Policies - Electric
Blue Earth Light and Water – Electric Rules and Regulations
Policy Number 2018-07-01
Adopted, July 16, 2018 TS
Section 100
INTRODUCTION
Blue Earth Light and Water (hereafter referred to as BELW) has assembled this booklet to assist its customers and their architects, engineers, or electrical contractors to plan for and obtain prompt and satisfactory electric service. Reviews will be made every other year with publication of revisions, if required, scheduled for April.
The information presented here is intended to supplement the requirements of the National Electrical Code and all other applicable federal, or state, and municipal codes, regulations, laws and ordinances. It is always necessary to refer to and comply with such other codes, regulations, laws, and ordinances when planning, designing, and installing a new electrical service. Specific requirements of BELW do not intentionally conflict with any other requirements known to be in effect as of the publication date of this booklet. Any apparent conflicts of this nature should be brought to the attention of BELW.
BELW wishes to serve its customers promptly and satisfactorily. It will endeavor to cooperate with customers and their authorized representatives to the fullest extent in completing service connections with as little delay and inconvenience as possible, and will gladly give special attention to any particularly difficult situation confronting a customer.
BELW will be happy to confer with those customers desiring information concerning rates, services, etc., upon request by telephone or otherwise. Such requests should be directed to BELW’s Main Office located in at 125 East 7th Street, Blue Earth, MN 56013, phone 507.526.2191or fax 507.526.5110.
These rules and regulations are available on the BELW web site www.BELW.org. Contact BELW for more details.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Table of Contents
Section 100 - Introduction
Section 200 - Definitions
Section 300 - General Information
301 - Service Jurisdiction
302 - Application for Service
303 - Ownership of Equipment
303.1 - BELW-Owned Equipment
303.2 - Customer-Owned Equipment
304 – Primary Power Extension
305 - Easements
306 - Inspection of Customer's Facilities
307 - Liability
308 - Service Interruptions
309 - Access
310 - Customer Responsibility
311 – Tree Trimming
312 - Revisions of Requirements
Section 400- Rates, Connections, Billing and Credit Policy
401 - Rate Schedule Classification
402 - Rate Class Definition
403 - Billing
404 – Sales Tax
405 – Penalties
406 – Credit/Deposits
407 – Disconnections/Reconnections
Section 500 - Standard Services
501 - General Characteristics
502 - Availability of Service
503 - Secondary Service Voltages
503.1 - Single Phase Service
503.2 - Three Phase Service
504 - Primary Service Voltages
Section 600 - Special Services
601 - Temporary Service
602 - Services for Unusual Load Characteristics
603 - Redundant Facilities
604 - Relocation or Protection of BELW Facilities
605 - Security Lighting
606 – Rewiring Existing Facilities
607 - Underground Locations
Section 700 - Meters
701 - Responsibilities for Providing Metering
702 - Location of Meters
702.1 - Residential
702.2 - Multiple Dwellings
702.3 - Industrial and Commercial
702.4 - Height Limits
702.5 - Mobile Homes
702.6 - Meter Clearances
702.7 - Access to Meters
702.8 - Residential Apartment Buildings
702.9 - Commercial Multi-Metering Panels
703 - Grouped Meters
704 - Meter Identification
705 - Meter Mounting
705.1 - Outdoor Meters
705.2 - Indoor Meters
706 - Meter Connections
707 - Wiring Restrictions on Meters and Metering Sets
708 - Meter Testing
709 - Meter Seals
710 – Services Requiring Instrument Transformer Installation
710.1 - Underground Service from Pad Mounted Transformers
710.2 - Overhead Services
710.3 - Indoor Mounted Instrument Transformers
710.3a - Secondary Metering Instrument Transformer Cabinet
710.3b - Primary Metering Equipment - Indoors
710.3c – Primary Metering Equipment – Outdoors
711 - Self-Contained Metering for Commercial Installations
712 - Master metering
713 – Bypass Socket Requirements
714 - Service at 480 Volts
715 - Location of High-Leg in 240/120 Volt, 3 Phase Services
716 - Removing BELW Seals and Meters
717 - Customer Generation
718 - Proper Grounding
719 - Customer Disconnect Switch
720 - Special Sockets
721 - BELW-Owned Equipment
Section 800 - Customer Utilization Equipment
801 – Protection of Customer Equipment
802 - Motor Starting Currents
803 - Power Factor
804 - Fault Currents
805 - Wiring Adequacy
806 - Customer-Owned Generating Equipment
807 - Energy Conservation
808 – Customer’s Obligations
Section 900 - Overhead Secondary Service
901 - Maximum Transformer Size
902 - Service Drop Conductors
903 - Clearances
904 - Point of Attachment
905 - Service Entrance
Section 1000 - Underground Service
1001 - Undergrounding in New Residential Developments
1002 - Residential Undergrounding in Overhead Areas
1003 - Underground Service to Commercial and Industrial
1004 – Secondary Connection Cabinets
1005 - Transformer Clearances
1006 - Winter Installation
1007 - Total Undergrounding
SECTION 200
DEFINITIONS
Application for Service: The agreement or contract between BELW and the Customer under which electric service is supplied and taken.
Accessible: Admitting close approach and not guarded by locked doors, elevation, or other effective means including any portion of a temporary or permanent structure.
Approved: Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
Connected Load: The combined manufacturer's rated capacity of all motors and other electric energy consuming devices on the Customer's premises which may, at the will of the Customer, be operated with the electric energy to be supplied from the service of BELW.
BELW: Blue Earth Light and Water, as Directed by the Board of Public Works
Customer: Any individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity now being served or to be served, using the electric service of BELW at any specified location.
Customer's Service Equipment: The necessary equipment and accessories, located near the point of entrance of supply conductors to a building, which constitute the main control and means of disconnecting the supply to that building. This equipment usually consists of a circuit breaker or a switch and fuses.
Disconnection Means: A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected from their source of supply.
Distribution Lines: BELW’s lines located along streets, alleys, highways, or easements on private property, when used or intended for use for general distribution of electric service to Customers of BELW.
Dwelling:
Dwelling Unit: One or more rooms for the use of one or more persons as a housekeeping unit with space for eating, living and sleeping, and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation.
• Multi-Family Dwelling: A building containing three or more dwelling units.
• One-Family Dwelling: A building consisting solely of one dwelling unit.
• Two-Family Dwelling: A building consisting solely of two dwelling units.
Electric Service: The availability of electric power and energy, regardless of whether any electric power and energy is actually used. The supplying of electric service by BELW consists of the maintaining, at the point of delivery, approximately the agreed voltage, phase and frequency by means of facilities adequate for carrying the load that BELW is thereby obligated to supply by reason of the known requirements.
Fault Current: The current that will flow through the system to a point where a piece of equipment or a conductor has failed, such as bare conductors touching together or a bare conductor touching a ground point.
Meter Set: An instrument or instruments, together with auxiliary equipment, for measuring the electric power and energy supplied to a Customer.
National Electrical Code: The current edition of the National Electrical Code as issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA No. 70).
National Electric Safety Code: The current edition of the National Electric Safety Code as issued by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI C2).
Overhead Distribution Areas: The area or areas served by BELW’s overhead distribution system as differentiated from the underground systems.
Points of Delivery: The point where the electric energy first leaves the line or apparatus owned by BELW and enters the line or apparatus owned by the Customer unless specified in the Customer's Agreement for Service. This is not necessarily the point of location of BELW’s meter.
Rate Schedule Classification: The classification of the use of electricity into categories considering the amount of power supplied and the purpose of its use.
Secondary Terminal: The secondary side of a pad mounted transformer, a secondary terminal box at the base of a riser pole, or a secondary junction box, whichever is designated by BELW.
Service: The service is the set of installed conductors that carries electric energy at secondary voltage across the customer's property from the supply of BELW. Overhead service is provided, owned and maintained by BELW at no cost to the customer. Underground service is to be provided, owned, maintained and paid for by the customer. BELW may at its discretion provide material for and/or installation of underground service at no cost to the customer if it is more cost effective to do so or if it provides other benefits to its distribution system.
Service Drop: The overhead service conductors from the last pole or other aerial support to and including the splices, if any, connecting to the service-entrance conductors at the building or other structure.
Service Entrance Conductors, Overhead System: The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop.
Service Entrance Conductors, Underground System: The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral.
Service Equipment: The necessary equipment, usually consisting of a circuit breaker or switch and fuses, and their accessories, located near the point of entrance of supply conductors to a building or other structure, or an otherwise defined area, and intended to constitute the main control and means of cutoff of the supply.
Service Lateral: The underground service conductors from BELW’s distribution system, including any risers at a pole or other structure or from transformers, to the first point of connection with the service entrance conductors in a terminal box or meter or other enclosures with adequate space, inside or outside the building wall. Where there is no terminal box, meter, or other enclosure with adequate space, the point of connection shall be considered to be the point of entrance of the service conductors into the building.
Supply The primary side of the supply is built into the rate base and paid for by BELW. However, if the customer requests that the existing primary power source be moved or extended, the customer will pay the expense of moving or extending the primary service.
Type of Service: The characteristics of electric service described in terms of frequency, phase, nominal system voltage and number of wires.
• Primary Service: Any type of service with a nominal voltage greater than 600 volts.
• Secondary Service: Any type of service with a nominal voltage less than or equal to 600 volts.
Underground Residential Distribution (URD) Areas: Those residential subdivisions or other specified areas within which all customers are served by underground distribution lines.
Utility: For the purpose of this document any public, city, or city-franchised organization that furnishes electric service.
Voltage (Of a Circuit): The greatest root-mean-square (effective) difference of potential between any two conductors of the circuit concerned.
Voltage, Nominal: The value, expressed in volts, which is assigned to a circuit or system for the purpose of conveniently designating its voltage class (as 120/240, 480Y/277, 600, etc.). The actual voltage at which a circuit operates can vary from the nominal within a range established by ANSI C84.1. The customer is responsible for making sure that their systems are capable of operating within range B of ANSI C84.1.
Voltage to Ground: For grounded circuits, the voltage between the given conductor and that point or conductor of the circuit that is grounded; for underground circuits, the greatest voltage between the given conductor and any other conductor of the circuit.
SECTION 300
GENERAL INFORMATION
301 Service Jurisdiction
BELW has been established for the purpose of providing electricity to the City of Blue Earth. BELW also provides electricity to residents outside of the City limits but within the service area boundaries established by the State of Minnesota. Service will be provided to all eligible applicants only when all applications, agreements, easements, deposits, payments, and other required information has been provided to BELW.
302 Application for Service
Application for new, additional, or temporary electric service must be made by the Customer, or a designated representative, to BELW ‘s Main Office, 125 East 7th Street in person or by FAX (507.526.5110) At the time of application, the Customer will be required to provide, in writing on the form(s) provided, information relating to the service request, including the following:
(1) Exact location of premises to be served including building street address, apartment or unit number if applicable, lot and block numbers and name of subdivision.
(2) The type of service desired (e.g. temporary, permanent, residential subdivision, dwelling unit, commercial, industrial, rewire, etc.).
(3) The approximate date that electric service is required.
(4) The name, address, and telephone number of the Customer's designated representative who will be responsible for working with BELW representatives in providing the electric service (e.g. customer employee, engineer, contractor). 10
(5) Commercial Services’---Electrical Load Data Statement specifying the type of service required by the Customer and expected magnitudes of connected and peak load. Additional data in the form of construction drawings and the proposed service entrance may also be necessary for BELW to adequately determine the capacity and arrangement of service to the Customer. The statement must be received by BELW before a work order for the project can be issued and the necessary planning and design of the project can begin.
BELW should be advised of planning installations as early as possible so that details for furnishing service may be arranged and construction completed by the desired date. Blank application forms and additional information may be obtained by contacting BELW’s Main Office at 507.526.2191.
See Section 400 for connections and disconnections to existing services.
303 Ownership of Equipment
303.1 BELW-Owned Equipment
The meter and associated metering equipment furnished or installed by BELW are the property of BELW.(1) Overhead Service—In addition to the metering equipment, the overhead service drop installed by BELW is the property of BELW.
(2) Underground Service—In addition to the metering equipment, all equipment up to and including the designated secondary terminal installed by BELW is the property of BELW. (The secondary terminal could be the secondary terminal of a pad mounted transformer, or a secondary junction box.) Unless service is taken at primary voltage or otherwise specified by written agreement, all conductors and equipment operating at nominal voltages in excess of 600V are the property of BELW.
303.2 Customer-Owned Equipment
The meter socket, including where the socket is mounted, instrument transformer compartment (if required, see Section 610), the service entrance conductors and conduit from the meter socket to the service entrance disconnect, the service entrance switch or circuit breaker and the service entrance ground equipment and the concrete transformer pad are the property of the Customer.
(1) Overhead Service—In addition to the equipment on the Customer side of the meter socket, the service drop wire holder or bracket, the weather-head and either the service mast and conduit with entrance wires or the service entrance cable with watertight connection to the meter socket are the property of the Customer.
(2) Underground Service—In addition to the equipment on the Customer side of the meter, all conduit and cable required to extend the secondary service lateral from BELW’s secondary terminals to the meter socket are the property of the Customer.
(3) Current Existing Multitaps -will be the responsibility of BELW until separated into individual services. At this time the individual service will be returned to the customer ownershipThe Customer and BELW are responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the electric service equipment which each owns.
304 Primary Power Extension
The primary side of the supply is built into the rate base and paid for by BELW. However, if the customer requests that the existing primary power source be moved or extended, the customer will pay the expense of moving or extending the primary service.
305 Easements
Whenever any BELW-owned underground and/or overhead material and equipment is located on or above the Customer's property, the Customer shall grant an easement to BELW to the extent which BELW deems necessary. (This does not include secondary service drops or service laterals.) All utility easements required by BELW are to be granted by the Customer at no cost to BELW. The Customer must provide a legal description by a Registered Land Surveyor. The easement will be signed and recorded by BELW.
306 Inspection of Customer's Facilities
306.1 As a minimum, wiring and electrical equipment of the Customer, shall be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA No. 70) and inspected by the State of Minnesota Inspector
306.2 Wiring installations located within the Blue Earth city limits, including temporary installations, must be inspected and approved by an authorized inspector of the City Building/ Safety Department as required by Minnesota Statutes Section 326.244. BELW will make connection only after approval by the authorized inspecting authority. The inspector is required by Minnesota Statutes Section 326.244 to disconnect or have disconnected by the utility any installation that is declared by the inspector to be unsafe and a hazard.
306.3 Underground Service Installation. Electrical contractors are requested to contact BELW when they call for inspection of residential service conductors with the trench open. If inspection points are used rather than an open trench, the contractor is requested to have one of the inspection points by the BELW point of service. This is done to facilitate prompt installation of cable into the secondary pedestal or transformer and avoid damage to the service conductors, especially for fall and winter installations.
306.4 Customers living outside the Blue Earth city limits and requesting service from BELW must have their wiring inspected by a state inspector. BELW will make connection before authorization from the state inspector only if the master electrician who installed or supervised the installation agrees in writing to be responsible for said wiring until such time that it can be inspected and approved by the state inspector ("Request for Electrical Inspection" – white form).
All service request require 48 hours advance notice
After the Customer's installation has been inspected and approved by the proper authority, a meter will be installed by BELW and the electric service made available provided that all applications, agreements, and deposits have been submitted by the Customer and approved by BELW. Written or faxed inspection notices must be received by BELW no later than 3:00 p.m. of the day preceding the date that connection is desired (weekends and holidays excluded). BELW’s main Office is located at 125 E 7th Street, Blue Earth, Minnesota. Customer Service fax number is (507.526.2191). Under special circumstances, verbal inspections will be accepted as long as written inspection documentation is submitted immediately thereafter.
Customer requests for disconnection or reconnection of existing services must be received by BELW at least 48 hours in advance of the desired time of disconnection or reconnection (weekends and holidays excluded). For the mutual protection of the Customer and BELW, only authorized employees of BELW are permitted to set and remove meters, or to make and energize or break and de-energize the connection between BELW’s service drop or secondary terminals and the Customer's service entrance conductors or secondary laterals.
307 Liability
BELW does not engage in the practice of doing interior wiring on Customer's premises except for the installation and maintenance of its own property. Therefore BELW is not responsible for service beyond the point of delivery. BELW shall not be liable for damage to any Customer or to any third party resulting from the use of the service or from the presence of BELW’s appliances or equipment on the Customer's premises.
The Customer is solely responsible for any accidents, fires or failures resulting from the condition and use of his/her wiring installation or equipment.
308 Service Interruptions
BELW reserves the right to interrupt service at any time. Interruptions for maintenance and system improvements will be prearranged and advance notice will be given to the Customer whenever practical.
BELW will not be responsible for consequential damages resulting from service interruptions, fluctuations outside its control, or from operations in response to abnormal system conditions. Customers requiring service reliability and/or stability exceeding BELW’s normal service should consider uninterruptible power supplies, isolation transformers, power conditioners, redundant services, or other options to provide the level of service needed. BELW’s staff (507.526.2191) is available to discuss such needs.
309 Access
Employees of BELW shall have the right of access to the Customer's premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of installing, reading inspecting, maintaining, or removing any of its meters, devices, or other equipment which is used in connection with the furnishing of the Customer's electric service. BELW reserves the right to disconnect until access is granted.
310 Customer Responsibility
Failure of the Customer to notify BELW in a timely manner (48 Hours) of any planned alteration to electric service facilities or increased electrical load, and failure to comply with BELW’s published rules, regulations, and rate schedules may result in delayed connections, interruption of service, or damage to equipment, for which BELW disclaims all responsibility
311 Tree Trimming
BELW trims trees to protect its investment in the distribution system and to protect the general public from any electrical hazards that may arise due to tree growth or tree damage. BELW does this work at its own discretion at no charge to the property owner. BELW is not in the business of trimming trees for the general public and will not do so if deemed unnecessary for the distribution system or for general safety. BELW recommends that customers hire a qualified and fully insured tree trimming & removal business in such cases. Exception: If conditions exist that require BELW to assist a private tree trimming business, BELW will either trim back the branches from the area where electrical wires are located or remove the electrical wires from the work area, so the tree trimming business can complete the trimming and/or removal. BELW personnel will make the decision based on the most economical option for the utility.
312 Revisions of Requirements
All requirements stated or implied herein are subject to change at any time without prior notice. All revisions can be obtained from BELW’s Customer Service Representative.
SECTION 400
RATES, CONNECTION CHARGES,
BILLING AND CREDIT POLICY
401 Rate Schedule Classification
Electric service is supplied to Customers under various rate schedule classifications as determined by the type of service, the amount of electric power supplied, and the purpose for which the electric service is to be used. Copies of BELW’s rate schedules are available at BELW Office.
402 Rate Class Definition
• Residential Service Class Definition
o Single phase electric service at a private residence with a nominal voltage of 115-230 volts, for domestic purposes only and using less than 30 KW demand usage.
• Commercial Service Class Definition
o Single or three phase electric service at a secondary voltage available at the customer's location and using less than 30 KW demand usage.
• Industrial Service Class Definition
o Single or three phase electric service that develops 30 KW or greater demand usage. The minimum time period that this service class will be applied is 12 billing cycles.
• 3 Phase Voltage Service
If a three phase customer requests a voltage that is not readily available at his/her location, the customer will be responsible for all costs associated with supplying the requested voltage.
BELW may disconnect a Customer's service, with notice, for any of the following reasons:
— Nonpayment of billings or issuance of non-negotiable check
— Nonpayment of a deposit or other charges/fees
— Failure to meet credit requirements
— Failure to provide access to BELW owned metering equipment
Without notice, the Customer's service may be disconnected for:
— A condition determined to be hazardous--to the Customer; to other customers or to BELW.
— Unauthorized use of electricity, water, or equipment belonging to BELW.
403 Billing Policy Adopted 11/25/1985
Billings will be mailed by the 1st of each month and shall be due by the 15th of each month. An account shall be considered delinquent when payment in full has not been received by the due date. Bills paid after the 15th shall be subject to a late payment penalty.
404 Sales Tax - Policy Adopted 11/25/1985
Sales Tax The current Minnesota sales tax shall be applied to all billings unless proof of exemption is provided to the Utility.
405 Penalty Policy Adopted 10/11/1993
Penalties will be calculated and added to the monthly bills on the first scheduled business day after the 15th of the month. A 5% penalty will be charged on the current month's service balance if any amount is carried forward from previous months. Sales tax amounts will be excluded from the calculations.
406 Deposits - Policy Adopted 03/10/1997,10/12/2015
Applies To
New, existing and previous customers opening a new account will be required to assure payment of their account by either submitting a deposit or letter of credit. An unacceptable credit history with BELW is defined as more than two delinquent notices or returned checks, and any service disconnects within the last 12 months on residential accounts and 24 months on commercial accounts. the deposit amount will not exceed $225.
Refunds with Interest
All deposits will accumulate interest. The deposit amount with interest will be refundable after the customer has established a 12 consecutive month history of paid billings; provided there are no more than three months with penalty charges or one disconnection or notice of disconnection during the twelve-month billing period. Customer deposits are not transferable. BELW will refund the deposit to the person making the deposit only. If a customer moves from BELW service area before a twelve12 month good payment history is established, BELW will refund the deposit with interest after the final billing has been paid in full. All or a portion of any deposit can be applied to the final billing. By December 15 of each year, the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Commerce is required to announce the interest rate for the next year.
Deposits for Previously Unpaid Balances
A customer requesting service who previously had an unpaid balance must pay the unpaid balance plus an advance deposit and 1 months billing of the address customer is moving to. If the unpaid balance has been turned over to a collection agency, the customer must pay the unpaid balance plus an advance deposit and 2 months billing.
Landlord Responsibility for Deposits/Billing Transfers
It will be the responsibility of the landlord to instruct his/her renter(s) to appear at the BELW business office during regular hours to request service and pay any required customer deposits. The utility billings and the responsibility for payment will remain with the landlord until the renter has paid his/her customer deposit in full or provided a letter of good credit and transferred the billing into his/her name.
407 Disconnection - Policy Adopted 06/13/1988
Intent
The intent of this policy is to set forth a reasonable and systematic procedure for discontinuing a customer's utility service due to the delinquency of his/her account with the Blue Earth Board of Public Works. An account shall be considered delinquent when payment in full has not been received by the due date.
Notification
A shut off reminder shall be transmitted by first class mail within 15 days after the account has become delinquent.
Disconnection
If the customer fails to make arrangements for payment on or before the 15th of the month following the month the bill was due, service will be disconnected on the next scheduled business day.
Reconnection
BELW will charge a reconnection fee for any service that has been disconnected for delinquent payment. Past due account balances and the reconnection fee must “paid in full” before reconnection. Payments will not be accepted by employees disconnecting or reconnecting the service.
Disconnection Payment Plan
Any account that continually carries a balance forward will automatically be on the monthly disconnect list. A payment schedule must be made at the main office to avoid disconnection. At a minimum, the customer must pay his current bill each month plus 33% of his balance forward to avoid disconnection.
Customer/Bank requested Disconnect
Customers may request a service to be disconnected. BELW will allow short term disconnects (less than 5 days) to individual services for maintenance or repair without a reconnection fee. Long term service disconnects for vacated property or other similar situations will require the disconnection of both Electrical and Water Services, this will eliminate all monthly customer service charges. A reconnection fee will be necessary to complete the Electric and Water system service re connection. In regards to long term utility service disconnects if either water or electric utility is present, “all” utility service customer charges will apply.
48 hours notice is required for removal of meter or disconnect of service due to re-siding.
SECTION 500
STANDARD SERVICES
501 General Characteristics
This section describes the types of services offered to Customers under BELW’s Standard Rate Schedules. Electric service supplied by BELW is alternating current having a nominal frequency of 60 Hertz (cycles per second).
502 Availability of Service
Although the types of service listed below are generally available through the area served by BELW, service of the type requested by a Customer may not be available at the location where such service is desired, and in certain cases may be available only through special contractual arrangements and at the expense of the Customer. Each Customer will generally be allowed only one type of service and one point of connection for each location. In regards to long term utility service disconnects if either water or electric utility is present, “all” utility service customer charges will apply.
503 Secondary Service Voltages
The following types of secondary service are generally available to Customers served under BELW’s Standard Rate Schedules:
503.1 Single Phase Service
120/240 Volt, 3-Wire, Grounded Neutral. Generally available where the total load is 100kVA or less for pad-mounted primary service, or 50kVA or less for pole-mounted primary service with an underground secondary in each case.
503.2 Three Phase Service
a) 208Y/120 Volt, 4-Wire, Grounded Neutral. Generally available where facilities of adequate capacity are adjacent to the premises to be served. For loads where the service desired by the customer is not adjacent to the premises to be served, special contract arrangements may be required prior to service being furnished.
b) 240/120 Volt, Delta, 4-Wire, Grounded Neutral. Available only where installed capacity exists.
c) 240 Volt (and 480 Volt), Delta, 3-Wire. Available only where installed capacity exists.
d) 480Y/277 Volt, 4-Wire, Grounded Neutral. Generally available where the total load is 75kVA or greater for a pad-mounted primary service.
504 Primary Service Voltages
Three-Phase, 12470Y 7200 Volt, 4-Wire, Grounded Neutral Service: Available only by special request where the total annual peak load at one site is projected to exceed 500 kW (actual, metered, power factor corrected demand). BELW reserves the right to deny a request for a primary voltage service.
BELW will retain ownership of primary voltage equipment and conductors unless specifically agreed upon between BELW and the Customer. The point of delivery will normally be the terminals of BELW’s cable in the Customer’s switchgear.
SECTION 600
SPECIAL SERVICES
601 Temporary Service
601.1 Temporary service is intended to be supplied at secondary voltages only to customers for use during the construction of permanent facilities and before the permanent service can be installed.
601.2 The address of the location to be supplied with temporary service must be permanently displayed at the location and on the temporary pedestal and be easily readable from the street before BELW will install the temporary service. All overhead and underground temporary services will be metered and billed under one of BELW’s Standard Rate Schedules. BELW will furnish only the service drop or lateral and the metering equipment.
601.3 The Customer shall provide an approved meter socket with the necessary raceway and a suitable rigid support for attachment of the metering equipment and service drop or lateral. On all three phase temporary services, where required, the Customer shall also provide a suitable enclosure for installation of BELW’s instrument transformers.
601.4 A nominal flat fee (payable in advance) will be assessed for the first single phase temporary service of 200 amperes or less installed for residential construction. The location of the temporary service will be designated by representatives of BELW. The Customer will be required to pay BELW for the actual cost to install and remove any additional single phase temporary service of 200 amperes or less, any single phase temporary service larger than 200 amperes, any commercial temporary service, any temporary service located for the convenience of the Customer, and any other special facilities requested by the Customer.
601.5 Affidavit’s shall be presented prior to BELW prior to hook-up
Information regarding the charges for temporary service can be obtained from BELW’s Customer Service Representative.
602 Services for Unusual Load Characteristics
The operation of Customer equipment having a relatively high load of short or intermittent duration, such as welders, compressor motors, elevators, and X-ray equipment, may cause serious fluctuations of voltage and interfere with the service being provided by BELW to other customers. If such a load is anticipated, the Customer must consult with BELW and agree to install such protective devices as may be required so as not to cause damage to any of BELW’s equipment or in any way inhibit service to other customers. In addition, special compensation may be required by BELW from the Customer in those cases where it is necessary for BELW to install special or larger facilities than would normally be required to provide satisfactory service. (Refer to Section 800 for additional details.)
603 Redundant Facilities
BELW will normally provide one set of facilities (such as a set of primary cables and a transformer) to one point of service for each Customer. If a Customer requires redundant facilities (more than one set of facilities to the same point of service), BELW must be advised as soon as possible so the feasibility of such service can be determined. If BELW determines that redundant facilities can and will be provided, the Customer will be required to reimburse BELW for the entire cost of additional facilities, including all
labor, materials, vehicle charges, and overheads. An agreement between the Customer and BELW may also be executed.
604 Relocation or Protection of BELW Facilities
It is the responsibility of the Customer to arrange for the relocation and/or protection of BELW’s facilities whenever such action is appropriate. Any intended relocation or protection of BELW facilities must be reviewed with and approved by BELW in advance. The cost of any change or relocation of BELW’s facilities for the benefit only of the Customer, and which has been initiated by the Customer, shall be borne solely by the Customer. A deposit by the Customer may also be required before the changes are made. BELW will bear costs to the extent that a change or relocation that benefits BELW. The Customer shall not be required to pay for changes necessitated through public improvements by the City, County or State.
605 Security and Street Lighting
Security lighting is available under its own rate schedule classification for those Customers requesting it.
Street Lighting is to be requested through the City Office (507) 526 7336
606 Rewiring Existing Facilities
The customer or electrical contractor shall contact BELW when it is necessary to rewire or upgrade an existing electric service. All BELW Electric Service Rules & Regulations will be followed to the degree that conditions allow, with final approval by BELW personnel. The customer shall be responsible for maintaining the same phase rotation for 3-phase rewires.
607 Underground Locations
607.1 Minnesota Statute, Chapter 216D, requires an excavator to contact the utility notification center (Gopher State One Call) at least 48 hours before beginning an excavation. The excavation notice may be made by calling the center at 1-800-252-1166 and providing the following information:
607.1a Name of the individual calling.
607.1b Precise location of the proposed excavation.
607.1c Name, address and telephone number of the excavator.
607.1d Excavator's field telephone number.
607.1e Type and extent of proposed excavation.
607.1f Any anticipated use of explosives.
607.1g Date and time when excavation is to commence.
607.2 “Excavation” means an activity that moves, removes, or otherwise disturbs the soil by use of a motor, engine, hydraulic or pneumatically powered tool, or machine-powered equipment of any kind, or by explosives. Excavation does not include:
607.2a The extraction of minerals.
607.2b The opening of a grave in a cemetery.
507.2c Normal maintenance of roads and streets if the maintenance does not change the original grade and does not involve the road ditch.
607.2d Plowing, cultivating, planting, harvesting, and similar operations in connection with growing crops, trees, and shrubs, unless any of these activities disturbs the soil to a depth of 18 inches or more.
607.2e Gardening, unless it disturbs the soil to a depth of 12 inches or more.
607.2f Planting of windbreaks, shelterbelts, and tree plantations, unless any of these activities disturbs the soil to a depth of 18 inches or more.
607.3 Blue Earth Light and Water encourages that underground facilities locations be requested prior to all construction or activity that disturbs the soil, including especially those activities that involve hand tools.
607.4 Any contact with an electric cable during excavation must be reported immediately, day or night, by calling BELW direct at 507.526.5382
SECTION 700
METERS
Notice – Effective 06/01/2018 - All new or rewired commercial/industrial services must have an approved lever operated bypass meter socket (see Section 713 for approved bypass meter sockets). After the above date, any new or rewired service without an approved bypass socket will not be energized!
METERS
This section covers the installation of meters and associated equipment such as current and potential transformers for both overhead and underground services. Further description of BELW requirements for both overhead and underground services is covered in other sections of this booklet. The requirements contained in this section are for services rated 600 volts or less. When services are required at primary voltage (such as 12470 Y/7200 volts), the metering requirements and equipment will be determined on an individual basis.
701 Responsibilities for Providing Metering Equipment
All metering equipment, with the exception of current transformers and potential transformers, must be purchased and installed by the customer or electrical contractor. All metering equipment installed must be UL listed and labeled and have prior approval of the BELW metering department. Metering equipment installed without BELW approval will not be energized unless by special permission of the BELW metering department. BELW will energize only one set of metering equipment under each contract or application for one class of service.
702 Location of Meters
Meter locations will be agreed upon by representatives of the Customer and BELW, subject to final approval by the BELW .
702.1 Residential —All new or rewired services must have the meter located outside. Prior written approval from an BELW representative is needed to be excluded from this requirement.
702.2 Multiple Dwellings — Where more than one meter is installed, as on a duplex or apartment complexes, meters are to be located outside and grouped if possible. Exception: Complexes that have 24 meters or more may locate the meters inside as long as they are grouped at one location and accessible at all times to each customer and BELW personnel.
702.3 Industrial and Commercial — Meters for industrial and commercial service shall be located outdoors.
702.4 Height Limits — All meters located outdoors on residential or commercial services, where the meter is mounted on a permanent structure, shall have a height limit of not more than 6 feet and not less than 4 feet from final grade to the center of the meter. A typical metering arrangement is shown in Section 1000, Exhibit 1.
702.5 Mobile Homes — BELW will individually meter each mobile home located in a mobile home court or addition to a mobile home court. Resale of metered electrical energy by the court owner will not be permitted in these facilities. Individual meter pedestals, with bypass sockets, shall be provided by the customer or his representative. Maintenance and repair of the meter pedestal is the responsibility of the customer. .
702.6 Meter Clearances — Meters shall be situated such that there is not less than three feet of unobstructed space in front and one foot on all sides. Meters shall not be located where they are subject to corrosive fumes, dust, vibration or physical damage. Outdoor meters shall not be located in carports, under porches whether open or enclosed, or along walkways or driveways where they might create a hazard to people or be subject to damage by passing objects.
702.7 Access to Meters — Meter locations shall not be hazardous or cause inconvenience to employees of BELW when installing, maintaining, or reading the meters.
702.8 Residential Apartment Buildings — In all cases where multi-metering panels with stacked meter sockets are used, the maximum height to the center of the top meter shall be not more than 6 feet and the minimum height to the center of the bottom meter shall be not less 2 feet indoors and 3 feet outdoors. Individual apartment disconnects must be connected on the load side of the meter. If the service voltage is 120/208 volts, a fifth terminal located at the 9 o’clock position is required in the socket and must be connected to the service neutral in accordance with the National Electric Code (see Exhibit 12). The house meter socket for apartment buildings requires an approved lever actuated positive bypass mechanism which will provide clamping
pressure on the meter blades. Only one meter may be installed under one socket cover in multi-metering panels.
702.9 Commercial Multi-Metering Panels — All commercial multi-metering panels used in shopping centers, spec buildings and multi-commercial tenant buildings shall have a maximum of four meter sockets per vertical stack. In all cases, the maximum height to the center of the top meter shall be 6 feet and the minimum height to the center of the bottom meter shall be 2 feet indoors and 3 feet outdoors. An approved lever actuated bypass is required on all meter sockets and each individual unit disconnect shall only be connected to the load side of the meter. Each individual meter socket shall have a barrier to isolate the customer's disconnect switch and wiring from the metering area. Only one meter may be installed under one socket cover. A system neutral is required to each 5 and 7 terminal meter socket in accordance with the National Electric Code.
703 Grouped Meters
In installations requiring more than one meter, the meters shall be grouped and suitably connected such that a meter serves no more than one Customer. The height limits stated previously also pertain to grouped meters where practicable. If deemed necessary by the space available, the meters may be stacked in an orderly fashion. Any dwelling with more than one Customer living therein must have an individual meter for each dwelling unit. These meters must be easily accessible to all tenants and to personnel of BELW. There shall be an approved type of disconnecting means for each meter which is lockable in some way to prevent reconnection by other than BELW
704 Meter Identification
If more than one meter is required for a building, each meter socket shall be identified and permanently designated in a suitable manner indicating the particular customer served. Each circuit shall be carefully traced and rechecked by the contractor to ensure against errors in wiring that would result in one customer obtaining service through the meter serving another customer. This is especially important when the wiring is concealed. Electric service shall not be energized if meter sockets are not identified. It will be the contractor’s/owner’s responsibility to correct any errors due to misidentification of meter sockets. BELW reserves the right to charge the building owner and/or electrical contractor for actual costs incurred by BELW to make corrections.
705 Meter Mounting
705.1 Outdoor meters and meter mounting devices shall be mounted securely on permanent structures such as houses, garages, and other buildings. Where outdoor meters are installed on surfaces that prevent installation of the meter mounting device in an exact vertical plane, a meter board must be installed or the surface modified in such a manner that the meter mounting device can be installed vertically. The preferred meter location is within ten (10) feet of the front end of the building (house or attached garage) on single family dwellings for new customer hook-ups All meter locations for rewired or upgraded services shall be located outdoors with locations agreed upon between customer, contractor, and BELW personnel with final approval by BELW personnel. BELW has the right to refuse to energize service if these requirements have not been met.
705.2 Indoor meters, where permitted, shall be mounted in accordance with the preceding requirements of this section and shall be located as close as possible to the point where service enters the building. Indoor metering equipment shall be mounted securely in a vertical plane on permanent structures in a location free from moisture, high temperature, vibration, dust or dirt.
706 Meter Connections
The Customer shall provide the necessary wiring for the meter set with the wiring so arranged that the line (supply) side can be connected to the top terminals of the socket and the load side to the bottom terminals. All conductors shall extend into the meter socket a minimum distance equal to the length of the socket trough. All neutral conductors must be insulated. For underground services, the line side neutral wire is to be identified in accordance with the National Electrical Code. There should be sufficient slack left in the underground cables to make up for any ground shifting due to settling or extreme cold.
707 Wiring Restrictions on Meters and Metering Sets
No Customer wiring is permitted to be connected to the metering, secondary wiring or under the terminals of the meter. No part of the metering set may be used as a junction box for the Customer's wiring.
708 Meter Testing
708.1 Any Customer who believes that a meter is failing to properly register the use of electricity, may request a meter check by contacting the Customer Service Representative. BELW will test the meter using standard calibration equipment and generally accepted test procedures within a reasonable period of time. Customers who request additional meter tests within a twelve (12) month period may be charged for the additional tests at a standard fee.
708.2 Whenever a watt-hour meter is found upon test to have an average error of more than two percent (2%) from one hundred percent (100%) or a demand meter more than one and one-half percent (1.5%) from one hundred percent (100%), a recalculation of bills for service will be made on the basis that the meter should be one hundred percent (100%) accurate with respect to a working test standard.
708.3 If the period of inaccuracy cannot be determined, it will be assumed that the metering equipment has become inaccurate at a uniform rate since it was installed or last tested unless there is valid reason to use another method. Recalculation of bills is based on BELW Board Policy for adjustments of customer accounts.
708.4 When the average error cannot be determined by test due to complete failure of all or part of the metering equipment, then an estimate of the quantity of energy consumed based on available data will be used to determine the adjusted bills.
709 Meter Seals
All connections to BELW’s service equipment shall be made by BELW personnel only. Unauthorized connections to or tampering with any BELW meter, associated equipment or meter seals, or indications or evidence thereof subjects the Customer to immediate discontinuance of service, prosecution under the laws of Minnesota, adjustment of prior bills for services rendered, and reimbursement to BELW for all extra expense incurred on the account. In addition, when the unauthorized connections or tampering involve an inside meter, the Customer shall, at his own expense, relocate all service equipment and metering facilities outside the building.
710 Services Requiring Instrument Transformer Installation
Single Phase – When any single phase service has a total connected load of 320 amps or greater, it will be necessary for BELW to use instrument transformers in the metering installation.
Three Phase – When any three phase service has a total connected load of 200 amps or greater, it will be necessary for BELW to use instrument transformers in the metering installation. These instrument transformers will be furnished by BELW and installed by the customer on the line side of the customer service entrance disconnect switch. As of April 1998, instrument transformers will not be installed in pad-mounted transformer compartments. The location of the instrument transformers will be determined by the BELW meter department. The customer shall not install any additional disconnect switches or junction boxes on the line side of the instrument transformer location. The customer must furnish and install a 1-inch metering conduit from the instrument transformer location to a meter location approved by the BELW metering department. Conduit runs shall not exceed 25 feet, except by special permission. If the conduit run exceeds 25 feet, it is the customer responsibility to furnish and install wire, per BELW specifications, from the instrument transformer location to the meter location.
710.1 Underground Service from Pad Mounted Transformers:
Where service is underground from a pad mounted transformer, instrument transformers are to be mounted in an approved instrument transformer cabinet. The location of the instrument transformer cabinet must be approved by the BELW metering department.
710.2 Overhead Services:
Where service is provided by overhead service drops, approved outdoor instrument transformer cabinets will be required. Location of transformer cabinets will have final approval by BELW Meter Dept. before installation. (No open air CT’s or PT’s will be allowed.) Refer to 710.3a for cabinet requirements.
710.3 Indoor Mounted Instrument Transformers:
Instrument transformers installed indoors must have a service size of 1200 amps or greater, be installed inside the customer switch gear in a compartment designated for instrument transformers only and have prior approval from BELW metering personnel.
710.3a Secondary Metering Instrument Transformer Cabinet
Instrument transformer cabinets shall be furnished and installed by the Customer. This includes all services either overhead or underground. All cabinets must be UL listed and labeled, approved by BELW meter personnel and meet all NEC requirements prior to installation. Cabinets must conform to the following:a. The minimum cabinet size is to be 24 inches wide, 24 inches high, and 10 inches deep.
b. The door must have provisions for locking with a standard padlock.
c. The cabinet must be hinged on the right or left side only.
d. Cabinets shall not be used as junction boxes or service connection cabinets.
e. Only BELW metering transformers may be contained therein.
f. Cabinets must be UL approved and be the correct NEMA class for the area environment in which they are installed.
g. A 1-inch conduit installed between the cabinet and meter socket is required.
h. Cabinet must accept bar-type current transformers on all services 1200 amps or less.
All services that require instrument transformers to be used will require the Customer or contractor to purchase an instrument rated meter socket from the BELW Meter Department. Contact the BELW metering department to obtain the proper socket and pricing. (See Section 613.1 and 613.2.)710.3c Primary Metering Equipment - Outdoors
When outdoor primary service is to be installed, BELW may elect to utilize either a pole-mounted or pad-mounted primary metering equipment set. Outdoor primary metering units are furnished and installed by BELW. Sharing of the material and installation costs for primary metering will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
711 Self-Contained Metering for Commercial Installations
In general, BELW will install self-contained meters (meters without instrument transformers) on single phase services where total connected load is 320 amps or less and on three phase services where the total connected load is 200 amps or less. Where such metering is to be used, the Customer shall provide a lever-operated bypassing socket (see Section 701). Such sockets permit a continuation of service upon removal of the meter for testing or maintenance. If a lever-operated bypass socket is not installed, the service will not be energized.
Commercial self-contained sockets must be rated continuous 200 amperes, minimum. For information on approved meter bypass sockets, see Section 714.1.
712 Master Metering
712.1 All new residential units will be individually metered. Exception: Multi-Unit facilities providing care to elderly or disabled persons may be master metered in accordance with State Law (§116J.27 Subd.8).
712.2 All new commercial or industrial units will be individually metered. Exceptions:
712.2a Where the construction of a building or installation is such that individual service conductors and disconnects are not required by provisions of applicable building codes.
712.2b Where the building or installation owner demonstrates conclusively that the cost to accommodate individual metering exceeds the long-run cost benefit to the individual occupants.
712.3 Existing master metered buildings or installations will be reviewed if:
712.3a Additional units are added or the nature of existing units is substantially altered, and
712.3b If the occupants of the units are responsible for paying for a portion of the electric power and energy used in these units.
The continuation of master metering in existing buildings or installations will be prohibited unless the owner demonstrates conclusively that the cost to accommodate individual metering exceeds the long-run cost benefit to the individual occupants.
712.4 Individual meters will be installed, owned, maintained, and read by BELW. Submetering by others for the purpose of charging individual occupants based on measured use must be in accordance with statutory requirements. Submetering by others for information purposes or to control the use of electric power for energy is permitted.
713 Approved Bypass Sockets
Meter sockets installed for self-contained meters must be approved by BELW prior to installation. Meter installations made with unapproved sockets will not be energized. Services energized with unapproved sockets will be subject to disconnection until the correct socket is installed.
713.1 Customer-Furnished Sockets — All meter sockets for single phase self-contained metering up to 320 amps and for three phase self-contained metering up to 200 amps are to be furnished and installed by the customer/contractor. All sockets require an approved lever actuated locking jaw bypass with an insulating track resistant poly carbonate safety shield. Three phase services over 200 amps require instrument rated sockets.
713.2 BELW-Furnished Sockets — Meter sockets for instrument rated meters must be purchased from BELW and installed by the customer/contractor. Contact BELW to obtain the proper socket and pricing.
713.3 Approved Bypass Sockets -. Any other bypass socket must have approval from BELW prior to installation. Meter installation made with unapproved bypasses will not be energized. Service will be subject to disconnection until the correct socket is installed.
714 Service at 480 Volts
480 volt, 3 phase, 3 wire and 480 volt, 3 phase, 4 wire delta services will be metered using instrument transformers on both currents and potentials for safety reasons. BELW will supply and install all instrument transformers at no cost to the customer/contractor.
715 Location of High-Leg in Meter Socket on 240/120 Volt, 3 Phase Services
The conductor with the higher voltage to ground must be connected to the terminal on the right side. The high-leg conductor must be identified as required by the National Electric Code. Meter sockets with the high-leg in the wrong position will not be energized. Incorrectly wired sockets will be subject to disconnection until wiring is corrected.
716 Removing BELW Seals and Meters
Disconnection of BELW metering equipment and cutting of seals is not allowed without obtaining prior approval.
717 Customer Generation
Where a customer intends to operate any type of electric generator, photovoltaic array, wind generator, or similar equipment interconnected with the BELW system, special service and metering requirements must
be satisfied. Contact BELW for details prior to interconnecting any generation equipment.
718 Proper Grounding
All metering conduits and sockets must be properly grounded. If PVC conduits are used, grounding conductors must be provided and installed by the customer/contractor in accordance with the National Electric Code. Electric service will not be connected to improperly grounded equipment.
719.1 Neutral for 5 and 7 Terminal Sockets
A system neutral is required to each 5 and 7 terminal socket. Conductor should be sized in accordance with the National Electric Code.
719 Customer Disconnect Switch Bypass
Individual customer disconnect switches should be connected on the load side of the meter. No customer devices, e.g. surge suppressors, load management equipment, etc., may be installed on the line side of the meter.
720 Special Sockets
All special sockets, such as apartment panels, recessed, mobile home parks, socket and switch, or socket and transfer, must have BELW’s approval prior to installation.
721 BELW-Owned Equipment
Any metering equipment furnished by BELW, such as meters, instrument transformers, relays, gateways, test switches, etc., remain the property of BELW. If the equipment has to be removed or disconnected for any reason, please call BELW so that the equipment can be picked up.
SECTION 800
CUSTOMER UTILIZATION EQUIPMENT
The Customer's service entrance and utilization equipment shall be installed in accordance with all local, state and National Electrical Code requirements. It is the intent of this section to provide the Customer with recommendations concerning factors that can affect both BELW and the Customer in the selection, installation, maintenance and operation of the Customer's utilization equipment. If concerns arise that are not covered in this section, BELW’s Customer Service Representative should be contacted.
801 Protection of Customer Equipment
The customer is advised to provide adequate protection against the effects of outages or voltage spikes in accordance with the NEC or other pertinent sources of information for all types of motors and other equipment.
Equipment that should be protected includes, but is not limited to:
- motors
- computers
- electronics equipment
- equipment in which computers or electronics form an integral operating part
Equipment should be protected under all conditions, including:
- overload
- loss of voltage
- high or low voltage
- loss of phase(s) (e.g. single phasing on polyphase motors)
- re-establishment of service after any of the foregoing
- phase reversal
- motors that cannot be subjected to full voltage on starting
- harmonics or wave form irregularities
Failure to provide such protection may result in needless damage to equipment and the expense of delay and repair.
Sensitive electronics, such as microprocessor-based home electronics and business computers, are susceptible to damage due to voltage spikes or surges.
Before any microprocessor-based electronics are installed:
- Wiring practices that meet manufacturer specifications need to be assured. (For example, proper grounding and dedicated circuits are important.)
- Consideration should be given to installing transient voltage surge suppression
- at the main service entrance, and
- at the point of use
- An uninterruptible power supply (battery backup) should be considered if a momentary voltage dip or outage would cause loss of data.
802 Motor Starting Currents
Generally, all motors require a starting current substantially greater than their normal running current. Where starting currents are excessive, an abnormal drop in supply voltage will result. In order to minimize the unfavorable effects of such voltage drops, it is essential that the Customer's motors do not exceed the allowable starting characteristics as shown in Table 430-351 of the National Electric Code.
NOTE: Customers planning to install any motor larger than 5 hp single phase or 25 hp three phase, must contact the Customer Service Representative. Motor installations that cause power quality problems for other customers shall be corrected at the owner's expense.
803 Power Factor
In order to improve the efficiency of BELW’s distribution system, the Customer's utilization equipment shall maintain an average power factor as close to unity as possible.
Some of BELW’s rate schedules include a demand charge and a penalty for an average power factor that is less than 95%. Details of the method of billing for such Customers can be obtained from the Customer Service Representative. For new services, it is suggested that the Customer's utilization equipment be
designed for operation at high power factor or with capacitors that are switched on and off with the equipment.BELW will calculate the power factor of Customers in designed rate classes by installing a var-hour meter.
804 Fault Currents
The Customer's service equipment and other devices shall be adequate to withstand and interrupt the maximum available fault current. For single family residences with service equipment rated 200 amperes maximum and 120/240 volts, single phase, equipment shall have a minimum interrupting rating of 10,000 amperes symmetrical and other equipment shall be braced to withstand that minimum value.
805 Wiring Adequacy
The National Electrical Code (NFPA No. 70) specifies the adequacy of wiring with respect to safety but such installations may not be efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service of future expansion of electrical use. In many instances, the installation of wiring capacity greater than minimum code requirements is strongly recommended.
806 Customer-Owned Generating Equipment
Unless authorized by written agreement, electric generating equipment installed by the Customer shall not be interconnected or operated in parallel with BELW system. The customer shall own, install, operate, and maintain electrical interlocking equipment which will prevent parallel operation and such equipment shall be approved by BELW prior to installation. Please contact BELW for specific requirements relating to generation installations designed to operate in parallel with the BELW distribution system (e.g. solar, wind, etc.)
807 Energy Conservation
BELW encourages the prudent and efficient use of the electric power and energy which it provides. Customers desiring special information or other assistance regarding the efficient end use of electricity should contact a Customer Service Representative at 507.526.2191.
808 Customer’s Obligations
808.1 Increased Load. In the event the Customer desires to increase load materially, such as additional electric heat, increased motor loads, etc., they shall give BELW sufficient advance notice, so that BELW may provide added facilities if necessary. If the Customer fails to notify BELW and BELW’s equipment is damaged as a result of such increase in load, the Customer shall reimburse and make payment to BELW for all such damages.
808.2 Balancing of Load. Except in the case of three-phase, four-wire delta services, the current unbalance in three-phase services shall not exceed 10 percent of the current that would be required at maximum load under balanced conditions.
808.3 Total Harmonic Distortion (THD).
808.3a The application of any nonlinear load by the Customer (e.g., static power converters, arc furnaces, adjustable speed drive systems, etc.) shall not cause voltage and/or current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) levels greater than industry accepted levels on BELW’s electric system at the point of power delivery to the Customer’s facility.
808.3b The Customer shall disclose to BELW all nonlinear loads prior to connection. BELW may test the Customer’s load to determine the THD levels.
808.3c It shall be the responsibility of the Customer to assure that the THD requirements are met, including the purchase of necessary filtering equipment. Any load found not in compliance with this policy shall be corrected immediately by the Customer at the Customer’s expense. If not corrected, BELW may disconnect service to the Customer’s facility.
808.3d The Customer shall be liable for all damages, losses, claims, costs, expenses and liabilities of any kind or nature arising out of, caused by, or in any way connected with the application by the Customer of any nonlinear load operating with maximum THD levels in excess of the values stated in 708.3a. The Customer shall hold harmless and indemnify BELW from and against any claims, losses, costs of investigation, expenses, reasonable attorneys’ fees, damages and liabilities of any kind or nature arising out of, caused by, or in any way connected with the application by the Customer of any nonlinear load operating with maximum THD levels in excess of the values stated in 708.3a.
SECTION 900
OVERHEAD SECONDARY SERVICE
BELW will supply overhead secondary service (600 volts or less) at the voltages and under the conditions specified in other sections of this publication. The service entrance location will be specified by BELW. This section includes information on distribution transformer size, overhead service drop and connections to the Customer's premises or equipment. Metering and customer equipment requirements are covered in other sections of this publication. The requirements of this section apply to all residential, commercial and industrial customers.
901 Maximum Transformer Size
901.1 The maximum overhead transformer size installed by BELW will be either one 50kVA transformer for a single phase application or three 15kVA transformers for multiphase applications. If a larger transformer size is required for a particular application, it shall be a pad-mounted type.
901.2 One or more secondary services may be supplied from a transformer; the number of services from a transformer shall be determined by BELW depending upon the application.
902 Service Drop Conductors
902.1 The service drop for new services will be a twisted wire triplex (three wires) or quadruplex (four wires) configuration from the distribution system to the point of attachment on the Customer's premises.
902.2 Existing services may be either a twisted wire or open wire configuration. If necessary for various reasons, BELW may change a service from an open wire to a twisted wire configuration.
903 Clearances
903.1 The service drop must be so located that the minimum clearance as specified in the latest edition of the National Electrical Code (NFPA No. 70) is maintained. An illustration of the clearances required is shown in Section 1000, Exhibit 4.
903.2 Service drop conductors shall not be installed above a swimming pool or surrounding area extending 10 feet horizontally from the pool edge, diving structure, observation stands, towers or platforms.
904 Point of Attachment
A solid point of attachment for supporting the service drop on the building shall be provided by the Customer at a point which will comply with previously stated clearances. Where the required heights and clearances cannot be maintained by a point of attachment on the building, the Customer shall provide a service mast which is of a permanent nature and of sufficient strength to support the service drop at the required minimum clearance. Typical building attachment and service mast installations are shown in Section 1000, Exhibits 5 and 6, respectively. In such an installation, 2-inch or larger galvanized iron conduit or 3-inch or larger rigid aluminum conduit shall be used. BELW reserves the right to decline to connect its service drop to an extension support which, in its judgment, constitutes a hazard to life or property.
905 Service Entrance
The Customer's service entrance wiring shall terminate at a point so located that the service drop from the supply lines will not interfere with windows, doors, awnings, drainpipes, or other parts of the building or other obstructions so that only one bracket is required.
SECTION 1000
UNDERGROUND SERVICE
1001 Undergrounding in New Residential Developments
1001.1 BELW requires the complete underground installation of primary and secondary distribution service laterals to new structures in all residential zones, except in those cases where
it is determined that such underground installations are either technically or economically undesirable.
1001.2 BELW will designate a junction point for the connection of the Customer's secondary underground service lateral. The junction point will be a service pedestal or junction box, the terminals of a pad-mounted transformer, or a meter enclosure. In general, BELW will install, own, operate, paint Munsell green, and maintain all facilities on the source side of the junction point, including the junction enclosure and connections; and the Customer will install, own, operate, and maintain all secondary cables, conduit, and related service equipment specified in other sections of this publication on the load side of the junction point. However, the developer of a new subdivision is responsible, during general development, for installing road crossing conduits per BELW specifications. (Refer to Section 1000, Exhibit 13.)
1001.3 Junction points will be located within BELW’s easement area along or near a front or rear property line unless it is necessary or desirable to designate locations which are closer to the metering point(s). In such cases, the Customer will be charged for the installed cost of any additional lengths of underground distribution cable and conduit from the property line to the junction point. Such charges shall be in addition to any other charges specified herein.
1001.4 BELW’s primary and/or secondary distribution laterals will normally be installed within front lot line utility easements provided by the Customer as a part of the recorded property plat. All utility easements requested by BELW are to be granted by the Customer at no cost to BELW.
1001.5 Additional information regarding BELW and customer responsibilities for URD installations is provided in Section 1000, Exhibit 9.
1002 Residential Undergrounding in Overhead Areas
Customers residing in residential zones served by overhead lines may request underground electric service. Customers intending to relocate, upgrade or replace an existing overhead service may request underground service. In either case, the Customer shall install, own, operate, and maintain the facilities specified in Section 901.2. In addition, the Customer will be charged an amount which reflects any additional cost incurred by BELW in providing service to the junction point. All such charges must be paid by the Customer before BELW will commence installation of the necessary facilities.
1003 Underground Service to Commercial and Industrial Customers
1003.1 BELW requires the underground installation of primary and secondary distribution service laterals to new commercial and industrial structures.
1003.2 BELW will designate a junction point for the connection of the Customer's secondary underground service lateral. The junction point will normally be the secondary terminals of a pad-mounted transformer placed at a mutually agreeable location on the Customer's property, as close as practicable to the metering point.
1003.3 BELW will install, own, operate, and maintain the primary underground cable, the distribution transformer, and the secondary connections.
1003.4 The primary cable will be installed in Schedule 40 PVC with marking tape electrical conduit, sized to BELW construction standards from BELW’s main distribution system, on or adjacent to the Customer's property, to the distribution transformer. If underground main distribution facilities are located on the Customer's property, the Customer shall provide the conduit from a designated tap point to the distribution transformer. If overhead main distribution facilities are located on the Customer's property, the Customer shall provide conduit to be installed by BELW on the riser pole and the Customer shall provide and install the conduit including the elbow, from the 46
riser pole to the pad mounted distribution transformer. See Section 1000, Exhibit 8 for details.
1003.5 The Customer shall install, own and maintain a concrete transformer pad to BELW specifications. If the transformer is located in an area where it may be subject to physical damage (e.g. from vehicular traffic), BELW may require the Customer to furnish and install an approved means of protection.
1003.6 The Customer shall install, own, and maintain all secondary cables, conduits, and cabinets from the transformer to the building service entrance; the cables and conduit shall be buried 24 inches minimum below final grade. If service is such that a secondary lateral is to be installed directly from BELW’s main secondary distribution system, the secondary cables and conduit shall be installed, owned, and maintained by the Customer. (Conduit for the riser pole, if required, shall be furnished by the Customer.) BELW must approve the design of all secondary bus duct and cable bus designs. The installation will be inspected by BELW and the secondary
connections to the transformer, and the transformer side of the connection cabinet will be made by BELW. It is the Customer's responsibility to coordinate with and provide the necessary information to BELW to assure that adequate connections are made at the secondary terminals of the transformer.
1003.7 BELW will furnish and install the meter set in accordance with the requirements of Section 600.
1003.8 The maximum number of secondary connections available shall be:
Single Phase:
Six (6)350 MCM conductors per phase
Three Phase:
Transformer Size # of Conductors per Phase
45 KVA 3
75 KVA to 500kVA 6
750kVA to 2500kVA 10
The maximum size secondary conductor to be installed in a 3-phase transformer is 750 MCM.
Any service requiring more conductors per phase than listed above must utilize a customer-provided secondary connection cabinet.
1003.10 Secondary cables installed in an BELW manhole must be copper conductor.
1003.11 Secondary cables installed to a three phase pad-mounted transformer should be copper.
1004 Secondary Connection Cabinets
Where secondary connection cabinets are necessary, the following apply:
1004.1 Cabinet assemblies will be suited to the installation and meet BELW and National Electric Code (NEC) requirements.
1004.2 Cabinets shall be constructed with provisions for bar-type or donut-type current transformers.
1004.3 Conduits from service equipment to connection cabinet and from transformer to connection cabinet will be furnished and installed by electrical contractor as concrete pads are being formed and poured. Conduit systems shall meet BELW requirements. Above-grade raceway from the transformer to the connection cabinet is not allowed.
1005 Transformer Clearances
Where pad mounted transformers and equipment in pad mounted enclosures are installed, the minimum clearances specified in Section 1000, Exhibit 7 must be maintained. Fences, shrubbery, and trees may be installed by the Customer provided that the specified clearances are maintained, the grade is not altered, and the underground cables are not endangered.
1006 Winter Installation
Underground cable installation at the Customer's request between December 1 and April 30 will be subject to a winter installation charge.
1007 Total Undergrounding
BELW does not install underground vaults, manholes, or submersible transformers on Customer property. If the presence of permanent structures up to the property lines, or other conditions, precludes the installation of pad mounted equipment on the Customer's property, primary service will normally be provided.
PHONE NUMBERS
Metering Department..................................................
New Electric Service………………………………526-2191
Customer Service................................................
Bill Payment and Collections......................................
General Information............................................526-2191
Water Outage
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ............................................
4:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. ............................................
Underground Location Assistance
Gopher State One Call ................................. 1-800.252.1166
Fax ......................................................................
Online Fax...........................................................