Section 2 General Information
2.1 Safety
The safety of the general public, local communities, and Department staff is parapount and the most important factor in providing electric service. If the Department believes that danger to the public or to an individual exists, work shall stop and service may be disconnected until danger is remedied.
2.2 Code Requirements
The data contained herein is intended to conform with and be supplementary to recognized codes or requirements of authorized regulatory agencies. In all cases, where the regulatory rules effective in the community shall be more stringent than other recognized codes, or the requirements of regulatory agencies, the regulatory rules effective in the community involved shall govern, regardless of possible conflict in the expressed or implied meaning of the contents of this book. The contents are intended to be consistent with the principles of the NEC on the Customer’s side of service and generally consistent with the NESC on the Department side. Compliance with the minimum requirements of the NEC will provide the Customer with what is considered a minimum standard for appropriate use of electricity, but not necessarily an efficient, or convenient use of electricity adequate for good service.
Any difference from the NEC is intended to provide better service than required by the minimum standards of the Code.
2.3 Inspections and Approvals
The wiring, electrical equipment, and appliances of the customer should be installed in accordance with the requirements of the latest NEC and of authorites having jurisdiction. The Electric Department does not inspect Customer premise wiring. Where inspection is required, including but not limited to service, weatherhead clearance, and meter can installation, is subject to approval of the NLR Code Enforcement Department or other authorities having jurisdiction before requesting connection to the Department’s service. The department can not connect tot the Customer’s installation until it has been inspected and approved by the authorities having jurisdiction.
The Department reserves the right to refuse connection to any new installation and/or disconnection from any existing service, should the Department learn that the wiring is unsafe or that is has not been approved.The authorities having jurisdiction also have the right to require the Department by written notification to discontinue service to an installation which has been found unsafe. The Department is not liable for any damages incurred when electrical service is discontinued under order of the authorities having jurisdiction. The Department accepts no responsibility for injury or damage to the Customer’s premises or to persons on the Customer’s premises resulting from defective wiring or equipment.
Before the Department will begin underground distribution construction work on any property, the General Contractor or the Owner of the property must sign the Department’s form verifying that the property is at final grade. Any changes to grade that causes the Department to move any of its conductors or equipment after the Department begins or completes construction WILL BE AT THE OWNER’S EXPENSE.
2.4 Distance Requirements for Customer Structures
The construction of any structure near, under or over electrical facilities may cause a code and/or safety violation and be an encroachment on Utility right-of-way or easement. Consult the Department concerning all clearences.
Clearances of buildings, signs, and other structures to the Department’s facilities shall meet or exceed the clearance requirements set forth in the NESC Article 234. The Customer shall be held responsible for the cost of relocating lines or structures or otherwise correcting any violations caused by the Customer’s actions.
2.5 Attachments to Department Poles
The Department will provide, install, and maintain utility poles as required. Other than the Customer’s service equipment, no other attachments (Customer-owned lighting, control equipment, antennas, basketball goals, bird houses, etc.) may be made to the utility pole. Attachments may be made only with approval of the Department. Unauthorized attachments may be removed upon discovery.
If an attachment to a Department utility pole is desired, an attachment agreement shall be signed and the agreement will set forth any changes associated with the attachment. All permitted attachments shall be made under the supervision and the satisfaction of the Department and shall comply with all authorities having jurisdiction and all applicable codes. Consult the Department for details.
2.6 Additional Department Documents and Standards
In addition to this document, the following documents supplement the Rules and Regulations laid out in this document. They are, but are not limited to:
- NLRED Line Extension Policy
- NLRED Customer Service Policies and Procedures
- NLRED Construction Standards for Residential Service Installation
- NLRED Service Pole and Lighting Charges
- NLRED New Customer Load Sheet
- NLRED Three Phase Padmount Transformer Pad Specifications