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New
Home Building FAQ| Standard Annual Revenue |
Line Extension Allowance |
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| Regular Residential Service |
$500 |
$2,000 |
| Total Electric Residential Service |
$750 |
$3,000 |
| Total Electric Residential Demand Service |
$1,250 |
$5,000 |
Please visit with a BHP representative to determine which rate your new home will qualify for and the appropriate Line Extension Allowance.
NOTE: These allowances can only be given after the foundation has been started.
Q. How will the cost of extending electric facilities to my home be determined?
A. Our representatives use the following standard costs to estimate the cost of extending electric service to new residences:
Distribution Line:*
| Single Phase - Overhead or Underground | $3.00/foot |
| Three Phase - Overhead or Underground | $9.00/foot |
*Customer provides trench, sand bedding and backfill on the underground option.
Transformers:
| Single Phase - Overhead | $900.00 |
| Single Phase - Underground | $1,700.00 |
Switching Modules:
| Single Phase - Underground | $1,500.00 |
| Three Phase - Underground | $3,800.00 |
Secondary Service:
| Overhead to Overhead | $100.00 |
| Underground to Underground | $300.00 |
| Overhead to Underground | $400.00 |
NOTE: Underground trenching cost is not included.
Q. What is a refundable contribution and how is it refunded?
A. When the cost estimate exceeds the Line Extension Allowance for your new home you will be required to make a refundable contribution equal to the difference. You will be eligible for refunds up to the refundable contribution paid for a period of four (4) years. Please visit with a BHP representative for a detailed explanation of the refund procedure provided for in the Application and Agreement for Electric Service Extension. Refunds may result from additional extensions and the actual electric revenue associated with your new home.
Q. Can I request underground electric service?
A. Yes, overhead or underground extensions are covered by the Line Extension Allowance for your new home. You will, however, be required to provide the trench, bedding, and back-fill for both primary and secondary lines according to BHP and National Electric Safety Code Specifications.
Q. What are the trench specifications?
A. The diagrams show the depth specifications for both primary and secondary trenches.
Four inches of washed masonry sand will be placed beneath, on both sides, and over the conductors before back-filling. Use extreme caution while back-filling. Rocks on or near the wires may cause cable failure.
Q. Can the phone, cable and television wires go in the same trench?
A. Yes, they can be laid directly with the power cable in the trench, or placed as shown.
Q. What about water, sewer and gas lines?
A. Gas lines can be placed in the same trench as power cables. Gas, water and sewer lines must maintain 12 inches minimum separation from power line trench specifications.
Q. Is it okay to use a foundation excavation for part of my buried service trench?
A. No, it is difficult to repair services along a foundation wall. The service must be away from the house in its own trench.
Q. Does it matter if my buried service goes under a driveway or patio?
A. Every effort should be made by the homeowner to locate the service in areas that will not be paved. In the event this is not possible, a grey electrical 2" Schedule 40 PVC conduit is to be laid in the trench beneath the pavement so that the wire can be pulled out in case of cable failure. This method speeds up repairs and eliminates the necessity to damage the pavement to repair cable failures.
Q. Who is responsible for the maintenance of the service line?
A. Black Hills Power maintains both overhead and underground services up to the customer connection. Customers are responsible for keeping tree branches clear of overhead service lines.
Q. Where is the customer connection?
A. For overhead services, the connecting point is the customer owned weatherhead. For underground services, the connecting point is the customer owned meter-can. Shown is a diagram which indicates what the customer is required to provide for their electric service. Black Hills Power provides the meter as part of the monthly service charge.
Q. Is there a preferred location for the meter?
A. Yes. Having the meter in an easily accessible location for our meter readers is important. Normally the side or front of the house works best. It is important not to locate the meter within a fenced area or inside a building.
Q. How much electrical capacity do I need in my new home?
A. The average new home should have a 200 ampere service panel. If you plan a large home, you should consider a 400 ampere service panel. Correct sizing should be done with the advice of an engineer or your electrical contractor.
Q. Is temporary construction power available?
A. Every attempt will be made by Black Hills Power to provide temporary service for construction power. Normally, temporary service for construction power is made available for a service charge of $85 plus Tax. However, in some cases, construction power is not available on site which could result in additional costs to the customer.
We trust these answers to the most common questions new home builders ask will help you plan and build your new home. Our desire is to provide you with excellent service. For more information, please contact your local BHP office.
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