Section 1.1 Application for Service – Contract
Electric service shall be provided upon written application, such application being a contract for service, subject to the Electric Service Regulations of the District. Rates shall be as detailed in the applicable Rate Schedule.
Section 1.2 Compliance With Codes
All Customer electrical equipment and wiring must be in accordance with the current edition of the National Electrical Code (NEC) at the time of installation.In addition, the Customer must comply with State, County, and Municipal Codes.
Section 1.2.1 Conflict Resolution
Any conflict between this policy and the NEC or other Codes shall be resolved by the Manager of the District.
Section 1.2.2 Variances
When conditions exist that renders the application of any particular requirementto be impracticable or impossible, a variance may be granted. A variance will not be granted that is justified only by economics. Variances to these Electrical Service Requirements can only be issued by the Engineering Manager, with the concurrence of the Operations Superintendent responsible for the area the variance occurs
Section 1.3 Inspection Approval Required
No new service connection will be made unless Contractor’s or Customer’s electrical work permit is attached to the service entrance or service switch and approved by the proper electrical inspection authority, in accordance with RCW 19.28.210. and District Policy
No increased, relocated or otherwise altered service will be reconnected unless Contractor’s or Customer’s electrical work permit is attached to the service entrance or service switch.
Section 1.4 Space and Protection Provision by Customer
The Customer shall provide sufficient space and exercise proper care to protect District property on his/her premises. In the event of loss or damage to District property on the Customer’s premises arising from neglect, carelessness, ormisuse, the cost of necessary repairs or replacement will be billed to the Customer.
Section 1.4.1 Safe Access to Facilities
The Customer shall keep the area around all meters, transformers, and other District facilities on the Customer’s property free of vegetation, health and safety hazards, debris, and obstructions, to ensure clear and safe access at all times
Section 1.5 Valid Address Required for Service
Before a meter can be installed, the Customer must obtain a valid service address from the proper agency. Apartment unit or space numbers are considered part of the valid address. Certain exceptions may be approved by a District representative. Examples are services to highway lighting, signs or irrigation pumps
Section 1.5.1 Clear Permanent Meter Marking
Each meter position and each service switch or breaker shall be clearly and permanently identified by the Customer to indicate the particular locations supplied by it. Meters will not be installed nor service energized until marking is complete
Examples of clear, permanent markings are:
- An identification plate attached by screws or rivets
- Commercially engraved tags with a raised relief surface
- Waterproof paint applied with stencil
Clear identification means an apartment/store space letter or number, or street address/number. The store name may be included, however, it does not constitute a clear designation in itself.
Section 1.5.2 Owner Responsibility for Marking Meters
It is the responsibility of the Owner or Manager of multi-unit complexes to notify the District of any changes in unit or apartment numbering so that the District’s personnel may verify metering circuits. Such notice must be given in writing to the District to permit re-designation of meters serving the premises. The Owner or Manager will be responsible for renumbering both the premises and meter sockets prior to dispatch of District personnel
The Owner or Manager shall be present when the building is initially energized to verify that the proper service is energized as the District’s connections are completed.
Section 1.6 Load Balance Within 10%
The Customer or his Contractor shall connect his equipment to keep the load, under normal operating conditions, balanced within plus or minus 10% of the average load across the phase wires.
Section 1.7 Customer Equipment on District Poles
No equipment, devices or wiring, other than service entrance equipment belonging to a customer, shall be attached to District-owned poles except by special permission from the District, and any such attachment shall be done strictly in accordance with District specifications.
Section 1.7.1 Meter Location & Rewiring
Meter locations required for new service or customer rewire work will conform to this policy even if other existing meters on the premise may not conform. Rewiring work shall include the upgrading of Customer metering equipment and requires that all new or modified equipment be installed and located in accordance with the requirements of these Electric Service Requirements. Rewiring work, as used in this section and other sections, does not apply to maintenance repairs and/or replacement of defective customer equipment with the same or similar equipment.
Section 1.7.2 Cost of Relocation
When any changes, alterations, or additions are made on the Customer’s premises that violate these requirements, the Customer shall pay the cost of relocating District facilities.
Section 1.7.3 Failure To Comply With Requirements & Access Policy
Failure to comply with the current District Electrical Service Requirements, Regulations or Facility Access Policy may result in refusal to connect a service or disconnection of an existing service.
Section 1.8 Energizing Service
Except where isolated by an open main service disconnect, the property owner or their representative shall be present at the time of connect or reconnect, or shall indicate in writing that their presence is not required and that all customer equipment is in a satisfactory state or condition to be energized. This requirement may be waived at the discretion of the District when reconnecting a service under the same active account and account holder within 96 hours of a disconnect.