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4.1 ERMUSR 5-12-2020UTILITIES COMMISSION MEETING TO: FROM: ERMU Commission Troy Adams, P.E. General Manager MEETING DATE: AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: May 12, 2020 4.1 SUBJECT: Policy Manual Initiative ACTION REQUESTED: Approve, as outlined in the memo, the following: Adopt new governance policies: G.4e1, G.4e2, and G.4e3. Delegate authority to management and move the following policies to the Management Policy Manual: A.1, E.1, and W.1. BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Commission worked with staff and a consulting firm to develop governance polices based on the Carver Model governance style. The previous polices were left in place, redundant with the new policies. An initiative was created to develop a migration plan for relevant old policies to become part of the new policy manual, confirm delegation of authority to management for old policies that are not governance, and to eliminate or remove documents that are not policy. The initiative will address the section of the old policy manual per the following commission action request tentative schedule: September: Rates, Fees, and Programs Section Service Agreements & Requirements Section October: Personnel Section November: Administration Section (Except A.1 Service Policies) December: Electric Section (Except E.1 Electric Department Rules) Water Section (Except W.1 Water Department Rules) May: A.1 Service Policies E.1 Electric Department Rules W.1 Water Department Rules Per the schedule, the Commission acted on the Rates, Fees, and Programs section as well as the Service Agreements & Requirements section in September. The Commission acted on the Personnel section in October. The Commission acted on the Administration section in November. And the Commission acted on the Electric and Water sections in December. ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 2 56 DISCUSSION: Attachedforreferencearethethreeremainingpoliciesinthisinitiativeforthecommissionto address: A.1 Service Policies, E.1 Electric Department Rules, and W.1 Water Department Rules. These policies have a significant amount of procedure included in them, as well as policy. Consistent with the past approach with this policy manual initiative, the leadership team worked with counsel to develop three new commission polices that will supersede the old policies. These new governance policies incorporate elements from the old policies and establish the means in which management is authorized to implement them. These new policies would nest under the governance policy G.4e Core Customer Service, which is also attached for reference. The new policies proposed for commission adoption are: G.4e1 Customer Accounts G.4e2 Electric Services G.4e3 Water Services The three old policies should then be delegated to management. There will be redundancy in the management policy with the governance policy; however, this allows for the downstream management policies to evolve the procedural aspects as long as that are consistent and in compliance with the new governance policies. ATTACHMENTS: Commission Policy Manual and Management Policy Manual Implementation Overview ERMU Policies o A.1 Service Policies o E.1 Electric Department Rules o W.1 Water Department Rules Governance Policies o G.4e Core Customer Services for reference only o Proposed G.4e1 Customer Accounts o Proposed G.4e2 Electric Services o Proposed G.4e3 Water Services ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 2 57 Implementation Key Delete or Eliminate Move Policy Not Policy or Standalone Policy Remove Management Policy - Remove Not Needed - Remove New Governance Policy To Be Developed COMMISSION POLICY MANUAL AND MANAGEMENT POLICY MANUAL IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW AND CHECKLIST - 2019 Completion Section and Date Policy GOVERNANCE Authority and Purpose Policies G.1a Bylaws G.1b Organizational Core Purpose G.1c Mission Statement G.1d Vision Statement G.1e Organizational Values G.1f Organizational Fundamentals G.1g Planning Themes Governance Policies G.2 Commission Purpose G.2a Commission City Council Relationship and Roles G.2a1 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Other Donations to the City of Elk River (Moved from A.17) Add flags to Section 5 (Moved from A.3) Add policy or section on donations to county and other G.2a2 Street Light Installation and Maintenance - Memorandum of Understanding (Moved from E.10) G.2a3 Payment of Private Water Line Connection and Repair Costs Memorandum of Understanding (Moved from W.6) G.2a4 Information Technology Services Memorandum of Understanding G.2b Governing Style G.2c Agenda Planning G.2d Commission Member Role, Responsibilities and Orientation G.2e Commission Member Conduct G.2e1 Conflicts of Interest Policy (Moved from P.5) G.2f Commission Officer Roles, Responsibilities and Succession G.2g Commission Committees ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1 of 7 58 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ G.2g1 Wage & Benefits Committee Charter G.2g2 Financial Reserves and Investment Committee Charter G.2g3 Information Security Committee Charter (A.24a) G.2g4 Dispute Resolution Committee Charter G.2h Independent Advisors to the Commission Commission Management Connection Policies G.3 Commission - Management Roles G.3a Controlling Authority G.3b Delegation of Authority to the General Manager G.3c General Manager Accountability G.3d Monitoring Performance of the General Manager G.3e General Manager Performance Planning and Evaluation Delegation to Management Policies G.4 Corporate Limitations G.4a Succession of Leadership G.4b Information and Support to the Commission G.4c Strategic and Business Planning G.4d Customer Interests G.4d1 Customer Data Privacy Policy (Moved from A.18) Add reference to Data Practices Policy G.4e Core Customer Services Add to #6 about service policies and practices G.4e1 Customer Accounts Incorporate A.22 Returned Un-Paid Items Policy G.4e2 Electric Services G.4e3 Water Services G.4f Employee Interests G.4f1 ERMU Employee Handbook (Moved from P.1) Add reference for G.2e1 Conflicts of Interest Policy Include P.10 Home Computer Purchase Assistance Policy G.4f2 Controlled Substances Drug Policy (Moved from P.6) G.4g Organization, Staffing, and Compensation G.4g1 Performance Metrics and Incentive Compensation Policy (Moved from P.13) G.4g1a Performance Metrics and Incentive Compensation Score Card (Moved from P.13a) G.4h Financial Planning and Budgeting G.4i Financial Condition and Transactions G.4i1 Investments G.4i2 Financial Reserves G.4i3 Debt Issuance and Payment ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2 of 7 59 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ G.4i4 Procurement G.4i5 Purchase Orders Policy (Moved from A.20) G.4i6 Public Purpose Expenditures Policy (Moved from A.19) G.4j Cost Allocation and Recovery G.4j1 Rates and Charges for Electric Service G.4j2 Rates and Charges for Water Service G.4j3 Customer Deposits Policy (Moved from A.6) G.4k MMPA Relationship, Representative and Governance G.4l Protection of Assets G.4l1 Use and Disposal of Utility Property (Moved from P.15) Strengthen language in Sec 2 to include E.7 on Poles and include indemnification requirement on donated or disposed materials. G.4l2 Inventory Policy (Moved from P.11) G.4I3 Mobile Device Guidelines (Moved from P.12) G.4l4 Third Party Attachment to Assets Include terms for Power Pole Attachments Include terms for Street Light Attachments Include terms for Water Tower Attachments Include terms for other attachments G.4m Corporate Risk Management G.4n Legal and Regulatory Compliance G.4o Environmental Stewardship Add paragraph about Energy City Commission Add paragraph about Wellhead Protection Plan G.4o1 Water Use Restrictions (Moved from W.9) U city ordinance to declare mandatory emergency restrictions. G.4p External Communications G.4q Community Involvement G.4r Mutual Aid Policy (Moved from E.5) Results Policies G.5 Goals and Results G.5a Margins G.5b Competitive Rates RATES, FEES AND PROGRAMS 09/10/19 T.1 Fee Schedule 09/10/19 T.2 Conservation Improvement Programs 09/10/19 T.3 Demand Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.4 Dispersed Generation/Interruptible Load Program Rate ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 3 of 7 60 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ 09/10/19 T.5 Energy Management Rates 09/10/19 T.6 Non-Demand Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.7 Off-Peak Demand Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.8 Residential All Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.9 Residential Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.10 Street/Security Light Service Rate 09/10/19 T.11 Non-Demand Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.12 Water Service Rates 09/10/19 T.13 Ground Source Heat Pump Rate 09/10/19 T.14 Commercial All Electric with Ground Source Heat Pump Service Rate 09/10/19 T.15 Demand All Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.16 Large Industrial Demand Electric Service Rate 09/10/19 T.17 Electric Vehicle Charging Rates 09/10/19 T.18 Residential Clean Energy Choice Program Rate 09/10/19 T.19 Commercial Clean Energy Choice Program Rate SERVICE AGREEMENTS & REQUIREMENTS 09/10/19 S.1 Additional Residential Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.2 Cogeneration and Small Power Production Facilities Agreement 09/10/19 S.3 Commercial Developer Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.4 Commercial & Industrial Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.5 Commercial Interruptible Load Agreement 09/10/19 S.6 Dispersed Generation Program Agreement 09/10/19 S.7 Residential Developer Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.8 Residential Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.9 Security Light Agreement 09/10/19 S.10 Street Light Agreement 09/10/19 S.11 Service Requirements for Electric or Water Commercial Developer/Builder 09/10/19 S.12 Service Requirements for Electric or Water Residential Developer 09/10/19 S.13 Service Requirements for Electric or Water Residential Home Builder/Owner 09/10/19 S.14 Temporary Electric Service Agreement 09/10/19 S.15 Residential Water Connection Permit 09/10/19 S.16 Commercial Water Connection Permit PERSONNEL 10/8/2019 P.1 Employee Handbook (Moved to G.4f1) 10/8/2019 P.2 Apprentice Programs (to be developed) 10/8/2019 P.2a Electric Apprentice Program (to be developed) 10/8/2009 P.2b Technical Apprentice Program (to be developed) 10/8/2019 P.2c Water Apprentice Program 10/8/2019 P.3 Clothing Policy (Management per G.4f) ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 4 of 7 61 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ 10/8/2019 P.4 Criteria for Clothing Replacement (Include in P.3) 10/8/2019 P.5 Conflicts of Interest Policy (Moved to G.2e1) 10/8/2019 P.6 Drug Policy Sections 1.0 10.0 (Move to G.4f2) 10/8/2019 P.6 Drug Policy Sections 11.0 12.0 (Not Policy; Management Reference Material) 10/8/2019 P.7 Educational Assistance Policy (Duplicate, also in Handbook) 10/8/2019 P.8 Flexible Benefits Plan 10/8/2019 P.9 HIPAA Security Policy 10/8/2019 P.9a HIPAA Privacy Certification Form 10/8/2019 P.9b HIPAA Compliance 10/8/2019 P.10 Home Computer Purchase Assistance Policy (Include in Employee Handbook) 10/8/2019 P.11 Inventory Policy (Moved to G.4l2) 10/8/2019 P.12 iPad and Tablet Device Guidelines (Moved to G.4I3) 10/8/2019 P.13 Performance Metrics and Incentive Compensation Policy (Moved to G.4g1) 10/8/2019 P.13a Performance Metrics and Incentive Compensation Score Card (Moved to G.4g1a) 10/8/2019 P.14 Personal and/or Credit Use & Security Policy 10/8/2019 P.14a Personal and/or Credit Use & Security Employee Responsibility Form 10/8/2019 P.15 Use and Disposal of Utility Property (Moved to G.4l1) ADMINISTRATION 5/12/2020 A.1 Services Policies 11/12/2019 A.2 Placeholder 11/12/2019 A.3 Banner and Flag Policy (Redundant, Included in A.17) 11/12/2019 A.4 Capital Asset Guide 11/12/2019 A.5 Cold Weather Rule Policy (Add reference/requirement in A.1 Sec 13.0 A) 11/12/2019 A.6 Customer Deposit Policy (Move to G.4j3) 11/12/2019 A.7 Customer List Procedure (Obsolete policy after territory acquisition.) 11/12/2019 A.8 Emergency Closing Procedure 11/12/2019 A.9 Emergency Procedures Guide 11/12/2019 A.10 Financial Reserves Policy (Management per G.4i2) 11/12/2019 A.11 Investment Policy (Management per G4.i1) 11/12/2019 A.12 Identity Theft Prevention Program Red Flags Rule 11/12/2019 A.13 LFG Tour Procedure 11/12/2019 A.14 Meter Testing Procedure 11/12/2019 A.15 Natural Gas Line Damage Reporting Procedure 11/12/2019 A.16 Payment Arrangement (Not a policy. This form is no longer used.) 11/12/2019 A.17 Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Other Donations to the City of Elk River (Moved to G.2a) 11/12/2019 A.18 Privacy Policy (Moved to G.4d1) 11/12/2019 A.19 Public Purpose Expenditure Policy (Moved to G.4i6) 11/12/2019 A.20 Purchase Order Policy (Moved to G.4i5) 11/12/2019 A.21 Records Retention Policy 11/12/2019 A.22 Returned Un-Paid Items Policy (Redundant, Incorporate into A.1) ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 5 of 7 62 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ 11/12/2019 A.23 Standard Operating Procedures (to be developed) 11/12/2019 A.24 Management Committees Policy (to be developed) 11/12/2019 A.24a Information Security Committee Charter (Moved to G.2g3) 11/12/2019 A.25 Data Practices Policy 11/12/2019 A.25a Guide for Members of the Public Requesting Information 11/12/2019 A.25b Guide for Data Subjects Requesting Information 11/12/2019 A.26 Communications Policy ELECTRIC 5/12/2020 E.1 Electric Department Rules Operations and Maintenance Manual 12/17/2019 E.2 Distribution Reliability Standard (Management per G.4e) 12/17/2019 E.3 Integrity Testing Policy (Add reference to tariffs) 12/17/2019 E.4 Mid-Block Street Lighting 12/17/2019 E.5 Mutual Aid Policy (Moved to G.4r) 12/17/2019 E.6 Pole Attachment Policy (Incorporate into G.4l4) 12/17/2019 E.6a Pole Attachment Agreement 12/17/2019 E.7 Pole Disposal Policy (Redundant, Included in P.15) 12/17/2019 E.7a Pole Disposal Agreement 12/17/2019 E.8 Pole Move Procedure 12/17/2019 E.9 Street Light Construction Standards 12/17/2019 E.10 Street Light Installation and Maintenance - Memorandum of Understanding (Move to G.2a2) 12/17/2019 E.11 Two-Way Radio Guidelines 12/17/2019 E.12 Distributed Energy Resources and Net Metering Policy (Standalone policy) 12/17/2019 E.12a Rules Governing the Interconnection of Cogeneration and Small Power Production (Standalone policy) 12/17/2019 E.12b Cogeneration and Small Power Production Tariff (Standalone policy) WATER 5/12/2020 W.1 Water Department Rules Operations and Maintenance Manual 12/17/2019 W.2 Water Distribution System Maintenance Program 12/17/2019 W.3 Customer Contact for Water Meter Change-Out 12/17/2019 W.4 Fire Hydrant Use and Maintenance 12/17/2019 W.5 Looping Water Mains (Add to W.1) 12/17/2019 W.6 Payment of Private Water Line Connection and Repair Costs Memorandum of Understanding (Moved to G.2a3) 12/17/2019 W.6a Payment and Assessment of the Costs to Repair Private Utility Lines City Policy (for reference only) 12/17/2019 W.6b Payment and Assessment of the Costs to Repair Private Utility Lines City Ordinance (for reference only) 12/17/2019 W.6c Petition, Waiver and Agreement for Payment of the Cost of Repairs to Private ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 6 of 7 63 ERMU Commission Policy Manual Table of Contents ______________________________________________________________________________ Utility Lines (Not policy. This is the form used to apply.) 12/17/2019 W.7 Side Lot Easements (Needs to be a requirement of the developer for looping mains per W.5. Should be added with W.5 into W.1 and into city ordinance) 12/17/2019 W.8 Water Shut-Off Request (Not policy. This is the request form.) 12/17/2019 W.8a Water Shut-Off - City Ordinance (for reference only) 12/17/2019 W.9 Water Use Restrictions (Moved to G.4o1) 12/17/2019 W.9a Water Use Restrictions - City Ordinance (for reference only) 12/17/2019 W.10 Wellhead Protection Plan (Standalone, not part of Governance Policies.) ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 7 of 7 64 A.1ServicePolicies 1.0Procedure for Applying for Service(for existing facilities) A)RESIDENTIAL SERVICE 1) with these policy provisionsas amended from time to time. 2)All applications for utility servicemadeafter the approved date of this policy must be made by telephone, in writing, electronically, or in person and the following information is required: a)Date service is required. b)Name of person(s) responsible for service. c)Social Security numbers and Date of Birth for all persons responsible for service. d)Telephone numbers, home and work. e)Mailing address, if different than service address. f)Garbage container size, if applicable. g)Deposit, ifnecessary per Deposit Policy. 3) River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) must be paid in full before a new service will be provided. 4)Any residence serviced by ERMU which has not applied for serviceas required bythis policy, and complied with the requirements contained herein, shall be considered an unauthorized user of ERMU services andsubject to immediate disconnect without notice. 5)A new application for service will be required any time a residence changes owners oroccupants. 6)Identification suitable to ERMUmay be required for any application for service. 7)Unoccupied rentalproperties and rental properties without a current ERMU account in the name of a tenant shall be billed in the name of the owner and the owner shall be liable for payment of charges. B)COMMERCIAL SERVICE 1) with these policy provisionsas amended from time to time. 65 2)All applications for utility servicemadeafter the approved date of this policy, must be made by telephone, in writing,electronically, or in person and the following information is required: a) Date service is required. b) Name of person(s) responsible for service. c) Social Security numbers and Date of Birth for all persons responsible for service, or guarantor form signed. d) Telephone numbers(s). e) Mailing address, if different than service address. f) Deposit, if necessary per Deposit Policy. g) Service Agreement. 3)ERMU must be paid in full before new service will beprovided. 4)Anybusinessserviced by ERMUthathas not applied for serviceas required by this policy, and complied with the requirements contained herein, shall be considered an unauthorized user ofERMUservices and subject to immediate disconnect without notice. 5)A new application for service and service agreement will be required any time a commercial property changes ownership, changes tenants, or a new or different person or business entity is requesting service to the property. 6)Identification suitable to ERMUmay be required for any application for service. 7)Unoccupied commercial rentalproperties and commercial properties without a current ERMU account shall be billed in the name of the owner and the owner shall be liable for payment of charges. 2.0Billing DueDates A)ERMU has four billing cycles. Each cycle is billed one time per month. Bills are due on the due date specified on the bill, which will be approximately 20 days after the bill is generated. B)Bills are payable at the offices of ERMU located at 13069 Orono Parkway in Elk River during regular business hours, by mail, online, or in provided drop boxes 24 hours per day. Drop boxes are provided outside the ERMU office and beside the post office boxes located off Freeport Street, north of the post office. Drop box locations may be changed from time to time. Automatic payment plans are available with BankPay. 3.0Penalties and Delinquent Notices A)Bills are considered late the next business day following the due date.Apenalty of 10% of the original bill amount is added to the account. A Reminder Notice/Notice of Delinquency is generated the same day penalties are assessed.A grace period of up to 6 days may apply. B)Any check given in payment for services that is returned by the bank marked NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds),will be subject to a NSF feeper the ERMU fee schedule. The NSF fee will be added to the account. C)Customers will be subject to additional deposit requirements after having late payments. 66 4.0Budget Plan A)Customers that have one timely payment history at their current location can request tobe put on abudget payment plan. B)Budget payments aredue on the due date specified in the bill. C)Budget payments will be equal to 1/12 of the customer bill plus five percent. D)ERMU will review all accounts on an annual basis to ascertain the reasonableness of the budget under current rates or conditions of use of service, and the monthly payment will be adjusted accordingly. E)The following criteria must be met in order to qualify forand remain inthe budget program: 1)Customer must submita signed and dated application form forapproval by ERMU. 2)Customer must have a payment history with ERMU of at least 12 consecutive timely payments. 3)Customer accountstatus must be at a zero balance prior to starting abudget payment plan. 4)Budget payment planswill be cancelled, effective immediately, if any payment made is unable to clear the bank for NSF or any other reason. 5.0Disputed Bills A) A customer who disputes the amount of their bill or is unable to pay the full amount of the bill due to temporary financial difficulties shall have the right to an informal conference with a Customer Service Representative in the ERMU office on business days, during normal working hours. Said employee shall have the authority to make arrangements with the customer onadeferred payment schedule of that bill, and shall also have the authority to review and recommend adjustments concerning the amount of their bill. 6.0Customer Request for Manual Meter Reading A) A customer that receives electric and/orwater service may request to have automated meter reading communication equipment on electric and/or water meter(s)disabled. B) The customer will be required to pay 100% of the cost, to disable and/or replace automated meter reading equipment,including but notlimited to: time and materials; electrical and plumbing contractors;landscapers; carpenters;and irrigation installers. Customer will receive a credit for the cost of the standard meter. The customer and contracted professionals will be required to meet all applicable building and electric codes. C)The customer will be required to pay the Manual Meter Reading Fee per the ERMU fee schedule for both electric service and water service,if applicable. The Manual Meter Reading Fee will be applied monthly while enrolled for manual meter readings. D) The customer will not be eligible to participate in load management or efficiency programs that require radio or wireless communication from ERMU. 67 7.0Customer Request to Disconnect A) customer has an application for service or service agreement with ERMU in his/her/their name and is an owner of the property for which disconnection is requested. 8.0Disconnection of Service with Notice A) With notice, ERMU may disconnect service to any customer for any reason stated below: 1) Failure of the customer to pay a bill for utility service. 2) Failure of the customer 3) Failure of the customer to make proper application for service and, if required, enter into a service agreement. ations. other equipment and property (ERMU shall not allow more than two consecutive estimated billings). agreement for service between ERMU and the customer. 7) When necessary for ERMU to comply with any order or request of any governmental authority having jurisdiction. 8)Issuance of repeat NSF check(s) in payment of a bill or required deposit. 9)Failure to pay all amounts due on an account, including any miscellaneous receivables invoice. 9.0Notice of Disconnection of Service A)Except as otherwise provided in this Policy, ERMU shall, before disconnection, attempt to give the customer reasonable advance notice of such disconnection. The nature of the notice required and the period of time before disconnection shall be reasonable under the particular circumstances. Disconnection of service for any cause shall not release the customer from any previous obligation to pay for utilities or services received or amounts specified in the Utilities Service Policies, or any written contract with the customer. Should a disconnected customer fail to pay the outstanding bill within 30 days,the bill will be subject to collection procedures. 10.0Disconnection of Service without Notice A) Without notice, ERMU may disconnect service to any customer for any reason stated below: 2) In the event of a condition determined to be hazardous to the customer, to the equipment, or to the public. 11.0Conditions for Reconnection of Service A) charge will apply and be due. 68 B)Any customer, residentialor commercial, who is in arrears before disconnection shall be required to post an additional deposit per the Deposit Policy. C)Payment of all amounts due to ERMU, including disconnect/tripcharge, shall be made in full before service will be restored. D) Payment of all amounts required for reconnection must be made in the office or online. Only cash, money order, or credit cards willbe accepted. There will be no payments collected by field staff. 12.0Hardship Case and Temporary Financial Difficulties A)ERMU Customer Service Representatives will make every effort to arrange reasonable and feasible deferred payment programs for customers with a legitimate financial difficulty. Size of the delinquent account, the time the bill has been overdue andother relevant credit factors presented by the customer will be considered. 13.0Cold Weather Rule / Extreme Heat Conditions A)ERMU abides by the Cold Weather Rule as stipulated in Minnesotastatutes Section 216B.097. Forcustomers meeting the qualification requirements of the Cold Weather th Rule, ERMU will not disconnect service during the period between October 15and th April 15. B)ERMU abides by the Disconnections During Extreme Heat Conditions as stipulated inMinnesotastatutesSection216B.0975. ERMU will not disconnect service during an extreme heat condition as defined by the statute. 14.0Collection of Unpaid Accounts A) ERMU may employ any and all reasonable methods for collecting unpaid accounts, including assignment to collection agencies, or legal actions against the delinquent customer. If ERMU believes a customer is insolvent, is in financial difficulty or considering bankruptcy, ERMUmay take appropriate action to secure payment of previous and present charges for services. Such action may include obtaining an adequate security deposit, collecting payment on a weekly basis or other such actions as may be deemed necessary and reasonable under the circumstances. B) ERMU may provide a list of unpaid fees, charges and costs charged to a property and unpaid for 30 days after the due date to the City Clerk with a request that the unpaid amounts be certified by the City Clerk to the County for collection with real estate taxes, as authorized by Minnesota Statutes and the City of Elk River Code of Ordinances. Adopted November 12, 2002 Revised July 13, 2010 RevisedOctober 8, 2013 Revised June 14, 2016 Revised November 14, 2017 Revised May 8, 2018 Revised July 10, 2018 Revised February 12, 2019 69 ELK RIVER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES Operations and Maintenance Manual ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT ELECTRIC RULES Effective: November 12, 2002 Adopted: November 12, 2002 Last Revised: August 11, 2008 Last Revised: January 13, 2009 Last Revised: January 1, 2011 70 Elk River Municipal Utilities OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL ELECTRIC RULES Table of Contents PG 4ELECTRIC RULES AND REGULATIONS PG 4GENERAL PG 4PURPOSE PG 4ACCESS PG 4SERVICE CONTINUITY PG 5INSPECTION PG 5AFFIDAVITS PG 5CALLING FOR INSPECTION PG 5CONNECTION REFUSAL PG 6CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATION PG 6RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS PG 6APARTMENT HOUSES PG 6NON-DEMAND CUSTOMERS PG 6DEMAND CUSTOMER PG 7TYPES OF SERVICE PG 7LARGE LOAD REQUIREMENTS PG8METERS-GENERAL RULES PG 8COMPLAINTS PG 8BILLING AND METERING PG 8SEALING OF METERS PG 8METERING FACILITIES PG 9FAILURE OF METERS TO REGISTER PROPERLY PG 9UNMETERED ENERGY PG 9DEPOSITS PG 9METER MALFUNCTION PG 10NUMBER OF METERS PG 10REDISTRIBUTION OF ENERGY PG 11UNDERGROUND AND OVERHEAD SERVICES PG 11GENERAL PG 11NEW AREA DEVELOPMENT PG 11NEW RESIDENTIAL SERVICE PG 11SERVICE LOCATION PG 11RESIDENTIAL SERVICE REPLACEMENTS PG 11EXISTING CUSTOMERS PG 11UNDERGROUND SERVICE CONSTRUCTION PG 12NEW SINGLE PHASE UNDERGROUND SERVICE SUPPLIED TO NEW CUSTOMER IS ESTABLISHED AREA PG 12MAINTENANCE OF UNDERGROUND SERVIICE PG 12UNDERGROUND COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL PG 12OVERHEAD SERVICE CONSTRUCTION 2 71 Table of Contents Continued PG 13SERVICE TERMINATION PG 13SERVICE GROUNDING PG 13SERVICE RELOCATION PG 14TEMPORARY SERVICE PG 14CONSTRUCTION PG 14EXTENSIONS PG 14MEASUREMENT AND COSTS PG 14CONSTRUCTION SAFETY PG 14DEPOSITS AND FEES PG 15SERVICE EXTENSION PG 15COST OF EXTENSION DEFINED PG 15TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ELECTRICAL SERVICES PG 15RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER PG 15RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER/OWNER PG 15COMMERCIAL DEVELOPER PG 16MOTORS PG 16AUTHORITY PG 16POWER FACTOR PG 17GENERATORS PG 18PERMITS PG 18RESPONSIBILITY PG 19INTEGRITY TESTING 3 72 ELECTRIC RULES ELECTRICAL REGULATIONS GENERAL All electrical wiring, apparatus, and equipment for electric light, heat, and power, shall comply with rules and regulations of the Elk River Municipal Utilities,and the latest edition of the National Electric Code. This includes compliance with the Railroad and Warehouse Commission, the Commissioner of Insurance, or the Industrial Commission, as applicable, the Minnesota Building Code and any other code as adopted by a governmental agency applicable to safe and adequate electric wiring and installation of equipment. Deviations from the regulations may be made only at the discretion, and with the approval of, the General Manager or Supervisor of Distribution, Elk River Municipal Utilities. PURPOSE The primary purpose of these regulations is the practical safeguarding of persons, of buildings and their contents from hazards arising from the use of electricity for light, heat, power, radio and television signaling, and other safeguards to life and property. The City of Elk River has adopted the current National Electric Code Standards of the National Board of Fire Underwriters as approved by the American Standards Association as minimum requirements for electrical wiring and installations. Other requirements, as may be adopted by the Utilities Commission, are included herein and shall be complied with by all licensed electricians working within the jurisdiction of the Elk River Municipal Utilities service area. The Elk River Municipal Utilities operates under the National Electric Safety Code. ACCESS The Utility shall have access at all reasonable hours to meters, service connections and other property owned hall be provided for purposes of installation, maintenance, reading, checking or removal if necessary. Failure to provide access shall result in termination of service until it has been provided. It shall also be a requirement that the electric meter shallbe located outside the building before service will be restored. SERVICE CONTINUITY The Utility will do all it can, when practical, to supply continuous service to its customers. It does not assume direct liability for loss or damage to persons or property due to its service, or as a result of failure of the service, electrical service, when necessary, during emergencies, when power may not be available on a short term basis. 4 73 ELECTRIC RULES INSPECTION AFFIDAVITS Any electrical wiring within the service area of Elk River Municipal Utilities requires a Certificate (Affidavit) of Electric Inspection issued and obtained by a licensed Master Electrician or from the State Electrical Inspector. No wiring, devices or equipment for the transmission, distribution, or utilization of electric energy for light, power, radio, television and/or heat shall be installed within or upon any building or structure, or property, nor shall any alteration or addition be made in existing wiring, devices or equipment, without first submitting the Certificate (Affidavit) to the Electrical Inspector. The Certificate (Affidavit) form shall be made in writing by the person, firm, or corporation installing the work, and shall state the premises to be wired with the complete detail of work covered by the Certificate (Affidavit) of Electrical Inspection. A complete set of plans and specifications for installation of wiring, showing the size of all conductors and such other details as may be necessary, shall be furnished to the electrical inspector and/or Elk River Municipal Utilities when required to determine whether the installation, as described, will be in conformation with the requirements of these regulations. CALLING FOR INSPECTION inspection before the work is concealed and a both instances as required. Notify the electrical inspector immediately for his inspection requirements. If the inspector is not notified to make such inspection before the work is concealed, the inspector may require the wiring to be uncovered for proper inspection. CONNECTION REFUSAL Refusal to permit the inspector to properly examine the wiring will be cause for Elk River Municipal Utilities to refuse to connect the premises to electrical service or to discontinue the existing service until such time as the wiring may be inspected. Service connection may also be refused if the wiring is not completed in conformance with the Electric Code as determined by the Electrical Inspector. 5 74 ELECTRIC RULES CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATION RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS A residential customer is defined to include each separate house, flat, or other living quarters occupied by a person or persons constituting a distinct household using energy for general illumination, for operating household appliances, and space heating. Residential lighting use may be extended to include the use of energy for lighting private garages, private barns, or buildings which are adjacent to, connected with, and used exclusively for the residence being served. APARTMENT HOUSES General practice is to meter each apartment/ living unit separately as defined as residential customers above. service is included with the rent or combine all service on one meter, will be billed as follows: Each apartment or unit occupied or unoccupied shall be considered as a separate unit in determining the basis for billing. The blocks of energy in the applicable rate will be multiplied by the number of units. Building lighting,washers, and dryers used generally by all the building occupants, may be on one meter and classified as one apartment. NON-DEMAND CUSTOMERS A commercial customer is defined to include each separate business enterprise, occupation, or institutiontaking service through a single meter, occupying for its exclusive use any unit or units of space (such as an entire building, entire floor, suite of rooms, or a single room), and using energy or the illumination of such space and for such incidental use as theschedule of rates applicable to the particular installation may permit. Where a commercial unit and one or more residential units are combined so as to obtain electric service through one meter, the commercial rate shall apply. Where a single business enterprise, or institution, occupies more than one unit of space in the conduct of the same business, each separate unit will be metered separately and considered a distinct customer, unless the customer makes the necessary provisions for approved circuits and loops by which to connect the different units to permit the metering of all the energy in the various units through one meter. DEMAND CUSTOMER A demand customer is defined to include each separate business, enterprise or institution occupying, for its exclusive use, any unit or units of space ( such as an entire building, entire floor, suite of rooms, or a single room), and using energy for driving motors larger than those permitted by the residential and commercial rates. A demand customer has a 15 minute electric demand greater than 50 kW. Where a single business, enterprise or institution occupies more than one unit of space in the conduct of the same business and requires energy for power purposes ( as defined herein in each unit of space), each unit will be metered separately and considered as a distinct customer unless the customer makes the necessary provisions for approved circuits and loops by which to connect the different units to permit the metering of all the energy used for power purposesin the various units through one meter. 6 75 ELECTRIC RULES CUSTOMER CLASSIFICATIONcontinued TYPES OF SERVICE Types of service that may be available from Elk River Municipal Utilities are as follows: 120/240 volt, 3 wire, single phase 120/208 volt, 4 wire, 3 phase 277/480 volt, 4 wire, 3 phase Any other voltage shall be discussed with the Utility before installation. Primary service may be available when required. LARGE LOAD REQUIREMENTS Any large loads that are to be added to the Utility system must be discussed well in advance of the installation, as it may require considerable work to make this available. 7 76 ELECTRIC RULES METERS-GENERAL RULES COMPLAINTS On complaints concerning high bills, and where a meter check is indicated, the Utility willtest the meter using calibration equipment under generally accepted industry procedure. If a customer requests the removal and testing of his electric meter because of high bills, he shall deposit with the Utility the sum of $50.00 for this test and it shall be paid prior to removing the meter for test. If the meter is found to be accurate within plus or minus three percent (3%), the fee will be retained by the Utility. If the meter is found to be in error beyond these limits, the Utility will bear the cost of testing and return the BILLING AND METERING Ordinarily, every effort possible will be used in securing meter readings each month. When this isimpossible, an estimated bill will be issued and marked to indicate that the meter has not been read. When one or more consecutive readings are missed, the Utility will, at its option, bill the customer as follows: The customer will be billed an estimated consumption and the difference adjusted when the meter is again read. The basis of such estimates shall be normal energy consumption for corresponding periods in the preceding year and/or normal consumptions of preceding months. When a meter is over consumption shall be ascertained for the two months, and the bill will be computed by dividing the total by two and treating it as two separate bills for computing charges. When a customer commences or discontinues service between the regular monthly meter reading dates, the utility will promptly read the meter and finalize or initiate the appropriate charges per the rate schedule. SEALING METERS Meters, service entrance switches, and service entrance outlets are sealed by the Utility. Such seals shall not be broken or tampered with without the consent of the Utility except in cases of emergency. The Utility should be notified as soon as possible after a seal has been broken. METERING FACILITIES By-Pass meter sockets shall be installed on the exterior of the building suitable for radio read at the closet corner or side from point of electric service as practical as determined by the Elk River Municipal Utilities and located at a point four and one half (4 ½ ) feet above grade. Meters shall not be installed on the utility poles unless approved by the General Manager. Off Peak metering shall be at the same location as main meter, as described above. Any meter located other than in the above fashion, shall be cleared by the Utility prior to installation, or it shall be changed by the customer, at his expense, to confirm to the Utility standards. 8 77 ELECTRIC RULES METERS-GENERAL RULES continued FAILURE OF METERS TO REGISTER PROPERLY In all cases where a utility meter, because of improper adjustment or defective parts, is found to be registering The Utility will refund to, or collect from, the customer the difference between the actual billing and the corrected billing for each month that an error is known to have existed, (not to exceed six (6) months). In making adjustments for errors in meter registration, due consideration will be given to the immediate previous loads, and any other relevant facts. UNMETERED ENERGY When the Utility has reasonable evidence that a customer is obtaining his supply of electricity, in whole or in part, by means of devices or methods used to stop or interfere with the proper metering of the utility service being delivered to his equipment, the Utility reserves the right to estimate and present, immediately, a bill for service unmetered as a result of such interference. Such bill shall be payable subject to a twenty-four (24) hour disconnection of service. The customer will be required to pay the Utility for any and all damages to its equip premises due to such stoppage or interference with its metering. The customer must further agree to comply with reasonable requirements to protect the Utility against further losses. DEPOSITS The customer will be required to deposit, with the Utility, an amount as determined by application of the terms of the customer deposit rule. METER MALFUNCTION When stoppage has been made to occur or interference has been found in connection with electric service metering, and the meter is located inside the building, the customer shall be required, at his own expense, to place all of his inside service and metering facilities outside the building. Should the Utility subsequently have reasonable evidence that said customer is receiving any utility service, either wholly or partly, unmetered, either in his name or for his use, the Utility reserves the right to discontinue all utility service until proper restitution has been made. 9 78 ELECTRIC RULES METERS-GENERAL RULES continued NUMBER OF METERS Customers shall be furnished one service and one meter to measure energy consumption on his premises unless otherwise approved by the General Manager. This shall service all buildings that are electrically combined and are part of that complex. If a customer requires redundant service, the Elk River Municipal Utilities must be advised as soon as possible so the feasibility of such service can be determined. If the Elk River Municipal Utilities determines that redundant services can and will be provided, the customer will be required to reimburse the Elk River Municipal Utilities for the entire cost of the additional services, including all labor and materials. An agreement between the customer and the Elk River Municipal Utilities may also be executed. When, for the convenience of the Utility, more than one meter is installed on the same class of service, the sum of registrations will be taken as the total registration. Meters include all necessary measuring instruments. Meters will be located as nearas possible to the service entrance switch, and on the outside of the building so it is accessible without entering the premises. If for some reason, the customer requests and is granted a second meter on his premises, it shall be treated as a separateand individual customer. Only one set of service conductors shall be connected between the meter and the service disconnect installation in one building. Any service(s) to other buildings shall be provided from the load side of this service disconnectinginstallation. REDISTRIBUTION OF ENERGY All energy sold by the Utility is to be used by the customer for the purposes designated or implied in the rate schedule applicable to their particular installation. Energy so sold may not be resold or redistributed to other metered users unless specifically approved by the utility. 10 79 ELECTRIC RULES UNDERGROUND AND OVERHEAD SERVICES GENERAL Underground services shall be installed in residential or commercial areas wherever practical as determined by the Utility. Any existing service, that is to be replaced, must be installed underground wherever practical. All Commercial/ Industrial service entrances, through the service disconnecting device(s) shall be installed by a licensed electrician qualified by the State Board of Electricity. All residential service entrances, through the service disconnecting device(s) shall be inspected and approved by the State Electrical inspector. NEW AREA DEVELOPMENT Total underground service, both primary and secondary, can be made available in new area developments: however, the entire area must be served in this manner. Before this type of underground service can be made available, the subdivider must provide a ten (10) foot combined utility easement on the property. Final grades must be established before the system is installed and ground brought to grade within at least six (6) inches from the final grade level. Large filled areas must be compacted to prevent settling. Lot boundaries shall be marked by the subdivider or owner prior to installation. The charge to the subdivider for this type of installation will be as established by the Commission. NEW RESIDENTIAL SERVICE New residential services shall be located underground and shall extend from the source designated by the Utility to the meter socket. Electrical contractor shall supply the appropriate meter socket. Elk River Municipal Utilities will furnish and install the meter. Services shall be located entirely within the boundaries of the property served and the adjoining public right-of-way to the source of power designated by the Utility. Service entrance shall be located as follows: Closest corner to the ERMU source. ERMU furnishes, installs, and maintains secondary conductor. At service pedestal on meter post. Owner furnishes, installs, and maintains secondary conductor from service pedestal. SERVICE LOCATION All applications for service, both temporary and permanent, shall be made at the Utility Office. Service will begin after suitable data is made available, service charges paid or arranged for, and permits issued when necessary. RESIDENTIAL SERVICE REPLACEMENTS Residential services to be replaced for any reason shall be placed underground and shall comply with the requirements of NEW RESIDENTIAL SERVICE where practical. EXISTING CUSTOMERS Customer requested service change from overhead to underground. Customer must supply trench and restoration. Additional fees may vary. UNDERGROUND SERVICE CONSTRUCTION Underground electric service shall be installed a minimum oftwenty-four (24) inches and a maximum of forty- two (42) inches below the final grade. Conductor shall be installed in as straight a line as possible from power source to meter or service entrance. Conductors shall be laid slack in trench. Conductor trenchshall be back- filled and compacted with a good fill material, free of rocks and foreign material to prevent damage to cable. If owner requires electrical services after ground is frozen, owner can provide a trench of required width and depth at no cost tothe utility or Elk River Municipal Utilities can provide a trench at an additional charge. The Utility will provide and install cable. 11 80 ELECTRIC RULES UNDERGROUND AND OVERHEAD SERVICES continued NEW SINGLE PHASE UNDERGROUND SERVICE SUPPLIED TO NEW CUSTOMER IN ESTABLISHED AREAS Customer must supply trench, restoration and must comply withall other Utility policies. MAINTENANCE OF UNDERGROUND SERVICES The Utility reserves the right to cause the underground service to be replaced if such cable is damaged, overloaded, and hazardousor for any condition deemed necessary by the Utility. The customer and his agents shall not perform work in or on service pedestals, transformers, switching cabinets, vaults, manholes, junction boxes, poles, or towers ownedby the Utility. UNDERGROUND COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL (NON-DEMAND/ DEMAND) All commercial service entrances shall be wired by a licensed electrician, so qualified by the State Board of Electricity. Commercial services shall be underground except by writtenauthority of Elk River Municipal Utilities. The owner shall be responsible for the service entrance to the source of power as determined by the Utility. This includes the removal and replacement of sidewalks and/or pavement as necessary to provide complete service entrance continuity. See page 15 for connection fees. OVERHEAD SERVICE CONSTRUCTION (Used only as an exception) shall be locatedso that the service wire will not cross over the building. -head, and wire furnished by the customer, and attached to his building. Tails shall be left on the customer service wires extending a minimum of three (3) feet beyond the weather-head. The neutral wire shall be identified and shall be continuous (no cut) from the weather-head to the entrance switch (unless otherwise approved by the Utility). The service mast shall extend above the roof a distance of thirty (30) inches, and must use conduit with a minimum size of two (2) inches, terminating just above the meter connection. If it is necessary that this service extend unusually high above the roof, the pipe size shall be increased accordingly,to give suitable strength to support the utility service connection. If the conduit is not increased in size, a tie to the building must be supplied by the customer to support the service wires. ises shall not be less than ten (10) feet above the final grade at a height to permit a minimum clearance for the lowest wire as tabulated below: Twelve (12) feet above private sidewalks Eighteen (18) feet above roads, alleys, streets and public sidewalks Eighteen (18) feet above farm driveways Sixteen (16) feet above drives to residential garages Twenty-two (22) feet above State Highways Eighteen (18) feet above driveways used by trucks 12 81 ELECTRIC RULES UNDERGROUND AND OVERHEAD SERVICES continued SERVICE TERMINATION No service shall be cut at anytime by the customer and he shall not break the seal or remove the meter for any reason. The Utility must be notified and they will make any adjustments necessary. If this rule is not complied with, suitable penalties shall be imposed on the one interfering with this service. SERVICE GROUNDING In the service territory of Elk River, the entrance switch shall be grounded to the water service pipe and must be connected on the street side of the meter only. In no case shall this contact be made to the house side of the water meter. In rural areas, a suitable ground shall be provided at the entrance switch as provided for in the State Electrical Code. On a three (3) phase, four (4) wire delta services, the customer must identify the high phase at the meter socket and weather-head by using a red covered wire, or other suitable identification for this line. SERVICE RELOCATION When the utility pole or service pedestal must be replaced or relocated because of a request from the customer, the customer is responsible for reimbursing the Utility the cost of moving or replacing the underground service. If the Utility replaces or relocates the pole or service pedestal of its own volition, the Utility is responsible for the expense of moving or replacing the underground service. 13 82 ELECTRIC RULES TEMPORARY SERVICE CONSTRUCTION Temporary service for construction purposes may be obtained upon compliance with the provisions of the Certificate (Affidavit) and payment of the required fee plus customer deposit for service. The contractor shall erect a pole, properly braced and supported to stand the pull of conductors and of sufficient height to provide proper ground clearance and wired in accordance with the National Electric Code. EXTENSIONS Temporary extensions of primary and/or secondary distribution shall be extended under the following rules: The customer will reimburse the Utility for its expenditures in extending service. ludes all items of labor and materials, with the customary overhead charges necessary to furnish the customer with the service requested. It shall also include any costs involved in the dismantling of materials and their return to stock. Where materials dismantled have a merchandise contract must be completed and signed by the customer, guaranteeing payment of final charges, and priorto the beginning of construction on the project. MEASUREMENT AND COSTS All energy will be measured at one standard voltage at some convenientpoint designated by the Utility. The customer will make necessary arrangements and provide for the necessary equipment in the event more than one voltage is required. The cost of all construction (laborand materials) necessary to distribute energy on the premises occupied by the customer will be borne by the customer. CONSTRUCTION SAFETY No connections will be made to any temporary switch unless it conforms to the current Utility standards and the National Electric Code. All temporary services shall be equipped with ground fault equipment as required by the National Electric Code and OSHA. All temporary service shall be maintained in a safe manner so that injury to persons shall not result from contact with it in any manner. This shall only remainas temporary for a reasonable length of time and must be changed to a permanent one when directed by the Utility. DEPOSITS AND FEES All deposits for electrical services shall be in accordance with the deposit rules as set forth by the Utility. A temporary electrical service for residential and small commercial customers require a payment of fifty dollars ($50.00) or more as determined by the Electric Superintendent. Large temporary services that require a major expenditure of money by the Utilityshallrequire a deposit in accordance with the estimated cost of this construction. An estimate will be prepared by the Utility prior to the installation and will be adjusted at the time the temporary service is removed to compensate for the actual cost above or below the deposit. Salvage value of the material removed shall be credited against the deposit. 14 83 ELECTRIC RULES SERVICE EXTENSION COST OF EXTENSION DEFINED The construction cost shall include all the costs of materials and labor and all other expenses incurred in the installation of poles, wire, cross arms, insulators, line hardware, switching and protective devices, meters, appurtenances, right-of-way permits and all other items of labor and materials incident to the construction of the extension. TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ELECTRIC SERVICES The Elk River Municipal Utilities Board of Commissioners shall make the determination as to the feasibility of all electrical distribution line extension petitions. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER a)Sign development agreement atthe Utilities Office located at 13069 Orono Parkwayin Elk River. b) c) Payment by check or irrevocable letter of credit before the Utilities starts installing the primary & secondary electrical system for the following: 1)$420.00 + tax per living unit with City sewer & water. 2)$520.00 + tax per living unit without City sewer & water. d)Project needs to be near final grade for installation of underground primary and secondary electric. e)Provide scheduling for when the Utilities can install facilities as we need to be there before other utilities, including curb and gutter of blacktop, otherwise additional charges will be assessed. f) Street lights are furnished and installed by the Utilities. Street lights are required at all intersections and at end of all cul-de-sacs and at mid-block provided that no lights are spaced closer than 300 feet. Street light layout shall be approved by Elk River Municipal Utilities and shall be consistent with the standard type of lighting currently being utilized by the City to provide for a uniform City street light system. The following costs shall be paid before work is to begin. (City requires decorative poles only for the new developments). 1)Wood pole with 6m in existing areas only$950.00 each+ tax 2)$1800.00 each+ tax (major intersections) 3)pole with Traditionaire lamp$1450.00 each+ tax (Cul-de-sacs, minor intersections and mid-block) RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER/OWNER a)Home Builder/Owner shall complete the Residential Electric Service Agreement. b)Pay connection feeper ERMU fee schedule,plus tax,which includes cost of furnishing and installing up to $3.00per foot. c) Elk River Municipal Utilities will require the inspection sheet from a licensed electrician or the State Electrical Inspector. stth d)Between November 1and April 15,the Utilities will provide underground service onlywhen a trench is provided;Elk River Municipal Utilities can provide the trench at an additional cost. Please call the Elk River Municipal Utilities office at (763) 441-2020 for current terms, conditions, and pricing. COMMERCIAL DEVELOPER a)Developer shall complete Commercial/Industrial Services Agreement at the Utilities office in Elk River. b)d CADD diskette of development. c) Meet with Electric Line Superintendent to finalize scope of project and establish estimate of charges for facility. These costs are generally one half of the Utilities costs to electrically serve the facility. d)Prepayment of charges or an irrevocable letter of credit will be needed before work begins by the Utilities. e)Provide concrete pad for transformerif required. The Line Superintendent will provide the requirements. f) Provide scheduling for when the Utilities can install facilities as we need to be there before other utilities, including curb and gutter or blacktop, otherwise additional charges will be assessed. g)Elk River Municipal Utilities will require before final hook-up, the inspection sheet from a licensed electrician or the State Electrical Inspector. 15 84 ELECTRIC RULES MOTORS AUTHORITY Special permission shall be obtained from proper authorities of the Utility to install any motor larger than ten (10) HP on residential service lines. On commercial service, motors of twenty-five (25) HP or larger may require reduced voltage starters as determined by the Utility. POWER FACTOR If the power factor drops below 95% due to the operation of a large motor or a number of smaller motors in an establishment, suitable correctionsmust be made. A penalty for low power factor is included in the utility rates. All motors operating at 220 volts or more, larger than 3 HP shall have capacitors to correct for power factor and these capacitors shall be energized when the motor is operating. 16 85 ELECTRIC RULES GENERATORS To prevent a hazard to personnel and damage to Utility equipment, whenever approval has been given for stand-by generation, the customer shall install an approved double throw switch. This switch shall completely disconnectwhenever the generator is used. 17 86 ELECTRIC RULES PERMITS RESPONSIBILITY The contractor shall be responsible for any damages to the property of the utilityresulting from not following the guidelines of Gopher State One-Call. A violation of these regulations shall constitute a misdemeanor. 18 87 PLANS LEGEND NEW POLE, HT, & CLASS EXISTING POLE EXISTING POLE TO BE REMOVED(SIMILAR SYMBOL FOR OTHERS) ANCHOR. LENGTH & GUY SIZE OVERHEAD SPAN GUY SINGLE PHASE POLETYPE TRANSFORMER PRIMARY O.H. 3 Ø & N. PRIMARY O.H. 1 Ø & N. SECONDARY O.H. 3 W. SECONDARY O.H. 4 W. LIGHTENING ARRESTER FUSE CUTOUT (X=CUTOUT, Y=FUSE) PADMOUNT TRANSFORMER U.G. PRIMARY, 3 Ø U.G. PRIMARY, 1 Ø U. G. SECONDARY, 3 W. PRIMARY JUNCTION (U.G.)X=3, 3 Ø, X=1, 1 Ø, Y= NO. OF JCT. POINTS) PRIMARY RISER (3 Ø OR 1Ø) MANHOLE UNDERGROUND DUCT BANK TREE TT=TOPTRIM, ST= SIDETRIM TREE TO BE REMOVED SURVEY MARKER OR BENCHMARK HYDRANT TELEPHONE PEDESTAL SECONDARY PEDESTAL SECONDARY JUNCTION METERING STREET OR SECURITY SERVICE DROP SECONDARY RISER 19 88 Elk River Municipal Utilities Operations and Maintenance Manual WATER DEPARTMENT Water Rules Effective: January 1, 2007 Adopted: January 9, 2007 Revised: August 11, 2008 Revised: January 1, 2011 Revised: June 11, 2013 89 Elk River Municipal Utilities OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE MANUAL WATER DEPARTMENT WATER RULES Table of Contents Page Section PG 3101WATER RULES PG 3DAMAGE AND CONNECTION PG 3VIOLATION PG 3INSPECTION PG 3SERVICE CONTINUITY PG 3CROSS CONNECTION PG 3-4BACKFLOW PREVENTION PG 4102WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS PG 4-5CONNECTION TO MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM PG 5OWNER OR CITY TO MAKE REQUIRED CONNECTION PG 5SERVICE REQUESTS PG 5-6SERVICE STANDARDS PG 6RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER/ OWNER PG 6-7COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPER PG 7103WATER SERVICE REPAIRS PG 7REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY PG 7LEAK REPAIR PG 7104SERVICE SIZEAND MATERIALS PG 7APPROVAL PG 7-8SERVICE MATERIAL/SERVICE LINE TESTING PG 9-10SERVICE LINE DETAILS PG 11105MAIN EXTENSIONS PG 11MAIN EXTENSION POLICY PG 11MAIN INSTALLATION PG 11106WAC FEES & CONNECTION CHARGES PG 11RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER PG 11RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER / OWNER PG 11COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPER PG 12107TAP SCHEDULE AND CHARGES PG 12TAP CHARGES-NEW PG 12108METERS PG 12METER FURNISHED PG 12MULTIPLE UNITS PG 12LOCATION OF METERS PG 12REMOTE REGISTERS PG 12CARE OF METERS PG 13METER SEALS PG 13METER ACCESS PG 13METER ERRORS PG 13FAILURE TO READ METERS PG 13WATER LEAKS PG 13METER TESTING POLICY PG 13109FIRE SERVICE PG 13-14REQUEST FOR SERVICE PG 14SERVICE LINE SIZE PG 14NUMBER OF SERVICES PG 14WATER USE PG 14-15INSPECTION AND PENALTIES PG 15110FIRE HYDRANT USE PG 15111PLUMBING RULES PG 15112STREET EXCAVATION AND BACK FILL PG 15-16113AIR CONDITIONING PG 16114ABANDONED WATER SERVICES PG 17115FROZEN SERVICES PG 17BASE CHARGE LIST 2 90 WATER RULES 101WATER RULES AND REGULATIONS DAMAGE AND CONNECTION No person, firm or corporation shall break, remove tamper with, or damage any property of any kind, including any seal belonging to the Elk River Municipal Utilities and used in the business of furnishing water to the people of the City of Elk River. No person, firm or corporation shall make any connection to the water mains without first obtaining an Application for Water Connection (water tap) at the Elk River Municipal Utilities Office. VIOLATION Any person who shall violate any of the provisions of these rules and regulations shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and shall upon conviction, be fined in a sum not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) or be imprisoned in jail for a term not to exceed 90 days, or both. INSPECTION An inspection is required on any and all new water services, inspection appointments can be made by calling Elk River Municipal Utilities, (twenty-four hour advance notice). The Water Department will make said inspections and all water services must be inspected under pressure before they are covered. SERVICE CONTINUITY The Elk River Municipal Utilities reserves the right to temporarily discontinue service to any and all customers of the municipal water system at any time without notice, (notice will be given whenever possible) when same is necessary in the repair or extension of said water systems or for other purposes. The Elk River Municipal Utilities does not guarantee uninterrupted service. CROSS CONNECTION No cross connection betweenCity water supply and any other water supply will be permitted. BACKFLOW PREVENTERS All future commercial or industrial customers served by the Elk River Municipal Utilities, whose operations are determined by Minnesota Plumbing Code to constitute a potential for a cross connection or backflow, shall install and maintain an appropriate backflow preventer assembly at the owners cost. The backflow preventer assembly shall be installed at the location of the hazard, but at a minimum immediately down line from the meter. Owner shall provide written proof to the Elk River Municipal Utilities of the installation and annual inspection of the backflow preventer assembly by a licensed plumber certified in installing, testing and maintaining backflow preventers, bythe Minnesota Department of Health. An appropriate backflow preventer shall be a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer or other types as specified by Elk River Municipal Utilities, properly sized and meeting the requirements of AWWA C510 & C511 latestrevision, Minnesota Department of Health, and laboratory and field tested per Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic Research (FCCCHR)-University of Southern California specifications. The Elk River Municipal Utilities is authorized to discontinue water services to any property, or take such other precautionary measures as necessary to eliminate any damages of contamination to the city water system. 3 91 Elk River Municipal Utilities Backflow Prevention Procedure I.New & Remodeled Facilities: 1)Elk River Municipal Utilities Backflow Inspection Form will be picked up by plumberatthe administration office. 2)Plumber will install meter and backflow preventer assembly and complete Elk River Municipal Utilities Backflow Inspection Form, give one to owner, and return one to the City of Elk River Building Inspection Department. The valve tag will be filled out by the plumber and attached to the backflow prevention assembly. 3)Plumbing permit will be obtained from Elk River Building Department. Elk River Building Inspector will inspect meter and backflow prevention assembly for proper installation. 4)Elk River Municipal Utilities water department personnel will inspect and seal the water meter and inspect the Backflow preventer assembly. II. Annual Inspection: 1)Elk River Municipal Utilities will mail commercial or industrial customers a reminder to get their reduced pressure zone backflow preventer assembly inspected. Notices will be mailed approximately 30 days before annual date and will include an Elk River Municipal Utilities Inspection form. 2)Ownersresponsibility will be to contact their plumber certified in installing, testing and repairing backflow preventers, and contract to have their backflow preventer assembly inspected and / or repaired. 3)Plumber will complete the Elk River Municipal Utilities Backflow Inspection Form, give one to the owner, one to City Building Dept. and return one to Elk River Municipal Utilities. The valve tag attached to the backflow prevention assembly will be filled out and reattached to valve assembly. 102 WATER SERVICE CONNECTIONS CONNECTION TO MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM The following buildings shall be required to be connected to the city water system at current fees and rates: (Unless City Council by resolution establishes other time parameters for specific developments) 1)All buildings connected to the water system on the date of adoption of these rules shall remain connected to the water system for so long as the building is occupied or used for any purpose. 2)All buildings constructed in the future on property which water utility service is available at the time a Certificate of Occupancy is issued for the building shall be required to connect to the water system prior to occupancy. 3)All buildings constructed in the futureon property to which water utility service becomes available following legal occupancy of the building shall be required to connect to the water utility as follows: a)All residential buildings with one or two residential units shall be required to connect to the water utility within two (2) years from the date water utility service becomes available to the property or the date the property is assessed for water utility improvements, whichever is later. b)All other buildings shall be required to connect to the water utility within ninety (90) days from the date water utility service becomes available to the property. 4)All buildings existing on the date of adoption of these rules on property to which water utility service becomes available in the future shall be required to be connected to the water utility as follows: a)All residential buildings with one or two residential units shall be required to connect to the water utility within two (2) years from the date the water utility service becomes available to the property or the date the property is assessed for water utility improvements, whichever is later. b)All other buildings shall be required to connect to the water utility within ninety (90) days from the date water utility service becomes available to the property. 5)All buildings existing on the date of adoption of these rules on property to which water utility service is available but which has not been assessed for water utility improvements shall be required to connect to water utility as follows: 4 92 a)All residential buildings with one or two residential units shall be required to connect to the water utility within two (2) years from the date the water utility service becomes available to the property or the property is assessed for water utility improvements, whichever is later. b)All other buildings shall be required to connect to the water utility within ninety (90) days from the date water utility service becomes available to the property. 6)All buildings existing on the date of adoption of these rules on property to which water utility service is available and which has been assessed for water utility improvements, but which are not connected to the water utility, shall be required to connect to the water utility as follows: a)All residential buildings with one or tworesidential units shall not be required to connect to the water utility unless or until the Elk River Municipal Utilities determines on a case by case basis that connection to the water utility is necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare or to otherwise comply with applicable law; b)All other buildings shall be required to connect to the city water utility within two years of the date of adoption of these rules. 7)All buildings not connected to the city water system, and where the city water system is available, that request waste water service shall also connect to the city water system. 8) All buildings not connected to the city water system, and where the city water is available, where their well is in need ofreplacement or extensive repair, shall connect to the city water system. OWNER OR CITY TO MAKE REQUIRED CONNECTION The owner of any building required to be connected to the city water system shall cause said building to required. If required connections to the water system are not being made pursuant to this paragraph, the Elk River Municipal Utilities shall serve written notice on the affected property owner stating that if connection is not made within ninety (90) days after the date of said notice, the connection will be made by theElk River Municipal Utilities at the expense of the owner and that if unpaid, the charge for such work will be made a special assessment against the property concerned. Such assessment, including interest at the legal rate for local improvements, shall be certified to the County Auditor and collected and remitted to the City in the same manner as assessments for local improvements. The rights of the Elk River Municipal Utilities / City under this paragraph shall be in addition to other remedial or enforcement rights provided by the City Code of Ordinances or other applicable law. SERVICE REQUESTS Any person, firm or corporation desiring a connection with the municipal water system of the Elk River Municipal Utilities shall apply through a licensed plumber at Elk River Municipal Utilities, at 13069 Orono Parkway.24-hour notice prior to tap is required. The applicant shall state the location of the premises for which a water service is desired, designated by street, lot and block, name of owner, size of the tap required and the kind and size of service pipe to be used. A connection may be disallowed if all terms of abandonment of servicecovered by Water Rules have not been complied with. SERVICE STANDARDS cock, to the meter within the building. This shall be installed by a licensed plumber at the expense of the property owner and remains the property of the owner. Supply for the individuals and for individual premises shall be taken from the common or public supply in the mains only through service pipes. Each service shall include a corporation cock, supplied and installed by the Elk River Municipal Utilities or a person or company approved by Elk River Municipal Utilities, and charged to the plumber. An inverted key stop cock, rod and a stop box with a telescoping top section as approved by Elk River Municipal Utilities must be installed in utility easement, or as directed the by General Manager. Elk River Municipal Utilities personnel will inspect the tap in all cases. The excavation site must be large enough for Elk River Municipal Utilities excavation trench box to be installed in the hole for the protection of Elk River Municipal Utilities personnel as required by OSHA. 5 93 Each service shall enter the building served thereby at a point readily accessible at all times, and as close as possible to the point of service from the main. Twostop valves(ball type) shall be installed on each water service pipeat a point designated by the Elk River Municipal Utilities, usually on each side ofthe meter. A service lineshall supply no more than one premise unless conditions make it impossible and inadvisable in the judgment of the Elk River Municipal Utilities General Manager. Water service shall be placed at least six (6) feet in depth below grade andseven and one half (7½) feet beneath the street, throughout their length. RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER / OWNER a)Home Builder / Owner shall complete the City Water Connection & Repair permit at 13069 Orono Parkwayin Elk River. b)All Street disruption and Water Access fees must be paid before connecting to the City Water System. c) All water service curb stops that are required to be located must be called in to the Water utilities at least 24 hours prior to digging (except emergencies), rush jobs do not constitute an emergency. d)All water connections must be inspected by the City Water Department or their designated inspector prior to back filling of water service trench. A 24 hour advance notice is required. Slope of trench must be in accordance with OSHA rules. If this is not possible, a trench box shall be installed for inspections. e)Where pressure reducers are required, the pressure reducer (supplied by plumber) will be located on the house side of the meter and afterthe second valve. f) Connection and Meter fees before delivery of the meter will be made. (see section 106 for WAC fees and Connection charges) g)Plumber shall install meter. The radio read generator and ERT are generally attached tothe meter. h)Notification by the plumber that the water meter has been set and ready for seal and inspection by Utility personnelshall be done at least 24 hours prior to final plumbing inspection by the City Building Inspection Department. No Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.) will be issued until meter is sealed and radio read has been installed by Water Utility. COMMERCIAL / INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPER a)Execute Developers agreement with the City of Elk River. b)Provide 3 (three) plat maps with easements and CADD diskette of plat. c) Payment of partial WAC fee per Section 106. d)Developer will design with City/Utility approval, water main system within platted area and install the same per City/Utility specifications. e)All street disruption and water access fees must be paid before connecting to the City Water System. f) All water service valves that are required to be located must be called in to the Water Utility at least 24 hours prior to digging (except emergencies), rush jobs do not constitute an emergency. g)All water connections must be inspected by the City Water department or their designated inspector prior to back filling of water service trench. A 24 hour advance notice is required. Slope of trench must be in accordance with OSHA rules. If this is not possible, a trench box shall be installed for inspections. h) i) Where pressure reducers are required, the pressure reducer (supplied by plumber) will be located on the house side of the meter and before the secondvalve. j) Connection, Access and Meter fees must be paid and a plumbing permit number supplied before delivery of the water meter will be made. The WAC fee will be paid at this time upon determination of total WAC units which is a function of building occupancy and is determined by the City Building Official. k) valve shall be utilized. l) Plumber shall install meterwith radmeters will require a meter by-pass loop. m)In some instances, radio read meters do not work well in industrial type buildings and hard wired remote readers will be required. All wiring for remote read meters shall be installed by the plumbing contractor before rough in inspection. At time of final inspection, the Water Utilities will install the remote, inspect and seal the meter. 6 94 n)Notification by the plumber that the meter has been set and ready for sealing and inspection by the Water Utility personnel shall be done atleast 24 hours prior to final plumbing inspection by the City Building Inspection Department. 103 WATER SERVICE REPAIRS REPAIR RESPONSIBILTY Maintenance or repair, of the service from and including the main stop cock to the premises remains the responsibility of the property owner. Water service repairs or renewals that become necessary will be made by a licensed plumber at the expense of the property owner.Utility staffmay provide property owner alist of licensed plumber todo emergency repairs.If owner can not make repairs, water may be shut off or Water Utility may make the necessary repairs and the charge for such work will be made under a special assessment against the property concerned. Such assessment, including interest at the legal rate for local improvements, shall be certified to the County Auditor and collected and remitted to the City in the same manner as assessments for local improvements. The rights of the Elk River Municipal Utilities/City under this paragraph shall be in addition to other remedial or enforcement rights provided by the City Code of Ordinances or other applicable law. ( Whenever it becomes necessary to repair or replace a broken or defective water pipe running from the main in the street to the meter, the said broken or defective water pipe is not of copper or cast iron construction; it shall be replaced by copper tubingorO.D. SDR 11 (IPS) minimumHDPEmay also be used per details in Section 104. Electrical grounding system for this building shall also be modified to account for non metallic water service. LEAK REPAIR s have not been completed within a reasonable time as determined by the Elk River Municipal Utilities, the water will be shut off. 104 SERVICE SIZE AND MATERIALS APPROVAL The size of pipe to be installed in any service shall be subject to the approval of the General Manager. SERVICE MATERIAL Water service pipes shall be of the following materials. 1 inch nominal diametercopper-Type K 1 ½ inch nominal diametercopper-Type Ke 10 2 inch nominal diametercopper-Type K 2 ½ inch and over nominal diameter-ductile iron-150 lb. Class For Residential K copper construction only one coupling (flared or silver soldered only) between the water service valve (curb stop) and the main valve inside the house will be allowed.For residential HDPE construction, a total fused pipe system with tracer wire shall be utilized per details on page 10. For Commercial / Industrial construction all pipe used inminimum type K copper pipeorHDPE. L ductile iron pipe. Only one coupling (flared or silver soldered only) between the water service valve (curb stop) and the main valve inside the building is allowed on type K copper. HDPE System shall be a fused system with tracer wire per details. All fire protection lines should have detector check valves. Customer shall provide a suitably sized by-pass meter 7 95 SERVICE LINE TESTING Utility personnel shall witness contractor performed service line pressure test. Pressure may be either system water pressure or 60 psi air pressure when system water pressure is not available or system required to be pressure tested at 150 lbs. (one hundred fifty pounds) psi for 1 (one) hour with no loss of pressure. 8 96 9 97 10 98 WATER RULES 105 MAIN EXTENSIONS MAIN EXTENSION POLICY The Elk River Municipal Utilities Board of Commissioners shall make the determination as to the feasibility of all water main extension petitions. The design and construction standards of water main facilities shall be approved by the General Manager. When water trunk facilities are proposed to be extended, a feasibility report shall be completed, analyzed and approved by the Elk River Utilities Commission and City Council. Trunk water main facilities shall be financed by assessing the effected property owners. When water main facilities are extended from the trunk system or water distribution system, these water main facilities shall be financed entirely by the developer. In the case of oversizing the water distribution system to accommodate trunk requirement, the Elk River Municipal Utilities will reimburse the developer for the costs of such oversizing. When an easement is required to make a line extension for the purpose of providing water service to a cost to the Elk River Municipal Utilities. MAIN INSTALLATION No water main or main extension will be installed in any street until the same shall have been brought to grade. Connection to the water distribution system will only be allowed when connection to the sewer system is made or arrangements to do so are finalized. 106WATER ACCESS FEES& CONNECTION CHARGES When water main facilities are extended into a newly developed area, the following fees, terms, and conditions shall apply. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPER a)Execute Developers agreement with the City of Elk River. b)Provide 3 (three) plat maps with easements and CADD diskette of plat. c) Payment of $300 per living unit for plat area at time of plotting for Water Access Fee (WAC). d) area and install the same per Elk River Municipal Utilities specifications. RESIDENTIAL HOME BUILDER / OWNER a)Connection and Meter fees per ERMU fee schedule permit must be received before delivery of the water meter will be made. COMMERCIAL /INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPER a)Connection, access and meter fees (See Base Charge List) must be paid and plumbing permit number supplied before delivery of the water meter will be made. The remaining portion of the WAC feewill be paid at this time upon determination of total WAC units. The number of WAC Unites shall be calculated the same as Sewer Availability Charges, as provided in Section 78-189 of The City of Elk River Code of Ordinances. 107 TAP SCHEDULE AND CHARGES 11 99 TAP CHARGE -NEW A charge will be made for each 5/8 Elk River Municipal Utilities a 5/8 approved, a saddle shall be installed on the Main. All wet taps for four (4) inch and/or larger tap shall have a cadweldstrap installed from the Main being tapped to the pipe being added, beyond to the valve of tap. Cost of all taps shall be the responsibility of the property owner and shall only be made by qualified personnel with equipment & previous experience in making taps.. If a retap changes in size-charge shall be the full price of the appropriate size. 108 METERS METER FURNISHED The supply of water through each house service shall be recorded by a meter purchased from Elk River Municipal Utilities and all water shall pass through this meter. Elk River Municipal Utilities will sell only one meter for each residential service, and it or its remote register shall not be disconnected or interf remote read type will be sold for each residential service. The Elk River Municipal Utilities will sell one meter of the required size and of the remote read type for commercial and industrial service. Detector check valves shall be installed on all fire services. MULTIPLE UNITS Where multiple dwelling units (as an example:apartments) are served through a common meter. There shall be one service and meter. Where multiple dwelling units (as an example:duplex, three-plex & four-plex units) each unit shall have individual services and meters, unless the units Association pays the water fees. LOCATION OF METERS All meters shall be installed as near as is practicable to the point where the service enters the building in an approved accessible, dry, frost proof, and vandal proof place. The service point of entry shall be close to an outside wall. Services shall not run under floors ahead of the meter. An approved shutoff (ball type) valve shall be required inside the building upstream and downstream of the meter. REMOTE REGISTERS Generally the ERT is attached to the meter, but if required, all wiring for remote meters shall be installed by the plumbing contractor before rough-in inspection is done by Elk River Building Department. If, for any reason, no wire is installed for the remote register at the time that Elk River Municipal Utilities is to seal the meter and connect the remote register, the Utilities may elect to run the wire and charge the contractor if contractor concurs. The contractor will be charged time and materials with a minimum charge of $300 if the Utilities haveto run the wire for the remote register.A remote register will be installed by Elk River Municipal Utilities. CARE OF METERS The customer shall be responsible for the care of the water meter, wire,and remote register from any accidental or willful injury thereto and shall at all times protect the meter from freezing or from damage from heat, hot water or steam. Ifa meter is damaged, the Elk River Municipal Utilities will repair it and charge the cost thereof to the consumer or property owner, (see Item #1-Base Charge List). 12 100 METER SEALS The Elk River Municipal Utilities reserves the right to place a seal on any meter or stop cock and it shall be unlawful to break the seal so placed on any meter or stop cock. METER ACCESS For the purpose of reading, checking meters, or enforcement of Utilities Rules and Regulations, duly authorized employees of the Elk River Municipal Utilities may legally enter upon any premises and have access to the meters at any reasonable time. The meter shall not be enclosed in any enclosure which cannot readily be removed by the owner when it becomes necessary to remove the meter for repair, maintenance, or routine testing. METER ERRORS The quantity of water recorded by the meter shall be conclusive evidence on both the Elk River Municipal Utilities and the consumer as to the quantity used for figuring the cost to the consumer, except when the meter has been found to be defective or has ceased to register. In such case, the quantity of water shall be determined by the average daily registration as shown by the meter readings during the past year. FAILURE TO READ METERS Where the Utilities are unable to read a meter, an estimated average charge will be applied and the difference adjusted when the meter is again read. However, after two successive attempts to read the meter, arrangements will be made with the customer to gain access tothe meter for reading. No estimated billings shall go beyond a three (3) month period. WATER LEAKS the plumbing, as the customer is responsible for keeping his own plumbing in repair. METER TESTING POLICY On complaints concerning high bills, and where a meter check is indicated, the Utility will test the meter using calibration equipment under generally accepted industry procedure. If a customer requests the removal and testing of his/her water meter because of high bills, they shall deposit with the Utility the sum of $50.00 for this test and it shall be paid prior to removing the meter for testing. If the meter is found to be accurate within plusor minus three percent (3%), the fee will be retained by the Utility. If the meter is found to be in error beyond these limits, the Utility will bear the cost of testing or the past six (6) month period. 109 FIRE SERVICE REQUEST FOR SERVICE Services which are to be used exclusively for supplying water for fire protection will be granted by the General Manager where, in his judgment, special protection may be necessary, provided the following conditions are complied with. Application must be made by the owner of the premises to be served, or his legal representative; the owner must comply with all rules and regulations of the Elk River Municipal Utilities which apply, and save the Elk River Municipal Utilities and the City of Elk River free and harmless from all damages which may be occasioned by or on account of the service rendered. 13 101 The applicant must also furnish with the application a complete and correct drawing or set of drawings showing the location of the premises to be supplied, together with location of all valves, pipes, hydrants, tanks, sprinkler heads and other appurtenances on the premises. The plans will remain the property of the Elk River Municipal Utilities. These plans shall be revised by the applicant when changes or revisions are made. A detector check valve shall be installed in all fire service lines. The associated meter may be required at a later date. All expenses are to be paid by the owner. If domestic water service is not installed, the monthly fee shall be based on the size of the fire service line from the rate schedule.(Revised 3/13/01) SERVICE LINE SIZE The Elk River Municipal Utilities expressly reserves the right to determine the size of the service pipe which will be granted depending upon the size of the street main, the available pressure on the main and the nature and capacity of the fire protection equipment within the building. All fire services will be installed by a licensed plumber at the expense of the owner and repairs by a NUMBER OF SERVICES Only one fire service will be allowed to any one building or premise, unless in the opinion of the General Manager, more than one is absolutely necessary for the proper protection of the premise. All fire protection equipment connected to the Municipal Water System shall be confined within the building or on the premise named in the application and where two or more fire service connections are made for one building or premise, they shall be kept separated, unless special permission is obtained from the General Manager to connect the same in a manner approved by him. All services for fire protection shall have a detect WATER USE No water shall be drawn from the fire service pipes for any purpose whatsoever except for fire protection, and no connection shall be made between the fire service pipe system and the regular water supply to the premise. Valves on hose outlets, drain cocks, etc. placed on the pipe system shall be of a style that can be sealed by the Elk River Municipal Utilities inspector, and when such valve is opened, the owner or occupant of the premise shall notify the Elk River Municipal Utilities so that the same can be resealed at once. This paragraph is not to be construed as prohibiting a reasonable use of water for fire drills, draining of a system to prevent freezing, or other reasonable use in connection with proper fire protection. Any fire protection system supplied with water from the Municipal System shall be supplied exclusively with such water, and no connection will be allowed with any other system drawing its supply from any other source, and no auxiliary or secondary suction pipe to any pump taking water from any other source will be permitted. INSPECTION AND PENALTIES All fire services shall be subject toinspection by the agent of the Elk River Municipal Utilities who will visit all premises having fire services from time to time, scheduled to cause as little inconvenience to the owners or tenants as possible. The owners or tenants shall give the inspector all reasonable access to facilities for making the inspections, and of any information concerning the same that he may require. In any case, when the owners or occupants of any premises are found to be using or wasting water from a fire service for other purposes than fire protection, the water shall be shut off from same, until the offender shall give reasonable assurance that the offense will not be repeated; plus an estimated charge of water taken or wasted will be required before turning the water onafter it has been shut off for this cause. A second violation of this section will be considered sufficient cause for cutting off at the main, and refusing to reconnect until the situation has been resolved to the satisfaction of the General Manager. 14 102 The Elk River Municipal Utilities reserves the right at any time to require the owner of the premises supplied to furnish and install at his expense, and under the direction of the General Manager an approved water meter and keep the same in accurate operating condition. 110 FIRE HYDRANT USE It is unlawful for any person not an employee of the City authorized to do so; to use, operate, draw water from or in any manner tamper or interfere with any fire hydrant, unless directly authorized by General Manager. In the case a fireman or other authorized person shall open any fire hydrant, the same shall be reported to the General Manager immediately thereafter. When hydrants are used for furnishing water for street sprinkling or flushing sewer mains, or flooding skating rinks, a report must be made immediately thereafter to the General Manager, stating the time and the number of hours the hydrant was used. 111 PLUMBING RULES The right is reserved by Elk River Municipal Utilities to enforce the removal of any faucet, water closet, stop cock, valve or other device of character that will cause or is liable to cause excessive shock to the water pipes, waste of water, or pollution to the general or individual water supply. Licensed plumbers and all others are forbiddento make any cross connection or physical connect on or between the City water supply and that of any other source, including wells. 112 STREET EXCAVATION AND BACK FILL All excavation shall comply with City Code and all other regulations of the City Building Department and Elk River Municipal Utilities. Excavation requests from Gopher State One-Call phone # 1-800-252-1166 shall be obtained prior to start of any work. 113 AIR CONDITIONING These regulations will cover all apparatus or equipment installed for the purpose of changing the dry bulb temperature or humidity content of the air, whether used in conjunction with summer comfort air conditioning or other refrigeration. The use of municipal water is prohibited when used directly from the mains as a cooling medium in air washers or any type of equipment whereby the air to be conditioned comes into direct contact with sprays or wet surfaces, or where the water is used as the direct or indirect cooling medium in coils. All compressor type refrigeration units having standard rated capacities in accordance with conditions given in Standard American Society of Refrigeration Engineers Testing and Rating Codes, of from 1 ½ to 10 tons may be equipped with water cooled condensersusing water from the municipal water supply; provided that not more than a total of 10 tons capacity so equipped may be installed in one air conditioning or refrigerating system; and that they do not require more than one gallon per minute of water per ton of capacity. Water shall be discharged into wastewater system and not back into the city water system. All compressor type refrigeration systems having standard rated capacities in accordance with conditions given in Standard American Society of Refrigeration Engineers Testing and Rating Codes, of 10 tons or over shall be equipped with evaporative condensers, evaporative coolers and condensers, water cooling towers, spray ponds or other water cooling equipment so that all water from the municipal water supply is used for make-up purposes only. 15 103 If other than compressor types of refrigeration units are used, the consumption of water from the municipal water supply shall be limited in amount to not more per ton of refrigeration produced that would be used by the compressor type described above. In no event shall this exceed one gallon per minute per ton of refrigeration. Failure to comply with the above regulations shall be sufficient cause to discontinue service. 114 ABANDONED WATER SERVICES All Discontinued or abandoned water services shall be shut off and disconnected at the main and the stop box shall be removed by a licensed plumber or licensed sewer installer at the expense of the property owner. A performance bond or deposit shall be furnished to Elk River Municipal Utilities to guarantee disconnection, before applicant can obtain a permit for moving or razing a structure. This will be returned as soon as service disconnection and stop box removal has been approved by Elk River Municipal Utilities. In the case where local unit of government will not issue a street disruption permit to allow the proper abandonment of water service, property owner shall pay Elk River Municipal Utilities the estimated costs to properly abandon water service along with GPS coordinates of the abandoned water stop. The Elk River Municipal Utilities will then assume all future liability to properly abandon water services and shall do so in case of service line leaks. Estimated cost shall be $2,500.00. If in the future the water service is reused, the Elk River Municipal Utilities will refund the initial paid amount to the property owner. In the event a service to be reused is not of proper materials per Section 104, a new service shall be installed by owner and old service shall be abandoned by Elk River Municipal Utilities. When a permit for moving or wrecking a house is granted, the City Building Department shall inform the applicant that a licensed plumber must shut off the water service at the main, an inspection must be made by Elk River Municipal Utilities before backfilling excavation; andthat a bond or deposit is required by the Utilities. The Elk River Municipal Utilities Office shall make out a repair order for the water foreman stating location and property owner and name of wrecker or mover. When the water is shut off, the water In a situation where a new service is installed and the old service isabandoned. The Elk River Municipal to proceed to have the old abandoned water service disconnected and plugged at the main. 16 104 WATER RULES 115 FROZEN SERVICES The Elk River Municipal Utilities policy for thawing frozen water services will be to inform the owner of the property, names of contractors that offer this type of service and their phone numbers. Elk River Municipal Utilities will notbe responsible for the frozen service, the thawing of the service, any consequential damage to customer property related to an effort to thaw their service, or any costs that are incurred. BASE CHARGE LIST Item #1 Frozen or Damaged Water Meters Replace with new water meter at customers expense (Current pricing as of January 1, 2007) 40.00 plus tax 70.00 plus tax $320.00 plus tax 1-570.00 plus tax Disc$740.00 plus tax $940.00 plus tax $1050.00 plus tax $1900.00 plus tax $860.00 plus tax 17 105 COMMISSIONPOLICY Section:Category: GovernanceDelegation to Management Policies Policy Reference:Policy Title: G.4eCore Customer Services PURPOSE: With this policy, the Commission sets forth its expectations for the General Manager concerning core customer services and related business opportunities. POLICY: The ERMU Commission expects the General Manager to ensure that customers receive safe, reliable, cost effective and quality long term electric and water utility servicesthat directly and mission as stated in the Organizational Core Purpose Policyand Mission StatementPolicy andwater services. Consistent with this general statement, the General Manager shall: 1.Identify and keep the Commission informed about the full range of business opportunities that are reasonably available to ERMU for the provision of its core customer services, bringing appropriate recommendations to the Commission for considerationand approval. 2.Keep him/herself and others in the organization informed about electricandwater services trends, technologies, and practicesthrough independent research, membership in appropriate organizations, and participation in appropriate industry workshops, seminars, and other similar opportunities. 3.Actively participate in relevant associations and advocacy groups,and stay informed about the national, regional, and state electric power and water supply markets, market participants, market management, and related legal and regulatory initiatives that may directly affect the interests of ERMU customers. Work to mitigate regulatory risks by acting on behalf of the interests of ERMU and its customers. ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1of2 106 ERMU Commission PolicyG.4e Core Customer Services ______________________________________________________________________________ 4.Maintain professional and productive relationships with utility service providers, regulators, professional experts and others with whom ERMU must collaborate to create and execute successful business opportunities. 5.Clearly articulate and consistently demonstrate a high value proposition for customers who 6.Establish core customer service standards for reliability, cost, quality, regulatory compliance, 7.overall performance and initiatives to improve those services. The General Manager is expected to look for and consider new business opportunities but shall not implement any new core customer services or pursue any related business opportunities withoutlegal authority andclear direction to do so from the Commission- approved ERMU Strategic Plan, Annual Business Plan or specific authorization of the Commission. POLICY HISTORY: AdoptedJuly 11, 2017 ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2of2 107 COMMISSIONPOLICY Section:Category: GovernanceDelegation to Management Policies Policy Reference:Policy Title: G.4e1Customer Accounts PURPOSE: With this policy, the Commission sets forth its expectations for the General Manager concerning customer accounts, responsible person(s), and application for services. POLICY: Consistentwith the Core Customer Services Policy, the ERMU Commission expects the General Manager to ensure that customers receive safe, reliable, cost effective and quality long term electric and water utility servicesthat directly and mission as stated in the Organizational Core PurposePolicyand Mission StatementPolicy. The ERMU Commission expects the General Manager toestablishprocesses,procedures,and management policywhich clearly define theterms for core customer servicesinsuch that customer serviceis provided atthe highest level possiblewhileconsidering all customers and customer classes, the short and long term health of theorganization,and thesafety of employees and the community. Consistent with this general statement, the General Manager shall: 1.Establish policy and procedures for the application of servicewhich: a.Designatethe person(s)responsiblefor the service. b.CollectSocial SecuritynumbersandDatesof Birthfor all personsresponsible for service, or in the case of acommercialcustomer, asigned guarantor form. c.Establisharequirement for any customers previously incurred obligations or delinquent billsto ERMU to be paid in full before a new service is provided. d.Establishthat in the case ofarental or lease space vacancy, that the accountresponsibility be designated to the buildingowner. e.Establishthat any person receivingservicefrom ERMU which has notapplied for service as required bypolicy,and complied with all applicable policies, shall be considered an ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1of3 108 ERMU CommissionPolicyG.4e1Customer Accounts ______________________________________________________________________________ unauthorized user of ERMU service and be subjectto penalty andimmediate disconnection without notice. f.Establish that those applying forservicefrom ERMU consent to reasonableaccess to all ERMU equipmentand metering located on customersproperty,and that failure to doso may result in disconnection of service. 2.Establish policy and proceduresfor billing due dates, payments, penalties,and delinquent noticeswhich specify the followingrequirements: a.With consideration for the ERMUbilling software abilities,andoperationallyconsistent forthe multi-cycle billing process withfour billing cycles,customers shall be billed one timeper month. Thedue date shall be clearly specified on the billsent to customers which shall be approximately 20 days after the billis generated. b.Provide and communicate the availabilityof multiple payment options, both physicaland electronic, for customers tosubmit payment. c.Bills are consideredlate the next business day following the due date.Reminder notices and notices of delinquency must be provided consistentwithapplicable law.A grace period of up to 6 days may apply. d.For accounts thatbecome delinquent, apenalty shall be appliedat the percentage identifiedin the Commission adopted Fee Schedule. e.Any check given in payment for services that is returnedby the bank marked Non- Sufficient Funds(NSF),will be subjecttoanNSF fee as identifiedin the Commission adopted Fee Schedule. f.Aftercontinued returnedpayments, ERMU reserves the right toprovide notificationto thecustomer that checks will no longer be accepted for payment on theiraccount.Ifa customercontinues tosubmit checks for paymentafternotification, they will be subject to an administrative fee as identifiedin the Commission adopted FeeSchedule. g.Consistent with the Customer Deposits Policy,customers shall be subject to additional deposit requirements after having late payments. h.Providetheoption for customers to opt out of automaticmeter reading, providedthe requesting customer would be responsible for 100% of the equipment costs and subject to amanual meter readingfee as identified in the Commission adopted FeeSchedule. i.Provide the optionfor budget payment plansallowing customers the convenienceof predicable monthly paymentswhile maintaining ERMUsabilityto minimize risk and recover costs andcustomer obligations. j.Provide reasonable and feasible deferredpayment programs forcustomers with legitimate financialdifficulty. k.Employ any and all reasonable methods for collecting unpaid accounts. 3.Establish policy and procedures for disconnection and reconnection of service: a.Establishapolicyfor authorized customers,whoare designated asaresponsible party for the account,to request disconnection. b.Establishapolicy for the disconnection of service with notice ofbut not limited to,the following:payment or obligationdelinquency,failureto applyfor service, violation of termsofservice agreement, violation of policy or rules, or failureto providereasonable access to equipment or metering. c.Establishapolicyfor communicating notice of disconnection of service. ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2of3 109 ERMU CommissionPolicyG.4e1Customer Accounts ______________________________________________________________________________ d.Establishapolicyfor the disconnection of service without notice for the following circumstances: unauthorized useof service;tampering with utility equipmentor metering;or conditions determinedto be hazardousto the customer, equipment, or to the public. e.Establishapolicy definingtheconditionsfor reconnection of service that include the following:customers placed on the disconnection list must paydisconnection/reconnection fee as identified in the Commission adopted Fee Schedule;customers who are in arrears before disconnectionshall be required to post an additional depositconsistent with the Deposit Policy;and all obligations must be made in full prior to reconnection.Payment of all amounts required for reconnection must be made in the office or online. Only cash, money order, or credit cards will be accepted. There will be no payments collected by field staff. f.Consistent with Minnesota Statutes Section 216B.097,regarding theCold Weather Rule, developapolicy addressing non-disconnection for customers meeting the qualification requirementsbetween October15 and April 15. g.Consistent with Minnesota StatutesSection 216B.0975,regarding Disconnection During Extreme Heat Conditions, developapolicy addressing non-disconnection for customers meeting the qualification requirements. 4.Establish policy and procedures forcustomer account disputes: a.Consistent with the Dispute Resolution Committee Charter Policy,provideanoptionfor acustomer appeal process through the Dispute Resolution Committeefor customer issues whereresolutionrequires action not authorized or delegated to management. POLICY HISTORY: ProposedMay 12,2020 ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 3of3 110 COMMISSIONPOLICY Section:Category: GovernanceDelegation to Management Policies Policy Reference:Policy Title: G.4e2ElectricServices PURPOSE: With this policy, the Commission sets forth its expectations for the General Manager concerning the provisions ofelectric serviceswithpractical safeguarding of persons, buildings and their contents from hazards arising from the use of electricity for light, heat, power, radio and television signaling, and other safeguards to life and property. POLICY: Consistentwith the Core Customer Services Policy, the ERMU Commission expects the General Manager to ensure that customers receive safe, reliable, cost effective and quality long term electric utility servicethat directly poseand mission as stated in the Organizational Core PurposePolicyand Mission StatementPolicy. The ERMU Commission expects the General Manager toestablishprocesses,procedures, and management policywhich clearly define theterms for providing electric service. Consistent with this general statement, the General Manager shall: 1.Establish policy and procedures forthe provisions ofelectric serviceswhichare compliant with applicable rules, regulations, standards, code,and lawincluding but not limited to the following: a.ERMU shall operateunder the NationalElectricalSafety Code(NESC). b.All connected electric loads shallbe required for their installation to comply withthe National ElectricalCode(NEC). 2.Establish metering policy and procedureswhichaddress, but are not limitedtothe following: a.Customers shall be furnishedoneservice entrance and one meter to measure energy consumptionand demand,unless otherwise approved by the General Manager. b.For residential customers, the meter shall be the point of sale (POS).All equipmentand materials requiredfor meteringshall be owned and maintained by ERMU. The customer ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1of2 111 ERMU Commission PolicyG.4e2ElectricServices ______________________________________________________________________________ shall be subject to all metering equipmentcosts as identified in the Commission adopted FeeSchedule. 3.Establish policy regarding the redistribution of energy consistent with the following: a.All energy sold by ERMUis to be used by the customer for the purposes designated or implied in the RatesScheduleapplicable to their installation. Energy so sold may not be resold or redistributed to other metered users unless specifically approved by the General Manager. 4.Establish policy and procedures forcustomer disputes: a.Consistent with the Dispute Resolution Committee Charter Policy,provideanoptionfor acustomer appeal process through the Dispute Resolution Committeefor customer issues whereresolutionrequires action not authorized or delegated to management. POLICY HISTORY: ProposedMay 12,2020 ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 2of2 112 COMMISSIONPOLICY Section:Category: GovernanceDelegation to Management Policies Policy Reference:Policy Title: G.4e3WaterServices PURPOSE: With this policy, the Commission sets forth its expectations for the General Manager concerning theprovision ofwaterserviceswithpractical safeguarding of persons, buildings and their contents from hazards arising from the use of water service. POLICY: Consistentwith the Core Customer Services Policy, the ERMU Commission expects the General Manager to ensure that customers receive safe, reliable, cost effective and quality long term waterutility servicethat directly and mission as stated in the Organizational Core PurposePolicyand Mission StatementPolicy. TheERMU Commission expects the General Manager toestablishprocesses,procedures, and management policywhich clearly define theterms for providingwaterservice. Consistent with this general statement, the General Manager shall: 1.Establish policy and procedures forthe provision ofwaterserviceswhichare compliant with applicable rules, regulations, standards, code,and lawincluding but not limited to the following: a.ERMU shall operatein compliancewith drinking water quality standards establishedby the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA)that are authorized through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). Additionally, ERMU shall operate in compliance with these drinking water quality standards consistent with theirinterpretation and enforcement by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). b.ERMUshall design and maintain thewater production and distribution system consistent with American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards. c.All connected water servicesshallbe required to comply withthe Minnesota Building Code and theMinnesota Plumbing Code as adopted intoordinanceby the council. ______________________________________________________________________________ Page 1of2 113 ERMU Commission PolicyG.4e3WaterServices ______________________________________________________________________________ d.ERMU shall require all new developmentconstruction design to have looped water mains;consistent with city ordinance, side lot easements shallbe required as needed. 2.Establish metering policy and procedureswhich address,but are not limited tothe following: a.Customers shall be allowed oneservice entrance and one meter to measure waterusage, unlessotherwise approved by the General Manager. b.All equipment andmaterialsrequiredfor meteringshall be owned and maintained by ERMU. The customershall be subject to all metering equipmentcosts as identified in the Commission adopted FeeSchedule. c.The customer shall own and be responsible for the entire water service line.Theservice line shall includethe piping extending from the water main in the street, including the corporation cock, to the meter within the building.The service line shall meet ERMU standards. 3.Establish policy regarding the redistribution of water consistent with the following: a.All water sold by ERMUis to be used by the customerfor the purposes designated or implied in the Rate Scheduleapplicable to their installation.Waterso sold may not be resold or redistributed to other metered users unless specificallyapproved by the General Manager. 4.Establish policy and procedures forcustomer disputes: a.Consistent with the Dispute Resolution CommitteeCharter Policy,provideanoptionfor acustomer appeal process through the Dispute Resolution Committeefor customerissues whereresolutionrequires action not authorized or delegated to management. 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