UNDERGROUND

The cost for underground service depends on the extent of special engineering required. The least complicated and cheapest situation is if a padmount transformer, stubout, or access hole is already on the property. If this is the case, engineering may not be required. The customer simply installs the service entrance equipment, has it inspected, and calls the utility to have service connected.

The customer is responsible for providing, installing, and maintaining all equipment from the point of delivery except for the meter.

The power company is responsible for providing and installing the meter, completing the connections between the meter and the service conductors, and making the final connections at the point of delivery. If CTs are being used, the utility also provides the CTs and makes the connections to them and to the meter.

CHECK LIST FOR INSTALLING UNDERGROUND SERVICE

To obtain new underground electric service, the customer::
   1. Contacts the utility to discuss the project, to determine where the service will originate from and the point of delivery, and to request the service.
   2. If requested, provides the utility with:
       ▪ Site drawings
       ▪ Load information
       ▪ An easement for permanent equipment owned by the power company and installed on the customer's property
       ▪ Payment for pre-construction costs
   3. Obtains an electrical work permit from the inspecting agency.
   4. Selects the type meter that fits the situation. There are three options:
       ▪ Surface-mount meter
       ▪ Flush-mount meter
       ▪ Pedestal-mount meter
   5. Installs the service equipment.
   6. Calls the locating service ("Call Before You Dig") to locate any existing underground wires, cables, and pipes.
   7. Obtains an electrical inspection.
   8. Contacts the utility.

Then the utility:
   1. Installs the meter in the socket.
   2. If CTs are being used, installs the CTs and completes the wiring between the CTs, the meter, and the service lines.
   3. Connects the conductors at the point of delivery.  

LOCATING UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
The customer must call the underground utilities locating service at least two full working days (48 hours) before trenching or excavating for underground service. One call to the locating service notifies all utilities that locates are required. In some areas, not all utilities are members of the one-call system. In those areas, the customer must contact each utility individually.

Excavation must not begin until the locations of underground wires, cables, and pipes have been marked, or the utilities have informed the customer that they have no facilities in the area.

Any digging within 24 inches of location marks must be done by hand.

The color code for marking underground utilities is:

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       Color            Underground Service
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 ! Red             Electric
 ! Yellow          Gas, Oil, Steam 
 ! Orange         Telephone, Cable TV
 ! Blue              Water
 ! Purple           Reclaimed water
 ! Green           Sewer
 ! Pink             Temporary survey marks
 ' White           Proposed excavation
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Transformer Installations

Underground Service, Surface-Mount Meter           Underground Service, Meter Post
Underground Service, Pedestal Meter