Install or Upgrade Electric Service

The cost of the project depends on a few different variables:

• Overhead Service vs Underground Service
• Distance from Point of Delivery
• Rate Schedule
• Service Size
• If a new transformer will be needed

Another key factor would be whether there has been a service on that tax lot within the last year or not.
IF NOT, CPUD will offset the total cost of the job by issuing the new service incentive of $2,800.00.

Please see CPUD Policy 104 Line Extension Policy: Exhibit A for further details on cost.

CPUD Work Order Flow Chart:

The Flow Chart begins after your application has been submitted.

LRA stands for Locked Rotor Amps, also known as starting amps or locked rotor current (LRC).

LRA = the amperage a motor draws when power is first applied

It can be found on the name plate of most equipment and is usually 5-6 times the running load amperage.

A 320A Service is commonly referred to as a “400A Service” but is different from a True 400A Service.

Both a 320A Service & True 400A Service: contain (2) panels each, with a 200A main breaker

320A Service: 
Equipped with standard-rated 200A main breakers (80% rated) for 160A continuous for each panel to total 320A continuous.

True 400A Service:
Equipped with fully-rated 200A main breakers (100% rated) for a total 400A continuous. This service will require additional equipment for metering including a CT enclosure.

The term “Green-tagged” is referring to the electrical inspection approval sticker, installed by the County
Electrical Inspector.

PRIOR to getting service connected, an inspection MUST be completed by the County Electrical Inspector for ALL
services signifying the service is safe to energize.

The Customer is responsible for:

• Providing, installing, and maintaining all equipment from the point of delivery.
  EXCEPT for: 
  • the meter – including the panel(s)
  • meter base
  • service riser
  • service mast
  • service entrance wiring
• Having the Electrical Inspector to sign off/approve the meter base prior to CPUD commencing any work.

CPUD is responsible for:

• Providing and installing the meter base
• Connecting the service entrance wires from the distribution system
• Attaching to the Customer’s service entrance wires extruding from the service mast
  (also known as point of demarcation for overhead services).

Please see our Overhead Service Requirements.

The Customer is responsible for:

• Calling in locates by dialing 811
• Digging the required trenches and having them inspected by CPUD prior to backfilling
• Providing, installing, and maintaining the panel, meter base, and service riser.

Customers have the choice to install the conduit themselves, or to have CPUD install it.
All primary conduit is to be installed by the District. Customer is also responsible for getting the Electrical Inspector to sign off/approve the meter base prior to CPUD commencing any work.

CPUD is responsible for:

• Providing and installing the meter
• Attaching the service cables
• Connecting to the terminals in the meter base (also known as the point of demarcation for underground services).

Please see our Underground Service Requirements.

The meter base is REQUIRED to be installed:

• Between 4-6 feet above ground (5 feet preferred)
• In reference to drivable access, it needs to be in the front third of the home.
• Must be permanently free of all obstructions, readily accessible to CPUD.

The meter base CANNOT be installed:

• Behind fences or walled-in areas
• On patios, decks, porches, or breezeways
• Attached to carports, garages, or anywhere in a backyard
  

The conduit REQUIREMENTS are:

• Gray Electrical Grade: Schedule 40 PVC (size to be specified by CPUD)
• Minimum 36″ bend radius for conduit elbows
• All conduit must be glued and have a 3/8″ poly pull rope installed
• Minimum 36″ cover for secondary runs and 48″ cover for primary runs

Please see our Trenching Requirements & Call 811 for locates before digging.