Individual Commercial - Metering, Service Laterals, and Inspections

Metering

• Electric meters must not be located in any area considered hazardous or where reading, testing, or servicing of the meter may become impractical.
• There must be a direct unobstructed path from the meter to the United Power facility from which service will be provided.
• All installations must be in accordance with applicable local, state, and national codes and regulations.
• United Power will furnish, install, and maintain all electric meters.
• The allocation of responsibilities for provision and installation of specific components of electric metering and service equipment varies according to the type and size of electric service. Please refer to specific drawings (see Drawings) and contact the United Power District Representative for details.
• Residential builders/developers are responsible for advising the purchaser of the residence to contact United Power and arrange for the billing for electrical service to be transferred to the purchaser's name at the appropriate time.

View Metering Guidelines for Individual Commercial (pdf)

Service Laterals

An electric service lateral is the overhead or underground electric cable extending from the United Power main electric distribution line to the electric meter socket and meter.

Overhead United Power Electric Distribution - Overhead Service Lateral (Drop)

• United Power will furnish and install and connect the overhead service drop from the overhead pole designated to provide electric service, and install the meter following notification of approval of inspection of the meter socket installation. (See Inspections below).

Overhead United Power Electric Distribution - Underground Service Lateral (Conductors)

• The customer shall furnish and install the underground service conductors from the electric meter socket(s)/CT meter enclosure/main disconnect to the United Power pole designated to provide electric service. United Power will connect the conductors and install the electric meter(s) following notification of approval of inspection of the meter socket installation. (See Inspections below).

Underground United Power Electric Distribution - Underground Service Lateral (Conductors)

• The customer shall furnish and install the underground service conductors from the electric meter socket(s)/CT meter enclosure/main disconnect to the United Power padmount transformer designated to provide electric service. United Power will connect the conductors and install the electric meter(s) following notification of approval of inspection of the meter socket installation. (See Inspections below).

Inspections

• All new temporary and permanent electric metering installations must be inspected by the appropriate State, County, or City Electrical Inspector before United Power can connect service.
• If the contractor constructing your building is not arranging temporary and/or permanent electric meter service inspection and connection, you or your electrical contractor must obtain an electrical permit prior to start of electrical work, and then arrange for inspection when the work is complete.
• The Electrical Inspector will notify United Power when your service has passed inspection.
• If your new meter is associated with a United Power individual construction project, the billing information will have been provided with your application.
• Five-to-seven working days should be allowed for connection.
• Please advise the United Power Customer Service Representative if United Power electric distribution lines are being extended in conjunction with this new service connection to ensure that all related activities are coordinated.

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