Line Extension Policies

Below is our policy for line extensions. After your read this section, call our office so we can answer any of your questions.

1. Overhead and Underground Electric Lines

1. Residential single-phase (1ph) extensions to all-electric homes (either electric heat or heat pumps that have back-up electric) that are constructed on a permanent foundation with water and septic systems that the member will reside-in as their permanent residence year-round: the cooperative will construct up to 540 feet of line extension for overhead spans, with all related material up to and including the Service Line, at no charge to the member. The index-based dollar amount of overhead lines may be credited towards underground secondary line. All costs beyond 540 feet shall be the fiscal responsibility of the member. Any residence not using REA Energy as its primary electric supply, i.e., distributed generation, will not be eligible to receive any free line extension. These conditions do not apply to speculative builds.
2. Residential single-phase (1ph) extensions to homes that are not all-electric constructed on a permanent foundation with water and septic systems that the member will reside-in as their permanent residence year-round: the cooperative will construct up to 360 feet of line extension for overhead spans, with all related material up to and including the Service Line, at no charge to the member. The index-based dollar amount of overhead lines may be credited towards underground secondary line. All costs beyond 360 feet shall be the fiscal responsibility of the member. Any residence not using REA Energy as its primary electric supply, i.e., distributed generation, will not be eligible to receive any free line extension. These conditions do not apply to speculative builds.
3. Electric service for all other requests, such as mobile homes, camps, RV Trailers, 1ph to three-phase (3ph) conversions, and all 3ph line extensions, will be billed the total line construction costs
    
4. The member will be responsible for the cost of clearing all Right-of-Ways. Right-of-Way clearing must comply with the Cooperative’s specifications. Member may clear Right-of-Way on their property. However, all Right-of-Ways on other properties not owned by member, will be cleared by Cooperative at member’s expense.
   
   Any Right-of-Way clearing done by the property owner must meet the Cooperative's specifications. Any additional clearing needed to meet the cooperative's specifications will be performed by the cooperative and billed to the member.

All Right-of-Way clearing must be completed before construction will begin.

5. Temporary Line Extension:

Members requesting a temporary line extension will be charged an additional fee to cover the removal costs for this line extension.

6. Line construction to Lot Plans:
   1. Any line extension to serve a lot plan will be billed to the developer at the cost of the extension.
   2. The developer shall be required to provide the Cooperative with an approved drawing of the lot plan and a blanket Right-of-Way easement before lots are sold.
   3. The developer will be responsible for grading, trenching, and backfilling all conduits and any other costs necessary to complete the job to Cooperative specifications.
   4. The developer will be responsible for clearing all Right-of-Way in compliance with the Cooperative’s specifications as detailed in (D) above.
7. Line Relocation

Members requesting the relocation of any existing line (overhead or underground) will be billed the cost to have the line relocated.

2. Transformer Costs
   1. There will be no transformer cost to a member receiving single phase power if the transformer requirement is 50 kVA or less. The member must pay a contribution for transformers more than 50 kVA.
   2. There will be no transformer cost to a member receiving three phase power if the transformer requirement is 300 kVA or less. The member must pay a contribution for the transformer(s) if the total requirement exceeds 300 kVA. The member will pay a contribution for a spare transformer(s) for the site if the transformer is not a standard size or voltage currently used on the Cooperative system. Full payment must be made prior to the Cooperative ordering transformers.
3. Payment Options:

Any payments made under the provisions of this policy shall be considered advance construction payments and shall be applied as a contribution in aid of construction. This construction payment does not convey an ownership interest to the member in the primary or service line or any related equipment.

2. Other:

The Cooperative will consider the wishes of the member when planning line construction and will accommodate those wishes so long as the Cooperative’s requirements for economy of construction, employee and public safety, and sound operations can be met.

If Right-of-Way easements are required for the new line extension, it shall be the member’s responsibility to assist in obtaining these easements. Any cost incurred for obtaining the Right-of-Way easements shall be the responsibility of the party requesting line extension.

Electric lines are very dangerous.  Every line should be considered a hazard that can cause serious injury or even death.  To keep yourself safe, please follow the guidelines below when considering clearance questions or call the office at 724-349-4800.

For more information on line clearance policies, click on the links below.

Policy C-2B - Line Clearance Specifications

Policy C-2C - Right-of-Way Clearing and Maintenance

FECON Line Clearance and Herbicide

Requirements for Electric Service