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Rules And Regulations
Revised 8/16/2006
INDEX
I. INTRODUCTION
A . Purpose
The purpose of this book is to acquaint customers, contractors,
architects, and engineers with the Rules and Regulations of Central Lincoln
People's Utility District pertaining to the installation of service
connections, meters, wiring, motors and other appliances to be supplied with
electricity from the facilities of Central Lincoln.
B . Scope
The Rules and Regulations apply to all customers receiving electric
service from Central Lincoln, whether the service is based upon contract,
agreement, signed application, or otherwise. They are equally binding on
Central Lincoln and the customer. No officer or employee of Central Lincoln
has authority to waive, alter or amend these Rules and Regulations, or make
any agreement inconsistent with them.
These Rules and Regulations are adopted, as an Ordinance, by our Board of
Directors so that we may provide the best service to the greatest number of
our customers.
Central Lincoln will endeavor to cooperate with customers and contractors
to the fullest extent in completing service connections with as little delay
and inconvenience as possible. We recommend that any customer contracting for
electrical wiring or electrical apparatus include, as a contract requirement,
conformity with these Rules and Regulations.
Where a prospective customer cannot be served from an existing line, an
extension may be made in accordance with our Line Extension Policy, available
at all Central Lincoln offices.
Central Lincoln will select the proper rate schedule for the customer. Our
complete Rate Schedules are available at all of our offices.
These rules do not intentionally conflict with the "National Electrical
Code" of the National Fire Protection Association in any respect, nor with any
local ordinances governing electrical installations.
C . Revision
This Ordinance may be revised, amended, supplemented or otherwise changed
from time to time, without notice.
D . Legality
If any portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be
unconstitutional or void, that does not affect the validity of the remaining
portions of this Ordinance.
II. GENERAL
A . Definitions
Central Lincoln -
When used in these Rules and Regulations,
Applications for Service, or Rate Schedules, refers to Central Lincoln
People's Utility District, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
conduit - Tubular material suitable for receiving and protecting
electric conductors.
connected load - The sum of the rated capacities of all the
customer's equipment that can be connected to Central Lincoln's lines at one
point of delivery.
consumer or customer - Refers to the person, firm or
corporation using or desiring electric service.
contiguous - Structures, buildings, enclosures, or free-standing
facilities which are connected in some manner so as to be construed as a
single entity, whether or not internally divided into separate apartments,
suites, offices, shops, or other separately occupied spaces. Land which
shares a common boundary and is not separated by street, roadway or other
property or space under separate ownership, rental or lease.
contribution - Defined as a payment made by a customer to Central
Lincoln in aid of construction, such payment giving the customer no right or
title to any of the facilities installed in the project constructed.
District - When used in these Rules and Regulations, Applications for
Service, or Rate Schedules, refers to Central Lincoln People's Utility
District, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
electric service - The furnishing, or readiness to furnish, electric
power or energy in the form, at the voltage, and for the purpose specified
in the Application for Service or contract, and at any Rate Schedule or
Schedules that may apply.
energy - Defined as the amount of electricity used, expressed as
kilowatt hours (KWH), and measured for billing on a kilowatt hour meter.
interval power factor - Determined by the following formula:
kilowatt (KW) - A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts,
or 1.341 horsepower.
kilowatt hour (KWH) - 1,000 watts of energy delivered for one hour
(equal to 3412.8 BTU's).
KVARH - (KiloVolt Amp Reactive Hour) -1,000 VARs of reactive energy
delivered for one hour. (See Reactive Power.)
load - The power requirement, usually measured in kilowatts, of a
system or a piece of equipment at a given instant, or the average rate of
energy use during any designated short period of time.
load factor - The ratio of the average load to the maximum load for
any given period of time.
maximum demand - The highest 15-minute average power use in the
billing month as determined by computation, or by suitable indicating or
recording instruments.
meter - The instrument used for measuring the energy or power
delivered to the customer.
month - Defined (except where calendar month is stated) as the period
intervening between Central Lincoln's scheduled monthly meter readings upon
which the customer's demand and consumption of electrical energy are
computed and bills rendered.
point of delivery - The point, as designated by Central Lincoln,
where electricity is to be delivered to the customer, without regard to the
location of Central Lincoln's meter, transformer or other apparatus.
power - The rate of use of electricity is expressed in kilowatts
(KW), and is measured for billing on a demand meter.
premises - An area of land and/or property, and any structure or
development thereon, under single ownership, whether individual,
corporation, partnership, or other cooperative right, and undivided by
property, street, roadway, or other space under separate ownership, rental
or lease.
reactive energy (expressed as KVARH) - The wattless component
of energy used in determining interval power factor, measured on a reactive
watthour meter over the billing period.
service drop - The span of wire or cable between Central Lincoln's
pole and/or other equipment and the point of delivery on the customer's
building or structure.
service entrance - The wire and equipment furnished, owned and
maintained by the customer between the point of delivery on the customer's
building or structure and the customer's equipment.
B . General Provisions
1. Application for Service
All prospective customers must make an application or contract for
service. Application may be made at the local offices of Central Lincoln. In
the absence of a signed agreement or application for service, the delivery
of electric service by Central Lincoln and the acceptance of that service by
the customer is deemed to constitute an agreement.
The application must provide the following information:
a) Location of premises.
b) Date applicant will be ready for service.
c) Whether the premises have been previously served by Central
Lincoln.
d) Purpose for which service is to be used, with description of
appliances.
e) Whether applicant is owner, agent or tenant of the premises.
f) Other information Central Lincoln may reasonably require.
The application is merely a request for services and does not in itself
bind Central Lincoln to serve.
2. Contracts
Written contracts may be required for large power loads, municipal street
lighting, irrigation, and for certain line extensions or additions to Central
Lincoln facilities. Written contracts for electric service may contain special
provisions in order
to provide electric service as requested by the
customer. Service under all Rate Schedules, except where otherwise stipulated
in the Schedule or in a separate contract for service, may be discontinued by
the customer at any time upon notice to Central Lincoln.
3. Deposits
We require customers who establish new accounts to provide either
previously established, acceptable credit with Central Lincoln; an acceptable
letter of credit from a previous serving utility; or a deposit.
Before we can reestablish services that it has disconnected because of
nonpayment, customers must pay the entire delinquent amount or make other
satisfactory arrangements, and pay a reconnection charge.
Central Lincoln may require customers to either make a deposit, or increase
their existing deposits, if their credit history warrants it.
Central Lincoln will pay simple interest on deposits. The interest will
accumulate until the deposit is refunded, or until service is terminated.
At our discretion, we may refund a residential customer's deposit after one
year. Commercial customers' deposits may be held up to three years or more.
When customers close their accounts permanently, we will refund their deposits
and all accumulated interest, minus any amount still due us. Central Lincoln
will handle unclaimed deposits according to current Oregon State law.
4. Processing Fee
All customers requesting electric service will be required to pay a
processing fee. It applies to new customers who have never had a Central
Lincoln account, and to established customers who move, transfer another
service to their name, or add services requiring an additional meter.
5. Line Extensions
a) Service for Permanent Residential or Commercial Loads. When a
prospective customer requests service at a location where we have existing
facilities that can serve the customer, a Line Extension may not be
necessary. If we have no poles or facilities, we will make line extensions
under provisions of the proper Line Extension Policy. The Policy, which
details the conditions under which an extension will be made and terms of
the contract required, is on file at all of our offices.
b) Service for Industrial Loads. We will make extensions to
serve industrial loads where certain conditions are fulfilled. The policy on
extensions for this class of service is available at all of Central
Lincoln's offices.
6. Central Lincoln's Property
All meters, instrument transformers, service connections, and other
equipment furnished by Central Lincoln are, and will remain, the property of
Central Lincoln. The customer will provide space for, and exercise proper care
to protect the property of Central Lincoln on their premises. In the event of
loss or damage to our property arising from neglect on the part of the
customer, the cost of necessary repairs or replacement will be paid by the
customer.
7. Right of Access and Right of Way
The customer must grant us right of way and easements over, under and
across property of the customer for erection, maintenance, repair, and
replacement of any or all wires, poles, apparatus, and appurtenances necessary
for the supplying and delivery of electric service to the customer.
Properly identified employees of Central Lincoln will have access to the
customer's premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of inspecting
wiring and devices, reading meters, testing, repairing, removing, or
exchanging any or all material and equipment owned by Central Lincoln.
8. Change of Occupancy
When a change of occupancy or legal responsibility takes place on any
premises being served by Central Lincoln, notice of the change must be given
within a reasonable time prior to the change. The outgoing customer, or one
having legal responsibility, will be held responsible for all service supplied
until such notice has been received by Central Lincoln.
9. Resale of Energy
No customer may connect their electric service with that of another
customer or in any way resell, rebill or supply any other person or premises
with electricity through their service. In certain cases, such as service to
transients and residents in trailer courts, electric energy may be rebilled to
others under a written agreement with Central Lincoln, which agreement will
provide that any resale must be at no profit.
10. Customer and Central Lincoln Liabilities
Customers will assume all responsibility on their premises for any
electrical energy supplied by Central Lincoln. We will be exempt from
liability for loss or damage of whatever nature caused by leakage or loss of
electricity furnished by us after the same has passed the point of delivery,
and will also be exempt from all liability for damage caused by unavoidable
accident or casualty, action of the elements, strikes or interruptions and/or
curtailments caused by government action or authority, litigation or by any
cause which we could not reasonably have foreseen, or when such interruptions
are necessary for repairs or changes in Central Lincoln's lines, plant or
other equipment.
11. New or Additional Load
The service connection, transformers, meter, and equipment supplied by
Central Lincoln for each customer have a definite capacity. Before
substantially increasing electric service requirements by the addition of
electrical equipment, the customer must notify us sufficiently in advance to
permit the installation of additional service facilities. Failure to give
notice of changes in load and to obtain our consent for additions, may make
the customer liable for damage to any of our lines or equipment caused by the
additional or changed installation.
12. Public Authority Requirements
Should any public authority having jurisdiction order the removal or
abandonment of any pole or conduit line belonging to Central Lincoln, then the
customers receiving service from such pole or conduit line will be required to
rearrange their wiring so as to receive service from such other pole or
conduit line from which service may be available. Customers must be given
thirty days' written notice that Central Lincoln has been legally required to
remove its pole or conduit line. Upon the expiration of such notice, Central
Lincoln may remove its poles, wire or conduits without recourse from customers
who have failed to rearrange their wiring.
13. Relocation, Replacement
or Conversion of Poles and Equipment
at Customer's Request
If a customer requests that the delivery point be moved to a new location
on an existing structure served by an overhead service drop, Central
Lincoln will remove and reconnect the overhead service drop at the new
delivery point without cost to the customer, provided we approve the new
location and provided no new pole and/or other equipment is required. Should a
pole or other equipment be required, the customer must pay in advance for any
material, equipment, labor, overheads and other costs required.
If a customer requests that the delivery point be moved to a new location
on an existing structure served by an underground service drop, Central
Lincoln will remove and reconnect the underground service drop at the new
delivery point, provided we approve the new location. The customer may be
required to pay, in advance, any or all costs incurred in providing service to
the new delivery point.
If a customer requests that our facilities be moved, for any reason, we
will do so if feasible from an engineering point of view and provided
necessary right of way can be obtained. The customer may be required to pay,
in advance, any or all costs, including overhead. In cases where, in our
opinion, system benefits will result from the relocation of the equipment, the
requirement of reimbursement by the customer may be waived.
14. Interruption of Service
Electric service is always furnished subject to any failure caused by
governmental action or authority, litigation, strikes, acts of God, or
breakdowns of apparatus or equipment, or when interruptions become necessary
for repairs or changes in any generating equipment, distribution or
transmission system. While Central Lincoln will do everything reasonable to
effect repairs or changes in such cases, and to restore service to normal as
quickly as possible, the customers connecting to or using our lines for
service must accept that service subject to any and/or all outages resulting
from any of the causes above, and waive any and/or all claims for damages
arising from such outages.
15. Notice of Trouble
In the event that service is interrupted, or not satisfactory, or if any
hazardous condition is known to exist, it is the obligation of the customer to
notify Central Lincoln of such condition.
16. Service Calls
Central Lincoln will be responsible for the prompt repair of damage to our
equipment which impairs service to its customers or results in a hazardous
condition. If the customer's service fails, they must attempt to determine if
they have blown fuses, tripped breakers, or if their equipment is at fault
before calling Central Lincoln. When a service call is made at a customer's
request and it is determined that the cause is due to failure of
customer-owned equipment or wiring, a nominal charge for service calls made
during regular working hours, and the actual cost of service calls at other
times, may be made.
17. Voltage Fluctuations Caused by Customer
No customer will be permitted to install or operate any motor or other
electrical equipment which has starting or operating characteristics that
cause inconvenience to other customers, and Central Lincoln may, at its
option, refuse to supply service to any equipment found to interfere with the
service of others. Inconvenience to other customers will include interference
which causes improper operation of lighting, appliances, radio and television
equipment.
18. Voltage Regulation
Central Lincoln will make reasonable effort to maintain the standard
nominal system voltages within limits of accepted utility practice. However,
we do not guarantee constancy of voltage or frequency. We cannot guarantee
against the loss of one or more phases in a three-phase service, and we can't
be held responsible for damages caused by circumstances beyond our control.
When necessary to ascertain voltage levels, tests will be made at the point of
delivery.
III. SERVICE STANDARDS
A. Standard Voltages
See "Standard Voltages, Loadings and Phase Balance,"
available at all Central Lincoln offices.
B. Limitation on Pole-Mounted Transformer Sizes
Central Lincoln limits the installation of pole-mounted transformers to a
maximum of three 167 KVA units or their equivalent. When loads require in
excess of this capacity, the customer may be required to provide either a
suitable transformer vault or an outdoor transformer pad. In all such cases,
Central Lincoln must be consulted first.
C. Service to Special Loads
Central Lincoln may supply service to special loads such as spot welders,
x-ray equipment and similar devices having highly fluctuating power
requirements. However, if special transformers or other facilities are
required for these loads to prevent disturbance to the service of others, the
customer will be required to contribute the cost of the special facilities.
D. Non-Standard Service
If non-standard service is required, the customer must contribute to
Central Lincoln the cost of any special facilities required.
IV. TYPES OF SERVICE AVAILABLE
A. Permanent Service
Permanent service is considered as service supplied to a premises for at
least one year.
B. Short-Term Service
Central Lincoln will provide service to circuses, bazaars, fairs,
temporary restaurants, construction work, and other uses of an impermanent
nature, provided such service will not cause undue hardship on Central
Lincoln or our customers, and under the following conditions:
1. The applicant will be required to pay Central Lincoln, in
advance (or otherwise as Central Lincoln may elect), the net cost of
installing and removing any facilities necessary in providing such
service.
2. The applicant may be required to deposit with Central Lincoln
the estimated amount of our bill for such service, or to otherwise
guarantee the payment of any bills that may accrue from such service.
3. The applicant must guarantee Central Lincoln's right of access
to the premises for the purpose of installing, operating, maintaining, and
removing our facilities; and nothing in these Rules and Regulations may be
construed as limiting our right to collect from the applicant any other
additional sum of money which may become due and payable for the service
furnished or to be furnished.
C. Standby Service
If available, emergency breakdown or other standby service will be
supplied by Central Lincoln only on special terms specifying the rates and
conditions for such service.
V. APPLICATION OF SCHEDULES
A. General
Rate schedules have been established by Central Lincoln for the various
classes of service, and the customer must use the service exclusively for
the purpose stated in the application and in accordance with the applicable
rate schedule. In general, each class of service to an individual customer
will be supplied through one meter at one point of delivery. The premises
served through one meter must be contiguous, and the readings of two or more
meters will not be combined on one bill except in special cases approved by
Central Lincoln.
The rate schedules applicable to the various classes of service are on
file at all of Central Lincoln's offices.
VI. BILLING PRACTICES
A. Meter Reading
Meters will ordinarily be read monthly by Central Lincoln on
approximately the same day each month, subject to the variation caused by
weekends and holidays. In meter reading, Central Lincoln reserves the
following options and rights:
1. To require certain customers residing in isolated locations to
read their own meters and report the reading to Central Lincoln monthly.
In these cases Central Lincoln will supply meters designed for the purpose
and will periodically check meter readings. Service may be refused by
Central Lincoln to any customer failing to give the necessary cooperation.
2. To estimate meter readings in cases where Central Lincoln is
unable to obtain actual meter readings. Central Lincoln may adjust billing
amounts when actual readings are obtained.
3. To read meters on a bimonthly basis (once in two months), at the
option of Central Lincoln.
4. Central Lincoln may use remote automated meter reading devices
to obtain meter readings.
B. Billing
Bills will ordinarily be rendered monthly and within seven working days
after the meter is read. Bills will be mailed to the customer's address of
record with Central Lincoln, but failure to receive the bill will not
release the customer from the obligation of payment. In billing, Central
Lincoln reserves the following options and rights:
1. To read meters and render bills for a lesser or longer period than
one month.
2. To render bills on an estimated consumption basis in cases:
a) Where Central Lincoln is unable to obtain actual meter readings,
b) Where the meter seal is broken, or there is other indication of
meter tampering, or
c) Where there is evidence of the diversion of electric service.
3. To include with the regular service billing the amount of any
other valid obligation due Central Lincoln, including any deposits as may
be necessary to continue service.
4. In cases of bimonthly meter reading, to render bills bimonthly;
or monthly, based on estimates, with an appropriate adjustment being made
following actual reading.
C. Prorating
1. On opening and closing an account for electric service, the
minimum or basic service charge will be prorated for the portion of the
billing period served, not to exceed the minimum or basic monthly charge.
2. On opening and closing an account for electric service with
billing demand, the demand charge is waived if there are 7 or less days
within the billing period. An account with more than 7 days within the
billing period will have a demand charge. Depending on the number of days
in the billing period, one or both accounts may have the full demand
charge.
3. On opening and closing an account for yard or street lighting
service, the charge will be prorated for the portion of the billing period
served, not to exceed the monthly rate.
4. On opening and closing an account for unmetered service, the
basic service charge will be prorated for the portion of the billing
period served, not to exceed the basic monthly charge.
5. Rate changes and seasonal rates are not prorated. All
invoices billed after an effective date for a rate change are calculated
at the new rate(s).
D. Payment of Bills
All bills for service are due and payable the date of issuance of the
bill, at the designated office or authorized pay station of Central Lincoln,
and become delinquent after 20 days. We will impose a charge of one and
one-half (1½) percent per month on any delinquent amount.
E. Collection of Bills
In the collection of a delinquent bill, 5 days after the mailing of
written notice that the amount must be paid, Central Lincoln may suspend
delivery of service to if the bill remains unpaid 30 days after date of the
bill. (Service will not normally be suspended for delinquent amounts
under $50.00)
Central Lincoln may suspend service without notice under the following
conditions:
1. Failure of a customer to keep a commitment regarding delayed
payments for either service charges or deposits.
2. It has been determined the customer's service has been
abandoned.
When service has been suspended for nonpayment of a bill, the customer
must pay a reconnect charge and all amounts in arrears, or make suitable
payment arrangements with Central Lincoln, before service will be resumed.
In addition, a deposit may be required.
F. Payment Program for winter heating
The months December through April are designated as winter heating
months. A payment program is available to qualified customers with
delinquent billing, who are facing service suspension during those months,
subject to the following conditions:
1. The customer's service must either have been suspended, or be
subject to suspension due to account delinquency.
2. The customer must have demonstrated hardship circumstances, and
have exhausted available aid from all local and state agencies.
3. The customer must have been on service for a continuous period
of six (6) months or more.
4. The customer must pay current monthly billings each month, in
addition to the established monthly contract payment.
5. Repayment of delinquent amount will not exceed six (6) months.
G. MEDICAL deferral of service termination
In order to avoid service termination, or to provide reconnection of
a terminated service, customers with an approved medical certificate may
enter into a Time Payment Arrangement (TPA) with Central Lincoln for
repayment of delinquent billing amounts.
A qualifying medical certificate from
a Licensed Physician, Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant, or a
professionally certified or registered employee of a local health service
agency must be provided to Central Lincoln. Written confirmation of medical
condition must be submitted each thirty days to remain valid. The maximum
term for a medical Time Payment Arrangement is 180 days.
A customer submitting a medical certificate is not excused from current
billings for service.
H. Tax Adjustment
The total amount of any form of tax imposed by any taxing body upon
Central Lincoln, including any additional amount necessary to cover the cost
of collecting the tax, may be apportioned by Central Lincoln according to
the territory in which such taxes may be effective, and will constitute an
additional charge to any amounts which may be billed to any customer under
any rate schedule or special contract of Central Lincoln.
VII. SERVICE INSTALLATION
A. Overhead Service (Only Services Installed Prior To 11/15/2003)
The customer's service entrance facilities must be located at a point on
the building or structure approved by Central Lincoln. The service entrance
must be of sufficient height above the ground so that Central Lincoln's
service drop crossing any street or alley will not be less than 18 feet
above the traveled portion, unless greater clearance is required locally,
nor less than 12 feet above residential driveways. Where buildings are so
low that this condition cannot be obtained, Central Lincoln should be
consulted. Service poles or wires required solely as a result of the
customer's choice of service entrance location and not otherwise needed,
will be installed after contribution by the customer of any excess costs. As
far as is practicable, service entrances must be located in such a manner
that our service wires will not come in contact with trees, nor cross
property other than that owned or occupied by the customer.
Service wire attachments must not be located within 3 feet of building
openings, and wires may not cross windows or over roofs except as allowed in
the electrical code issued by the Building Codes Division of the State of
Oregon. Services will not be attached to float houses and/or other floating
structures because of fluctuating water level.
B. Underground Service Drops
Central Lincoln will install an underground residential service drop
between our system and the point of delivery near the customer meter base.
The location of meter on customer structure must be approved by Central
Lincoln.
The service drop location must be a reasonably direct route between the
building or structure and Central Lincoln's system and must be approved by
Central Lincoln. Service drops longer than Central Lincoln standards may
require contributions by the customer.
Generally, residential underground service drops will be furnished,
installed, owned, and maintained by Central Lincoln from the lot line to the
point of delivery near the customer's meter base. The customer must provide
trenching and furnish and install approved electrical conduit from the
Central Lincoln junction box near the meter base, to a point on the lot line
approved by Central Lincoln. The meter base and the diameter of the conduit
must comply with Central Lincoln standards.
Service drops supplied to any residential structure, including
multi-family dwellings, will be limited to 400 ampere capacity. Service
drops required in excess of this will be furnished and installed by the
customer. (In these cases, the Point of Delivery becomes the connection at
the Central Lincoln transformer.) More than one service drop to a structure
will be allowed, under code restrictions, but each will be limited to 400
ampere capacity.
For underground service drops to commercial customers, the customer will
furnish, own and maintain the service drop.
VIII. CUSTOMER'S SERVICE ENTRANCE INSTALLATIONS
A. General
Central Lincoln will determine the location of the service entrance and
metering equipment. Any wiring installed without first contacting us is done
at the customer's risk of having to change the location to conform with
Central Lincoln requirements.
B. Customer's Wiring - Standards
The customer's wiring, apparatus, conduits, machinery or appliances must
be installed in accordance with good practice and all governmental
regulations, including the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code issued by the
Building Codes Division of the State of Oregon, the National Electrical
Code, and the National Electric Safety Code.
No new installation will be connected until a permit has been issued by
the authority having jurisdiction, and the permit is available to our
service crews completing the connection.
Central Lincoln will connect to installations when made in apparent
accordance with good practice, but in doing so assumes no responsibility for
the installation being made in accordance with the requirements of the
Oregon Electrical Specialty Code or any other rules that may legally govern.
Should such installations be condemned by an inspector having authority to
do so, Central Lincoln may discontinue its service, without recourse on the
part of the customer or customers, until the defective conditions have been
remedied.
C. Inspections
Central Lincoln has the right, but is not obligated, to inspect any
installation before electricity is delivered, or at any later time, and
reserves the right to reject service to any wiring or appliance not in
accord with our standards. Such inspection, or failure to inspect or reject,
will not render Central Lincoln liable or responsible for any loss or damage
resulting from defects in the installations, wiring, or appliances, from
violations of Central Lincoln's rules, or from accidents which may occur on
customer's premises.
D. Service Connection Withheld for Defects
No service connection will be made to the customer's service entrance if
any of the following defects exist:
1. Service wire attachment or service too low.
2. Meter base too high, too low, or not in approved location.
3. Service mast smaller than 2 inch diameter rigid steel conduit,
over 42 inches in height above mounting point without proper guying (if
service mast is to be used as Point of Attachment for Central Lincoln's
service drop) or not in compliance with current National Electric Code
requirements.
4. Service entrance cable or condulets concealed in wall.
5. Service entrance wires not coded.
6. Less than 18 inches of service wire left outside of service
entrance head.
7. No completed State Wiring Permit Card attached to service
switch.
E. Sealing Unmetered Wires
Removable cover fittings may be installed when necessary between the
service outlet and Central Lincoln's meter, provided such fittings are
visible from the meter location or from an exterior ground position, do not
contain both metered and unmetered wires, and are accessible for inspection.
All covers for such fittings must be secured by metal screws with a
"break-off" type head, or with Central Lincoln's padlock type seal.
On multiple meter installations such as apartment houses where it is
necessary to install unmetered wires in gutters or raceways, removable
covers must be visible and arranged so that they may be sealed by Central
Lincoln.
F. Multiple Service Entrances
When more than one service entrance for one class of service is installed
on a building, they must be grouped so that they may be connected to one set
of service wires, unless permission has been granted in writing by Central
Lincoln.
Each meter socket for multiple service entrances must be marked in a
legible and permanent manner, identifying the unit or area served.
G. Typical Service Entrance Installations
Sketches covering typical installations are available at our local
offices.
H. Customer Equipment on Central
Lincoln Poles
Installation of customer's equipment on Central Lincoln's poles will only
be permitted at the option of Central Lincoln. In general, the installation
of customer's equipment on poles carrying high voltage is discouraged
because of the hazards involved. When installations are permitted, the
customer must execute a "Standard Pole Contact Agreement" setting forth the
customer's obligations and responsibility for the customer's property.
IX. METERING
A. General
Central Lincoln will furnish, install and maintain all meters and
auxiliary equipment including current and potential transformers.
No meter will be placed in service or be allowed to remain in service
which has an error in registration in excess of two (2) percent under
conditions of normal operation.
Central Lincoln will provide laboratory meter-testing equipment and other
equipment and facilities necessary to make adequate meter tests.
Whenever any electric service meter is tested, the original test record
will be preserved, including the information necessary for identifying the
meter, the reason for making the test, the reading of the meter, and the
result of the test, together with all data taken at the time of the test.
B. Meter Tests
Any customer may request Central Lincoln to test their electric meter.
Central Lincoln will make the test within ten (10) days of receipt of
request, and no payment or deposit will be required for the initial test.
When a customer requests meter tests more often than once in every twelve
(12) months, a deposit
to cover the reasonable cost of the test
may be required. The amount deposited will be returned to the customer if
the meter is found to register more than two (2) percent fast under
conditions of normal operation.
A customer has the right to require Central Lincoln to conduct the test
in their presence, or in the presence of a representative appointed by them.
Such tests will only be made during normal working hours.
A report giving the name of the customer requesting the test, the date of
the request, the location of the premises where the meter has been
installed, the type, make, size, and number of meter, the date tested, and
the result of the test will be supplied within a reasonable time after
completion of the test, at the customer's request.
C. Meter Test Adjustments
When a meter is found to be more than two (2) percent fast, Central
Lincoln will refund to the customer the overcharge based on the corrected
meter readings for the period in which the meter was in use, not exceeding
six (6) months. If it is shown that the error was due to some cause, the
date of which can be fixed, the overcharge will be computed back to but not
beyond that time, with a maximum of seven years.
If a customer has been underbilled due to a faulty meter, meter
installation, or wiring, Central Lincoln may bill the customer for the
amount due, up to the time the error occurred if that time can be
determined, but not more than 2 years.
D. Tampering with Meters
Meters are the property of Central Lincoln and are to be removed only by
our employees, or by licensed electricians operating within our service
territory. To ensure this condition, Central Lincoln places a seal on each
meter. When the seal is broken, Central Lincoln assumes that the meter has
been removed. In determining the customer's monthly billing, Central Lincoln
may charge at the average daily consumption based on customer's previous
usage.
No Central Lincoln employee is authorized to remove the meter unless they
are equipped to reinstall and reseal the meter. No licensed electrician is
authorized to remove the meter without first notifying Central Lincoln. When
Central Lincoln finds a seal has been broken without our knowledge, a
serviceman will call, inspect the meter, and replace the seal. The customer
may be charged the actual cost for the service call to inspect and reseal
the meter, and if the meter was damaged, the cost to repair or replace the
meter.
X. METERING INSTALLATIONS
A. General
See "Meter Requirements" in either our Single Family Residential, or
Non-Residential, Electric Service Handbook.
B. Excess Metering Equipment at Customer Request
In certain cases customers may request metering equipment such as current
transformers for their convenience. Where such equipment is not required by
Central Lincoln for its metering, the customer will be required to
contribute the costs of the excess equipment.
XI. CUSTOMER'S INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT
A. Low Power Factor Devices
Equipment such as neon, fluorescent or mercury vapor lighting, and other
low power factor devices must be of the power factor corrected type. In
cases where such devices are installed without correction, Central Lincoln
may make a charge to cover the excess equipment required for the service.
B. Motors, Welders/X-Ray, Standby
Power & Co-Generation
Facilities
1. Motor Size and Starting Requirements
Consideration must be given to Section 2.B.17 and Section 2.B.18 of
these Rules and Regulations in providing service to electric motors and
other appliances with variable loads. Individual motors in excess of 7½
horsepower will not be served single phase except at the option of Central
Lincoln. Central Lincoln will determine if a motor or appliance will need
reduced voltage starting if it is likely that the across-the-line starting
current is sufficient to be detrimental to Central Lincoln's existing
system. When a reduced voltage starting device is required, it must limit
the locked-rotor current to 3.54 KVA per horsepower unless otherwise
agreed to in writing with Central Lincoln. Failure to install a suitable
starting device at Central Lincoln's request will make the customer liable
for payment of the net installed cost of additional facilities to
eliminate such detrimental voltage fluctuations as may result from the
customer's operations.
2. Motor Protection
a) The initial starting of motor installations is not under the
control of Central Lincoln, and therefore, no responsibility for damage
due to incorrect rotation will be accepted by Central Lincoln.
b) Undervoltage Releases are recommended as a part of the
starting device for the proper protection of customer's equipment, and
Central Lincoln will not be responsible for any loss or damage that may
be sustained by failure to install undervoltage protection on motors.
c) Motors must be protected with relays or devices which will
protect the equipment from damage caused by overloads, interruptions,
variable voltage or loss of one or more phases of a 3-phase system.
Central Lincoln is not liable for damages resulting from failure of the
customer to provide the proper protective devices.
3. X-Ray and Welding Equipment
Where Central Lincoln's investment in special equipment is deemed not
recoverable under the customer's overall load requirements, consideration
will be given to assigning specific contract minimums for this purpose.
See Section 2.B.2 (Contracts) of these Rules and Regulations.
4. Standby Power Plants
Standby plants designed for operation during emergency situations must
be controlled so that the customer's electrical system is positively and
visually disconnected from Central Lincoln's system before being connected
to the standby plant. Automatic transfer of systems must be approved by
Central Lincoln.
5. Cogeneration and Small Power Production Facilities
Central Lincoln will supply service to, and purchase power from,
cogeneration and small power production facilities in accordance with
Resolution No. 608, adopted July 10, 1981, and any pertinent revisions.
XII. CENTRAL LINCOLN'S REMEDY
A. Central Lincoln's Right to Discontinue Service
Central Lincoln, in addition to all other legal remedies, may suspend the
delivery of service for any default or breach of contract or any violation
of these Rules and Regulations by the customer. Forty-eight (48) hours
written notice, stating the particulars of the violation will be given by
Central Lincoln prior to making any such suspension except that no such
notice will be given in cases of theft or unauthorized use of electricity by
the customer, or short circuit on the customer's side of the Point of
Delivery, or in case of utilization by the customer of service in such a
manner as to cause danger to persons or property. Failure of Central Lincoln
at any time to suspend service, or to terminate the contract, or to resort
to any other legal remedy, will not affect Central Lincoln's rights to
resort to any such remedies, for the same or any future default, breach or
violation by the customer.
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