
or capacity, the Operator shall pay to the Utility the estimated cost of
such special facilities as a non-refundable contribution-in-aid-of-
construction prior to the start of construction. If satisfactory meter-
ing is not otherwise provided, the Utility may install and maintain
meters at a mutually agreed upon designated location to measure the
integrated demand and kilowatt-hours. If the Operator sells to a pur-
chasing utility, such metering shall be approved by the Utility and
Platte River, and shall record and indicate the integrated demand for
each 30-minute period and shall measure kilowatt-hours. Meters for mea-
sure of reactive volt-ampere hours may be required by the Utility if
deemed appropriate. All meter equipment, installation, ownership and
administration costs thereof shall be borne by Operator, including costs
incurred by the Utility for inspecting and testing such equipment.
Facility Operation And Maintenance
The Operator shall operate and maintain its Facility according to
prudent electrical practices and shall generate or otherwise supply such
reactive power necessary to maintain a 95% power factor to maintain
voltage levels and reactive support to the system. If the Operator is
unable or unwilling to provide such reactive power, the Utility may do
so at the Operator's expense or may disconnect the Facility, without
notice.
Discontinuity Of Deliveries
The Utility shall not be obligated to accept, and the Utility may
require the Operator to curtail , interrupt or reduce, deliveries of
energy and capacity under any of the following circumstances: (a) in
order to construct, install , maintain, repair, replace, remove, investi -
gate or inspect any of the Utility's equipment or any part of the Util -
ity's system; (b) if the Utility determines that curtailment, interrup-
tion or reduction is necessary because of emergencies, forced outages,
operating conditions on its system or adverse affects upon electric ser-
vice to other consumers of the Utility; (c) as required by prudent elec-
trical practices; (d) expiration or termination of the sale/purchase
agreement between the Operator and the purchasing utility or upon sus-
pension of purchases by the purchasing utility for any reason; or (e) as
otherwise provided in these rules and regulations and any special con-
tract provisions.
Changes In Facility Or Capacity Rating
The Operator shall advise the Utility and Platte River of any
proposed changes in its Facility or its capacity rating prior to making
such changes. Such changes shall be made in accordance with these rules
and regulations as if the changes were a new Facility.
Point Of Delivery
If the Facility's energy or capacity is for sale to a purchasing
utility, the Operator shall deliver the energy and capacity at the
source side of the electric billing meter or the source side of the main
disconnect where instrument transformers are employed or as otherwise
designated by the Utility.
Meters
All billing meters used to determine the billing of sales to a
purchasing utility shall be sealed and the seals shall be broken only
upon occasions when the meters are to be inspected, tested or adjusted.
The Utility shall , at the Operator's expense, inspect and test all
meters upon their installation and at least once every four years there-
after. If requested to do so by the Operator or the purchasing utility,
the Utility shall inspect or test a meter more frequently than every
four years, but the expense of such inspection or test shall be borne by
the Operator.
All billing meters shall be installed and operated in accordance
with the terms and conditions of Platte River and the purchasing util -
ity.
Billing
Where the Operator sells electric energy or capacity to a purchasing
utility, the billing meters shall be read by Platte River. Interested
parties may be present or otherwise receive meter reading information in
accordance with agreements between the parties and Platte River.
Payment
Payment for energy or capacity sold to a purchasing utility shall
be made by the purchasing utility in accordance with the terms and
conditions of the sale/purchase agreement between the parties.
Service Charges
There shall be a service charge for the processing of a request for
parallel operation.
Electric Services Supplied By The Utility
This section of the rules and regulations does not provide for the
delivery of any electric services by the Utility to the Operator. If
the Operator requires interruptible or standby services from the Util -
ity, the Operator shall enter into separate electric service contract
arrangements with the Utility in accordance with the Utility's applica-
ble electric service schedules. If the Operator receives such service
and the Operator intends to sell to a purchasing utility, there shall be
no interconnection between the load served and the Operator's facility
beyond the Utility's point of delivery.
Land Rights
By making application to interconnect with the Utility, the Operator
agrees to grant to the Utility all necessary rights-of-way and easements
to install , operate, maintain, replace and remove the Utility's metering
and other special facilities, and agrees to execute such other grants,
deeds or documents as the Utility may require to enable it to record
such rights-of-way and easements. If any part of the Utility's facili-
ties are to be installed on property owned by a party other than the
Operator, the Operator shall , without cost to the Utility, procure from
the owners thereof all necessary permanent rights-of-way and easements
for the construction, operation, maintenance and replacement of the
Utility's facilities upon such property in a form satisfactory to the
Utility.
Indemnity
The Operator shall indemnify the Utility, its officers, agents and
employees against all loss, damage, expense and liability to third per-
sons for injury to or death of persons or damage to property, proxi-
mately caused by the Operator's construction, ownership, operation, or
maintenance of, or by failure of any of the Operator's works or facili-
ties used in connection with applicable contracts and these rules and
regulations. The Operator shall pay all costs that may be incurred by
the Utility in enforcing this indemnity. The Utility may require proof
of the Operator's ability to provide adequate indemnity protection, as
determined by the Utility, at any time. Failure to provide proof of
such indemnity shall be cause for discontinuance of service or intercon-
nection.
Liability
Nothing herein shall be construed to create any duty to, any
standard of care with reference to or any liability to any person not a
party to arrangements and contracts pursuant to these rules and
regulations.
The Utility shall not be liable for damages caused to the facilities
of the Operator by reason of the operation, faulty operation or non-
operation of the Utility's facilities.
Rules And Regulations
The Operator must comply with all provisions of these rules and reg-
ulations and references thereto deemed applicable by the Utility. Ref-
erence to the "consumer" or "user" shall be interpreted as being inter-
changeable with "Qualifying Facility" and "Operator" .
Definitions
For the purposes of these rules, the following terms shall have the
meaning indicated:
Back-Up Power -- Electric energy or capacity supplied under the standby
service provision of the applicable rate schedule by the Utility to
replace energy ordinarily generated by a Facility's own generation
equipment during an unscheduled outage of the Facility.
Capacity Rating -- The generator nameplate rating of the Qualifying
Facility's equipment diminished by any anticipated losses between such
equipment and the delivery point.
City -- City of Fort Collins, Colorado, a municipal corporation.
Cogeneration -- Facilities which simultaneously produce two forms of
useful energy, such as power and steam, through the sequential use of
energy. Such Facilities must be owned by a party not primarily engaged
in the generation or sale of electric energy.
Facility -- The generator and associated equipment owned by a party
other than the Utility, used to generate or deliver electric power.
Interconnection Facilities -- All facilities required to be installed
solely to interconnect and deliver power from the Operator's generation
to the Utility's system, including but not limited to connection, trans-
formation, switching, indicating meters, safety equipment and system
protection facilities.
Intermittent Loads -- An electrical demand of an intermittent or
fluctuating character or which reflects frequent starting with high-
current in-rush.
Interruptible -- Power made available under agreements which permit
curtailment or cessation of delivery by the Utility.
Maintenance Power -- Electric energy or capacity supplied by the Utility
during scheduled outages of the Qualifying Facility.
Operator -- One responsible for the construction, operation and
maintenance of a Qualifying Facility.
Parallel Generation -- The operation of Qualifying Facilities when
interconnected with the Utility system in accordance with the provisions
of these rules and regulations.
Prudent Electrical Practices -- Those practices, methods and equipment,
as changed from time to time, that are commonly used in prudent
electrical engineering and operations to operate electric equipment
lawfully and with safety, dependability, efficiency and economy.
Purchasing Utility -- Any utility other than Fort Collins Light and
Power which purchases energy or capacity from a Qualifying Facility.
Qualifying Facility -- A cogeneration or small power production facility
which meets the definitions of such facilities as defined herein and
which is a qualifying facility under Subpart B of Section 201 of the
Public Utilities Regulatory Policy Act of 1978, as may be amended from
time to time.
Small Power Production -- Facilities which derive more than 75% of total
energy input from biomass, waste or renewable resources, including wind,
solar and water, to produce electric power. Such facilities must be of
less than 80 megawatts capacity and must be owned by a party not pri-
marily engaged in the generation or sale of electric energy.
Soecial Facilities -- Interconnection facilities furnished by the
Utility at the Operator's request or because such facilities are neces-
sary additions and/or reinforcements to the Utility's system for the
purpose of receiving, metering or transmitting energy or capacity from a
Qualifying Facility.
Supplementary Power -- Electric energy or capacity, supplied by the
Utility, regularly used by a Qualifying Facility in addition to
that which the Facility generates itself.
System Protection Facilities -- The equipment required to protect: (1)
the Utility's system and its consumers from faults occurring at the
Facility; and (2) the Facility from faults occurring on- the Utility sys-
tem or on the systems of others to which it is directly or indirectly
connected.
Utility -- The City of Fort Collins Light and Power Utility.