Purpose: To ensure a balance between fairness to Roanoke Electric Membership Corporation’s (the “Cooperative”) existing Member-Owners and those desiring a line extension to facilitate the Cooperative’s provision of electric service.
Policy:
This Policy establishes the basic conditions and requirements associated with adding facilities to existing Cooperative primary or secondary distribution lines to supply electricity to new or modified service installations. The feasibility of any line extension will be considered to ensure safe, reliable service to Applicants for electric service and Member-Owners. Line extension charges may be required to provide reasonable assurance of adequate revenues to amortize the Cooperative’s investment operations and maintenance costs. However, due to the engineering complexity associated with an integrated electric system and with the dynamic nature of the electric industry, this Policy cannot cover in detail all the line extension issues the Cooperative may encounter. Accordingly, the Cooperative shall determine, at its sole discretion and on a case-by-case basis, whether the specific requirements, allowances, advances, and costs outlined in this Policy are applicable.
- Definitions
- Applicant – An applicant for Line Extension services covered by this Policy, whether a Member-Owner or prospective Member-Owner.
- Contribution in Aid of Construction – A non-refundable cash payment covering the costs of an extension or other work that is in excess of Cooperative-funded allowances. Unless otherwise specifically agreed in writing by the Cooperative, any Contribution in Aid of Construction must be paid in full prior to the commencement of design, construction, or other work to which the Contribution in Aid of Construction applies.
- Line Extension – The extension of or the addition of an existing Cooperative distribution power line for the purpose of the provision of electric service.
- Point of Delivery –Except as may be otherwise provided by written agreement between the Cooperative and the Applicant, the point of delivery for overhead service shall be at the point the Applicant’s service entrance conductors are connected to the Cooperative’s service drop conductors or the low voltage terminals of the transformer.
- Plat or Survey –Throughout this policy, the reference to a plat or survey means one printed copy of a properly surveyed and recorded plat/drawing of the subdivision/park plus an electronic copy of that same drawing in an electronic format acceptable to the Cooperative.
- Subdivision –For the purposes of this policy a subdivision is defined as a collection of lots or parcels to be developed that does not have power immediately available to each lot, and primary power lines will need to be constructed to serve new Member-Owners who will occupy them. Where lots or parcels are to be developed along roads that currently have existing primary power lines, the requirements for subdivisions will not apply.
- Dwelling –An enduring, permanent-type dwelling or home which is located on property owned or mortgaged by the Applicant and has potable water under pressure into the dwelling with permanent type plumbing, an appropriate permanent sanitary waste system, and is accessible by an all-weather road.
- General Provisions
- Applicant Weatherhead –The Weatherhead (also called the service head or service entrance cap) must be installed at a point acceptable to the Cooperative and located so the service drop wires will not interfere with fire escapes, windows, shutters, doors, or other parts of the building and will not be readily accessible to persons at windows, doors, etc.
- Point of Attachment –The Point of Attachment of a service drop to a building must, unless otherwise permitted by the Cooperative in writing, be between 15 and 25 feet above the ground. The Point of Attachment shall be at a height to permit the service drop to be installed with a minimum clearance of 18 feet over public roads, streets, or alleys or 15 feet over private driveways, and 10 feet over space accessible to pedestrians only. A clearance of two feet shall be maintained from communication wires. The normal Point of Attachment for overhead service to residential customers must be on the outside wall of the end of the building nearest to the source of the Cooperative’s facilities entering the Applicant’s premises. For underground electric service to a residential Applicant, the normal Point of Attachment must be on the outside wall of the end of the building or the nearest convenient point on the outside of the front or back wall adjacent to the end of the building nearest the source of the Cooperative’s facilities entering the Applicant’s premises. The normal Point of Attachment for all other customers shall be at a location designated by the Cooperative.
- Location of Meter Base –The meter base (when required) shall be installed by the Applicant or the Applicant’s electrical contractor. The meter base shall be installed at a location acceptable to the Cooperative and shall allow the Cooperative reasonable access to the meter at all times. Where there will be multiple meter bases such as an apartment building, condominium, communications tower, etc. gang meter bases shall be utilized to the extent possible. The horizontal centerline of the meter base shall be located at a height not less than 4 feet, and not more than 6 feet.
- Support for Conductors –The Applicant shall provide and maintain safe support for the Cooperative’s service wires, and in no case will the Cooperative be responsible for the condition of the Applicant’s building to which the wires are attached. A ranch-type house or building with a low roof may require extension support above the roof to provide the necessary clearances. Where steel conduit is used for the extension support, it must have a minimum diameter of 2 ½ inches and shall not extend over 4 feet above the roof. Where meter poles are used, the minimum pole diameter shall be 6 inches. The pole shall be at least 20 feet in length with 15 feet above ground. Four-by-four posts shall not be allowed whether braced or not.
- Service at Primary Voltage –If an Applicant desires to take service at primary voltage, all substation structures, or vaults and all substation electrical equipment shall be installed, owned, and maintained by the Applicant unless special written arrangements are made with the Cooperative. All equipment shall comply in all respects with the National Electrical Code, National Electric Safety Code, and Cooperative specifications.
- Standby Service –The electric service of the Cooperative shall not be used as reserve or standby service or in any other way in conjunction with any other source of power without the Cooperative’s written consent. Where an emergency source of supply is provided by the Applicant, parallel operation of the Applicant’s generating equipment with the Cooperative’s system will not be allowed except where the Applicant entered a written contract with the Cooperative for load reduction purposes. A double throw switch must be used to prevent possible injury to the Cooperative’s workers by making it impossible for power to be fed back into the main line from the emergency generator.
- Right to Install Equipment –The Cooperative has the right to install poles, lines, transformers, or other equipment on the Applicant’s property, and to locate a delivery point and meter thereon, as the Cooperative deems appropriate, considering without limitation the cost of construction, adequacy of electric service, and aesthetic appearance.
- Plats and Surveys required –In Mobile Home Parks or Subdivisions, the Applicant shall provide to the Cooperative one printed copy of a properly surveyed and recorded plat/drawing of the subdivision plus an electronic copy in a digital format acceptable to the Cooperative.
- Damage Caused by Construction –The Applicant will sign an agreement absolving the Cooperative from responsibility for damage to shrubs, trees, grass, and underground pipes, lines, structures, or objects not specifically located and properly marked by the Applicant prior to the beginning of construction.
- Right of Way Easements –The Applicant will furnish, without cost to the Cooperative, necessary easements and rights of way across the Applicant’s property for the supply of electric service to the Applicant and other recipients of the Cooperative’s electric service.
- Additional Charges –Additional charges may, in the sole discretion of the Cooperative, be applied to the Applicant’s account as a Contribution in Aid of Construction to cover additional or extraordinary expenses including, by way of example, permits or condemnation expenses. Where applicable, the Cooperative’s legal expenses will be included in said charges. Generally, estimated costs must be paid in advance, with an adjustment to reflect actual cost when such cost becomes known. The Applicant may be required to sign an agreement to reimburse the Cooperative in advance for such expenses.
- Contributions, Fees, and Charges –No payment made by an Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction, service fee, or facilities charge shall entitle the Applicant to ownership rights, rights of exclusive use, rights to restrict access by the Cooperative employees in the performance of their duties, the right to alter the Cooperative’s electric facilities, or the right to hinder the Cooperative from serving others via those electric facilities, except as may be otherwise provided by written agreement between the Cooperative and Applicant.
- Payments –In its sole discretion, the Cooperative reserves the right to collect any payments due under this Policy before planning or installation of the facilities begins.
The Applicant may be allowed to perform certain tasks to reduce the Applicant’s payment obligations to the Cooperative, provided (a) the Cooperative determines that the Applicant’s work will not reduce the installation quality and (b) maintenance of the facilities to be installed and such work is inspected by the Cooperative and deemed acceptable. Such tasks may include trenching, right-of-way clearing for overhead facilities, rock removal, and cutting and removal of pavement and other obstructions that may impede the Cooperative from using normal construction materials and equipment. When the Applicant elects to perform such work, the Applicant shall be solely responsible for obtaining all necessary permits, consulting with the Cooperative to ensure the work complies with Cooperative requirements, and complying with all state, federal, and local laws and regulations.
- Idle Facilities –If a line is removed and service is subsequently required at the location, service can be provided in accordance with the Line Extension Policy in effect at the time the request to have service reinstalled is made.
- Overhead Line Extensions
- Extensions of a Temporary Nature –Standard overhead extensions to serve temporary facilities will be made only if the Applicant pays the total estimated cost of installing and removing all electric facilities required for such service. Fees for single-phase temporary service for construction purposes which result in permanent service will not be charged when such extension requires no more than a transformer, 75 feet of service drop, and a meter.
- Extensions to Private Use Residential and Other Non-Commercial Loads
- Individual (i.e., single family) Residential Dwellings –Standard single-phase overhead extensions to serve an individual residence constructed to be a Dwelling will be made at no cost to the Applicant, provided the construction does not require a plant investment of more than two spans of primary conductor, transformer, service drop, and meter. A Dwelling must be on property owned or mortgaged by the Applicant, which shall have potable water under pressure into the dwelling with permanent type plumbing, an appropriate permanent sanitary waste system, and shall be accessible by an all-weather road.
In the event, the service extension requires more than two spans, an estimated cost of construction beyond two spans must be paid by the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. In cases where the Applicant can show reasonable proof there will be additional customers served by the facilities required to serve the Applicant, the Cooperative may, in its sole discretion, consider these additional customers in calculating the Contribution in Aid of Construction.
The Applicant shall supply and own the service conductors for service entrances over 400 amps. Residences that require three-phase service shall be treated as commercial installations as specified in Paragraph 3.2.4 below.
- Miscellaneous Non-Commercial Loads (e.g., outbuildings, pumps, etc. used for non-business purposes) –Standard single-phase overhead extensions to serve loads associated with a residence, or a non-commercial structure that does not meet the definition of an enduring, permanent type dwelling in Paragraph 2a or any other load of a non-commercial nature, including without limitation shops, pumps, outbuildings, and other similar service purposes will be made at no cost to the Applicant provided the construction does not require a plant investment of more than a transformer, service drop, and meter. In the event that a plant investment of more than a transformer, service drop, and meter is required, the Applicant shall be required to pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction.
- Seasonal Non-Commercial Loads –Standard overhead single-phase temporary service for seasonal service to non-commercial Applicants will not be charged when such extension requires no more than a transformer, 75 feet of service drop, and a meter. In the event the service extension requires more than a transformer, 75 feet of service drop, and meter, the Applicant shall be required to pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction.
- Extensions to Loads of a Commercial Nature (including residential developments for resale or rent)
- Mobile Home Parks or Subdivisions –Standard overhead extensions to serve mobile home parks or subdivisions require a Contribution in Aid of Construction by the owner or developer. The Contribution in Aid of Construction will be sufficient to include the estimated initial investment of less than $2,000.00 for each mobile home to be located in the park or subdivision. An acceptable plat or survey as defined above must be submitted by the owner or developer, from which the Cooperative will develop electric service plans, determine estimated costs, and prepare contractual requirements as applicable. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to, evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals prior to construction of electric facilities.
- Subdivision for Residential Dwellings –Standard overhead extension to residential subdivisions with restrictions for developing Dwellings will be made only where an acceptable plat or survey as defined above is provided by the owner or developer. A blanket subdivision easement suitable for recordation must be executed by the owner prior to sale of any individual lots. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals prior to the construction of any electric facilities. The estimated costs of new construction less than $2,000.00 for each dwelling to be located in the development shall be paid by the owner/developer as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. The development cost will include new electric distribution facilities inside and outside the development required to provide (primary and secondary) service to each lot of record in the subdivision. Additionally, improvements required to increase the capacity of the existing distribution system outside the development will be paid for by the Cooperative so long as those system improvements do not exceed $100,000. If the expenses for such improvements outside the development exceed $100,000 the Cooperative will determine the required Contribution in Aid of Construction, taking into consideration the following:
(a) Existing density in the area of the development;
(b) Projected growth outside the development;
(c) Existing needs for system improvements in the area;
(d) Likelihood of timely development within the proposed subdivision;
(e) Creditworthiness of the developer; and
(f) Willingness and ability of the developer to provide any requested surety.
- Land Developments –Standard overhead extensions to serve large-scale commercial or recreational developments require special approval and must be submitted on an acceptable plat or survey as defined above. The Cooperative will develop electric service plans, determine estimated extension costs and any Contribution in Aid of Construction, and prepare contractual arrangements as applicable. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals prior to the construction of electric facilities.
- Commercial and Industrial Applicants –Standard overhead extensions to commercial and industrial Applicants will be considered individually, and appropriate contractual arrangements made if required. The Applicant will be responsible for providing specific information, including without limitation, business identification/address (including corporate information), nature of business operation, connected electrical loads, operating service characteristics (i.e., desired operating voltage, phase configuration, hours of operation/production, etc.), main service panel data, and point of delivery location. The Cooperative will estimate all costs of construction and applicable operating and maintenance expenses to determine contractual arrangements necessary to recover such costs within a five (5) year contract period (or a shorter period for loads not expected to be in place for five (5) years). In making such calculations, the expense for transformers and any other equipment that, in the Cooperative’s judgment, could be utilized at other locations will be prorated according to its expected life. Any Contribution in Aid of Construction to be paid by the Applicant must be paid prior to placement of any order of materials and construction of any electric facilities by the Cooperative. The Applicant must grant an easement to the Cooperative providing for the location, protection, and maintenance of electric facilities. The Cooperative may, in its sole discretion, require an Applicant to execute an industrial power contract to safeguard its assets and investments.
- Apartments, Condominiums & Multiple Housing Units –Standard overhead extensions to serve apartments, condominiums, and other multiple housing units will be made at no cost to the owner or developer provided the estimated cost of construction does not exceed $1,000 times the number of individual housing units. When the extension cost exceeds $1,000 per unit, a Contribution in Aid of Construction will be charged which will include the estimated initial investment of the facility cost exceeding the $1,000 per unit allowance..
- Commercial Seasonal Service –Single or three-phase overhead extensions for seasonal service to commercial Applicants will not be charged when such extension requires no more than a transformer, service drop, and meter and the load will not exceed twenty-five (25) kilowatts in demand. In the event, the service extension requires more than a transformer, service drop, and meter, an estimated cost of construction shall be paid by the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. Loads of more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts are considered Commercial and Industrial and service will be provided as in 3(d) above.
- Non-Standard Service –Extension requests for a non-standard service will require advance notice and consent from the Cooperative regarding the form and type of service needed. Before proceeding with the purchase of equipment or wiring in such cases, the Applicant should contact the Cooperative. The Cooperative will furnish information in writing on the character of the service available, the location of the Cooperative’s power lines, and the Cooperative’s ability to meet special requirements. Nothing herein contained shall obligate the Cooperative to provide such special service.
- Security Lighting –Security lights are available to both residential and non-residential Applicants for a flat monthly rental fee based on fixture and wattage. Applicants requesting security lighting service will be required to sign a twelve (12) month service contract. Security lighting will only be installed at locations where low voltage service exists. Special security lighting requests will be considered individually with Applicants responsible for such contracts and additional charges as may be required to provide recovery of investment and anticipated operating and maintenance costs.
- Underground Line Extensions
- Extensions of a Temporary Nature or to Temporary Facilities –Standard underground extensions to serve temporary facilities will be made only if the Applicant pays the total estimated cost of installing and removing all electric facilities required for such service. Single-phase temporary service for construction purposes, which will result in a permanent service location, will be provided only when it can be serviced from an existing pad-mounted transformer. Customers shall not be charged when such extension requires no more than 15 feet of service drop and meter.
- Extensions to Private Use Residential and Other Non-Commercial Loads
- Individual (i.e. single family) Residential Dwellings –Standard single-phase underground extensions to serve an individual residence constructed so as to be a Dwelling will be made at no cost to the Applicant, provided the construction does not require a plant investment of more than two hundred and fifty (250) feet of primary conductor, transformer, service drop, and meter. A Dwelling shall be on property owned or mortgaged by the Applicant and shall have potable water under pressure into the dwelling with permanent type plumbing, an appropriate permanent sanitary waste system, and be accessible by an all-weather road.
In the event that the service extension requires more than two hundred and fifty (250) feet of primary conductor, transformer, service drop, and meter, an estimated cost of construction shall be paid by the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. The Applicant shall supply and own the service conductors for service entrances over 400 amps. Residences that require three-phase service shall be treated as commercial installations as specified in Paragraph 4.3.4 below. - Miscellaneous Non-Commercial Loads (e.g. outbuildings, pumps, etc. used for non-business purposes) –Standard single-phase underground extensions to serve loads associated with a residence, or a non-commercial structure that does not meet the definition of an enduring, permanent type dwelling or any other load of a non-commercial nature, including without limitation shops, pumps, outbuildings, and other similar service purposes, will be made at no cost to the Applicant, provided the construction does not require a plant investment of more than a transformer, service drop, and meter. If a plant investment of more than a transformer, service drop, and meter is required, a Contribution in Aid of Construction shall be paid by the Applicant.
- Seasonal Non-Commercial Loads –Single-phase standard underground temporary service for seasonal service to non-commercial Applicants will not be charged when such extension requires no more than a transformer, 75 feet of service drop, and a meter. If the service extension requires more than a transformer, 75 feet of service drop and meter, an estimated cost of construction shall be paid by the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction.
- Individual (i.e. single family) Residential Dwellings –Standard single-phase underground extensions to serve an individual residence constructed so as to be a Dwelling will be made at no cost to the Applicant, provided the construction does not require a plant investment of more than two hundred and fifty (250) feet of primary conductor, transformer, service drop, and meter. A Dwelling shall be on property owned or mortgaged by the Applicant and shall have potable water under pressure into the dwelling with permanent type plumbing, an appropriate permanent sanitary waste system, and be accessible by an all-weather road.
- Extensions to Loads of a Commercial Nature (including residential developments for resale or rent)
- Mobile Home Parks or Subdivisions –Standard underground extensions to serve mobile home parks or subdivisions require a Contribution in Aid of Construction by the owner or developer. The Contribution in Aid of Construction will be sufficient to include the estimated initial investment, less $2,000.00 for each mobile home to be located in the park or subdivision. An acceptable plat or survey must be submitted by the owner or developer, from which the Cooperative will develop electric service plans, determine estimated costs, and prepare any required documents. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to, evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals prior to construction of electric facilities.
- Subdivision for Residential Dwellings –Standard underground extensions serving residential subdivisions with restrictions for developing Dwellings will be made only where an acceptable plat or survey as defined above is provided by the owner or developer. A blanket subdivision easement suitable for recordation must be executed by the owner prior to sale of any individual lots. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals prior to the construction of any electric facilities. The estimated costs of new construction less than $2,000.00 for each dwelling to be located in the development shall be paid by the owner/developer as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. The development cost will include new electric distribution facilities inside and outside the development required to provide service to each lot of record in the subdivision. Land Developments –Standard underground extensions to serve large-scale commercial or recreational developments require special approval and must be submitted on an acceptable plat or survey. The Cooperative will develop electric service plans, determine estimated extension costs and any Contribution in Aid of Construction, and prepare contractual arrangements as applicable. To assure recovery of its investment, the Cooperative may require, in its sole judgment, sufficient evidence of the developer’s intent and ability to complete the project, including but not limited to evidence of the final receipt of all necessary governmental approvals, prior to construction of electric facilities.
- Commercial and Industrial Applicants –Standard underground extensions to commercial and industrial Applicants will be considered individually, and appropriate contractual arrangements will be required. The Applicant will be responsible for providing specific information, including without limitation, business identification and address (including corporate information), nature of business operation, connected electrical loads, operating service characteristics (i.e., desired operating voltage, phase configuration, hours of operation/production, etc.), main service panel data, and point of delivery location. The Cooperative will estimate all costs of construction and applicable operating and maintenance expenses to determine contractual arrangements necessary to recover such costs. In making such calculations, the expense for transformers and any other equipment that, in the Cooperative’s judgment, could be utilized at other locations will be prorated according to its expected life. The Applicant must grant to the Cooperative an easement providing for the location, protection, and maintenance of electric facilities. Execution of Industrial Power Contracts, as that term is defined in the Cooperative’s rates schedules and Service Rules and Regulations, will be required on all Applicants whose demand requirements exceed five hundred (500) kilowatts; provided, however, the Cooperative may require contracts for Applicants whose demand requirements are less than five hundred (500) kilowatts.
- Apartments, Condominiums & Multiple Housing Units –Standard underground extensions to serve apartments, condominiums, and other multiple housing units will be made at no cost to the owner or developer, provided the estimated cost of construction does not exceed $1,000.00 times the number of individual housing units. When the extension cost exceeds $1,000 per unit, a Contribution in Aid of Construction will be charged, which will include the estimated initial investment of the facility cost exceeding the $1,000 per unit allowance.
- Commercial Seasonal Service –Fees for standard single or three-phase underground extensions for seasonal service to commercial Applicants will not be charged when (a) such extension requires no more than a transformer, service drop, and meter and (b) when the load will not exceed twenty-five (25) kilowatts in demand. If the service extension requires more than a transformer, service drop, and meter, a Contribution in Aid of Construction must be paid by the Applicant. Loads of more than twenty-five (25) kilowatts are considered Commercial and Industrial, and service will be provided as in 4.3.4 above.
- Conversion from Overhead to Underground Service –When an Applicant requests the Cooperative replace an existing overhead line with underground lines, such work will be completed in accordance with the following:
(a) The Applicant must pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction for the installation of underground facilities in an amount equal to the estimated cost of the facilities to be installed;
(b) The Applicant must pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction amounting to the depreciated original cost of any existing overhead facilities, plus the estimated cost of removing such facilities. If the Applicant is adding load such that the Cooperative’s existing facilities are no longer adequate then these removal costs will be waived.
- Non-Standard Service –Extension requests of a non-standard underground service nature will require conferring in advance with the Cooperative regarding the form and type of service needed. Before the Applicant proceeds with the purchase of equipment or wiring in such cases, said Applicant should contact the Cooperative. The Cooperative will furnish information in writing on the character of service available, the location of the Cooperative’s power lines, and the Cooperative’s ability to meet special requirements. Nothing herein contained shall obligate the Cooperative to provide such special service.
- Security Lighting –In addition to other fees and requirements, Applicants requesting underground service to security lighting will be required to pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction necessary to serve said security light if more than 150 feet of cable is necessary to service said security light. For each foot in excess of 150, the Applicant will pay the required Contribution in Aid of Construction. In the event security lighting is daisy-chained, distance will be measured from the power source to the furthest security light fixture. Security lighting will only be installed at locations where appropriate electrical service exists. Security lighting requests will be considered individually with Applicants responsible for such contracts and additional charges as may be required to provide recovery of investment and anticipated operating and maintenance costs.
- Abnormal Line Extensions
- Right-of-Way Clearing –Right-of-way clearing for new line extensions will be cleared by the Cooperative. The cost for clearing rights of way will be considered in the calculations for any Contribution in Aid of Construction. If the Applicant so chooses, the Applicant can clear the right of way or have it cleared on their behalf to the Cooperative’s specifications. When the Applicant chooses this option, those costs will not be a part of the calculations to determine any required Contribution in Aid of Construction.
- Abnormal Construction –Abnormal construction costs will be charged to the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction.
- Abnormal construction costs are incurred when physical obstacles or adverse conditions preclude the use of the Cooperative’s standard construction methods, or extraordinary labor, as determined in the sole discretion of the Cooperative, is necessary to install the Cooperative’s facilities to serve the Applicant. Abnormal construction includes without limitation the following conditions:
- the topography or composition of land where facilities are to be installed is such that the Cooperative’s standard construction equipment cannot be used to complete the installation;
- extraordinary labor is required to perform the installation;
- special equipment and materials are needed for stream-crossing structures or concrete structures;
- explosives are required;
- additional costs will be incurred by the Cooperative to comply with Applicant’s requirements;
- additional costs will be incurred by the Cooperative to comply with applicable law regarding the replacement of pavement, ditching, compaction, backfilling or other related conditions; or
- when it is necessary to install underground facilities under existing streets, sidewalks, patios, or other paved areas.
- Abnormal Design –Abnormal design costs will be charged to the Applicant as a Contribution in Aid of Construction. Abnormal design costs are incurred when the Applicant requests facilities or construction methods that exceed the Cooperative’s standard engineering design practices or the standard design.
Obstructions – The Applicant must remove or cause to be removed all obstructions from the route along which the Cooperative’s underground facilities are to be installed and provide continuing access to the Cooperative for operation, maintenance, or replacement of these facilities. The Cooperative will not be responsible for any damage to any shrubs, trees, grass, or any other foliage or property caused by the Cooperative’s equipment during the installation, maintenance, or replacement of the Cooperative’s facilities. The Applicant shall be responsible for all such items, and for filling, reseeding, resodding, or otherwise completing the trench cover. The Cooperative shall not be responsible for the repair or replacement of any underground facilities on the Applicant’s premises damaged during the installation of the Cooperative’s facilities, unless, prior to the Cooperative’s construction, the Applicant clearly identifies the location of such facilities. When required, Applicant shall install conduit specified by the Cooperative in locations where underground conductors will cross under paved areas when paving is completed prior to the installation of the Cooperative’s underground conductors.