SUPPLY-CHAIN ISSUES MAY HINDER UNITED FROM PROVIDING 320-AMP METER BASES TO MEMBERS, ELECTRICIANS
It will be difficult for members and electricians to obtain 320-AMP meter bases during the current supply-chain crisis, but United will approve any 320-AMP meter base that meets these requirements:
- 320-AMP continuous rating, 4 terminal ringless meter base
- NEMA 3R, UL Listed
- Lever by-pass
- Underground meter bases should allow service conductors to terminate without bending
GUIDE TO NEW CONSTRUCTION
Please follow the steps outlined on the following pages to obtain electric service for the construction of a new residence, business, apartment building, or residential, commercial or industrial subdivision.
United Cooperative Services only provides electric service and high-speed internet, where available. Members must contact the appropriate utilities to arrange for extension and/or connection of new water, sewer, gas, telephone and cable television service, and to coordinate installation of other utilities with United Cooperative Services facilities.
Contact United Prior to Desired Connection Date
It is important that you contact United Cooperative Services prior to the date that you desire connection of electric service to ensure that your project is not delayed. If you are unsure whether your project will require a United Cooperative Services application, please contact one United Cooperative Services’ Customer Service Representatives.
Requesting a Line Extension
Depending on the distance of your property from United Cooperative Services electric facilities, and the type of electric service required, electric service may be readily available or service may require extension of United Cooperative Services facilities. If there are no United Cooperative Services electric facilities within 125 feet of your proposed building site, extension of United Cooperative Services electric facilities will most likely be required. Electric service will be provided in accordance with the terms of the United Cooperative Services Electric Line Extension Policy.A member's construction schedule should include allowance for a minimum of four to eight weeks for design, agreement preparation, payment of any required charges, acquisition of any necessary easement and/or rights-of-way permits, and for scheduling of construction of the required electric line extension. The time required for completion of construction will vary with the size and complexity of the project, site conditions, United Cooperative Services workload and weather.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS FOR INDIVIDUAL RESIDENCE
United Cooperative Services appreciates the opportunity to be your electric provider. In order to provide you with the efficient, high-quality service that you expect and deserve, we require an application for service and other important steps, which you can access below:
Contact Us to Apply for Service
Sample Job Process Description Form
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPERS
United Cooperative Services (United) appreciates the opportunity to be your electric provider. In order to provide you with the efficient, high-quality service that you expect and deserve, we require that you supply the following information to the Cooperative prior to the commencement of the design, field staking and construction of the electrical distribution system requirements for your development:
Step One: Design
- Final city or county approved plat for the development. The plat must include all necessary consents, agreements, easements and access to effectuate the provision of electric service.
- Although United stocks a large inventory of equipment, global demand for some electrical equipment – such as transformers and switchgear – has caused delivery delays of up to 12-14 months. Also, the addition of some electric loads can result in the need for substation capacity increases and/or major electrical distribution facilities modifications, which often require 6-12 months to design and implement. Due to these potential circumstances, it is extremely important that the final plat be supplied as soon as possible so that the initial design can be completed, the necessary equipment can be ordered, delivery schedules can be ascertained and all necessary electrical facilities can be modified to support your new development.
- Site plans for the development that include streets, wet utilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and street lighting plans (if applicable). The intended start dates for construction and construction schedules for the development.
- Electrical data for any large equipment or motors (50 HP and above) that this data should include equipment size, nameplate information and start-up design requirements. This information is necessary to review the potential power quality impact of the equipment will be required by the developer (such as equipment utilized for water treatment, waste water disposal, etc.).
- Contact information for general and/or electrical contractors.
Once all of the initial information is provided, United will provide an initial electric utility design for your development, as well as an estimated cost for the facilities. In addition, you will be provided with a Developer’s Agreement that must be completed and signed prior to construction. The design and cost estimate can usually be provided within 5 to 10 business days from the time all required information is received.
Step Two: Field Staking
Upon completion of the initial design, United will require the submission of the following items and information before field staking can commence:
- The required contribution in aid to construction monies for the project. Be sure to read Line Extension Policy and Tariffs below.
- Survey points for grades, lot corners, and other locations reasonably necessary for installation of the electric system must be marked. In addition, all lots must be at final grade prior to commencement of field staking.
- Completed and signed Developer’s Agreement.
Step Three: Construction
Once field staking is complete, you will be notified to assess/approve the final design of the electrical utilities. Upon approval of the final field design, United will schedule the construction of the electrical distribution facilities.
Please Be Aware...
Any costs associated with changes that are made by the Developer or its contractors to the electrical utility design after the approval of the final design is received will be assumed by the Developer.
Essential Forms
New Residential Development Service Request – Residential Development Form
Sample Developer’s Agreement - Residential
Tariff and Line Extension Policy for Residential Developments
STEPS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPERS
United Cooperative Services (United) thanks you for the opportunity to be your electric provider. In order to provide you with the efficient, high-quality service that you expect and deserve, we require that you supply the following information to the Cooperative prior to the commencement of the design, field staking and construction of the electrical distribution system requirements for your commercial development:
Step One: Design
- Final city or county approved plat for the development. The plat must include all necessary consents, agreements, easements and access to effectuate the provision of electric service.
- Although United stocks a large inventory of equipment, global demand for some electrical equipment – such as transformers and switchgear – has caused delivery delays of up to 12-14 months. Also, the addition of some electric loads can result in the need for substation capacity increases and/or major electrical distribution facilities modifications, which often require 6-12 months to design and implement. Due to these potential circumstances, it is extremely important that the final plat be supplied as soon as possible so that the initial design can be completed, the necessary equipment can be ordered, delivery schedules can be ascertained and all necessary electrical facilities can be modified to support your new development.
- Site plans for the development that include streets, wet utilities, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, landscaping, and street lighting plans (if applicable).
- The intended start dates for construction and construction schedules for the development.
- Secondary/Service voltages that will be required within the development.
- Electrical data for any large equipment or motors (50 HP and above) that will be required.
- This data should include equipment size, nameplate information and start-up design requirements. This information is necessary to review the potential power quality impact of the equipment.
- Contact information for general and/or electrical contractors.
Once all of the initial information is provided, United will provide an initial electric utility design for your development, as well as an estimated cost for the facilities. In addition, you will be provided with a Developer’s Agreement that must be completed and signed prior to construction. The design and cost estimate can usually be provided within 5 to 10 business days from the time all required information is received.
Step Two: Field Staking
Upon completion of the initial design, United will require the submission of the following items and information before field staking can commence:
- The required contribution in aid to construction monies for the project.
- Survey points for grades, lot corners, and other locations reasonably necessary for installation of the electric system must be marked. In addition, all lots must be at final grade prior to commencement of field staking.
- Completed and signed Developer’s Agreement.
Step Three: Construction
Once field staking is complete, you will be notified to assess/approve the final design of the electrical utilities. Upon approval of the final field design, United will schedule the construction of the electrical distribution facilities.
Please Be Aware...
Any costs associated with changes that are made by the Developer or its contractors to the electrical utility design after the approval of the final design is received will be assumed by the Developer.
Essential Forms
New Commercial Development Service Request Form
Sample Developer’s Agreement-Commercial
Tariff and Line Extension Policy for Residential Developments
STEPS FOR LARGE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS
United Cooperative Services (United) thanks you for the opportunity to be your electric provider. In order to provide you with the efficient, high-quality service that you expect and deserve, we require that you supply the following information to the Cooperative prior to the commencement of the design, field staking and construction of the electrical distribution system requirements for your facilities:
Step One: Design
- Final load study for your site. Although United stocks a large inventory of equipment, global demand for some electrical equipment – such as transformers and special metering equipment – has caused delivery delays of up to 12-14 months. Also, the addition of some loads can result in the need for substation capacity increases and/or major electrical distribution facilities modifications which often require 6-12 months to design and implement. Due to these potential circumstances, it is extremely important that the final load study be supplied as soon as possible so that the initial design can be completed, the necessary equipment can be ordered, delivery schedules can be ascertained and all necessary electrical facilities can be modified to support your new load.
- Site plans and one line electrical diagrams (if available) for the location.
- Electrical data for any large equipment or motors (50 HP and above) that will be utilized. This data should include equipment size, nameplate information and start-up design requirements. This information is necessary to review the potential power quality impact of the equipment.
- Contact information for general and/or electrical contractors.
Once all of the initial information is provided, United will provide an initial electric utility design for your facility, as well as an estimated cost for the facilities. This design and cost estimate can usually be provided within 5 to 10 business days from the time all required information is received.
Step Two: Field Staking
Upon completion of the initial design, United will require the submission of the following information before field staking can commence:
- Cooperative-approved right-of-way easements on the property for the electrical distribution facilities.
- The required contribution in aid to construction monies for the project.
- Survey points for grades, lot corners, and other locations reasonably necessary for installation of the electric system.
- Location of all Member-owned underground facilities on the project site.
Step Three: Construction
Once field staking is complete you will be notified to assess/approve the final design of the electrical utilities. Upon approval of the final field design, United will schedule the construction of the electrical distribution facilities.
Please Be Aware...
- Any costs associated with changes that are made by the Member or its contractors to the electrical utility design after the approval of the final design is received will be assumed by the Member.
- Any changes to the electrical load requirements at your facilities after the initial design has been provided may result in lengthy delays (6-12 months) to your project depending on the availability of equipment.
Essential Forms:
New Commercial Development Service Request - Commercial Development
Tariff and Line Extension Policy for Commercial/Industrial Loads
DON'T BE LEFT IN THE DARK ABOUT UNITED'S AREA LIGHTS
United Cooperative Services strives to provide the latest innovations to the members it serves, while adhering to federal and state regulations and policies. Commitment to our members is an everlasting principle and serves as a constant reminder to all that being part of a not-for-profit electric cooperative has advantages. At United, our employees continually offer members information on products, services and industry issues that could affect how they use the electricity we deliver.
Changes in federal policy regarding area lights have led to a transition in how we address this specific area of our service portfolio. Through the information below, we hope to ensure that United members are fully informed on changes to area light policies.
Key Facts
- The Energy Policy Act of 2005 prohibits manufacturing or importing traditional Mercury Vapor (MV) lamp ballasts as of Jan. 1, 2008.
- Many of the area lights on United’s system have either a bluish-white light (which are Mercury Vapor, or MV, lamps) or an amber-colored light (which are High Pressure Sodium, or HPS, lamps). Years ago, United utilized the MV light exclusively up until changes were brought to our industry via the Energy Policy Act of 2005. This act dictated that we move away from the MV light completely and begin using the amber (HPS) light because it is more efficient than its predecessor. The tradeoff was that the HPS is somewhat less reliable and many find the amber color to be less appealing. Technology advancements and manufacturing techniques have now improved LED lighting so that they are now efficient, economical, and reliable. The LED area light also produces white light that many people have missed since United was forced to move to the HPS.
- United will use LED lamps as a replacement for both the MV and HPS options no longer offered.
- If an existing MV or HPS ballast fails, United must replace the area light to support LED.
- An environmental fee could be assessed in the future for the disposal of MV bulbs.
Key Benefits of the change to LED Area Lights
- LEDs have longer life expectancy, produce very little heat, contain no mercury, are shock and vibration resistant, and can operate effectively in extremely cold conditions.
- LED lights produce more light-at the same cost-than the MV lamps
- LED lights are being offered at the same unit price as their equivalent HPS light
- The LED lights were chosen to fit the same light patterns as previous area lights.
Dark Sky Options
United’s LED fixtures provide a Dark Sky-compliant option if members would prefer to switch from their existing MV and HPS non-Dark Sky fixture. United may assess a trip fee to switch a working MV and HPS fixture to a LED area light.
Pricing Information
The pricing options are available in
Section 202.5 of United’s Tariff.
Looking Out for the Membership
The transition to LED lamps from MV and HPS lamps will be an ongoing effort. As always, United will continue to keep members fully abreast of changes to all federal and state industry policies and regulations. As those changes occur, we will offer innovative solutions, such as we have by providing LED lamps.