1.1
General Application Information
Each prospective customer desiring a new service, temporary service, or service upgrade, is required to fill out and sign an Electrical Service application and remit with an application fee. This completed application provides MVP with pertinent information needed to start the process for the customer’s request for service. A meter deposit may be required.
Each
prospective customer is required to sign an Electrical Service Contract
with MVP that specifies terms of service.
This contract establishes a billing account with MVP and becomes active
when MVP’s side of the service is completed.
Where the term “new service” is referred to in the Class
of Service
, it is the original
established date of a billing account.
No
purchaser of electric energy will connect their service with that of any other
person, or in any way resell, rebill or supply any other person or premises with
electric energy through their service.
All electrical service is subject to compliance with the most current National Electric Codes, National Electrical Safety Codes, State Building Codes , electric permits process, and the terms of the applicable rate schedule and policies. The prospective customer will obtain rights-of-way or easements applicable to a service request. A work order for new services and/or upgrades is issued when an application is received. If the customer takes no action on the work order for six (6) months, the work order will be cancelled and all fees paid by the customer will be forfeited.
It
is the customer’s responsibility to give notice prior to a change of occupancy
or change of legal responsibility for the account within ten (10) calendar days.
The customer of record will be held responsible for all services supplied
until such notice has been received by MVP.
The new occupant must sign an Electrical Service Contract
. This becomes the binding contract between the customer and
MVP.
Where
the term “demand” is used herein, or in the rate schedules, it refers to the
average energy consumption over any fifteen minute period, as indicated or
recorded by a demand meter. Demand
is measured in kilowatts.
1.2a
Residential
– This classification is available to customers with
single-phase electric service delivered through one meter to a single-family
residence including domestic farm use. This
class is limited to a maximum metered demand of 25 kW.
Residence is defined as a dwelling that has full time facilities i.e. full kitchen and bathroom facilities. This includes guest homes/cabins.
Residences
(excluding residences with domestic farm use) exceeding the allowable 25 kW
metered demand two (2) months out of twelve (12) consecutive months will be
reclassified to General Services with Demand
rate.
The
term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive
years. Cancellation of this
contract is described under 1.5.
1.2b General Services Without Demand – This classification is available to single or three-phase electric service with a maximum demand of 25 kilowatts, delivered through one meter. The maximum horsepower (hp) allowed is ten (10) hp.
Motors
larger than ten (10) horsepower may cause fluctuating voltage to other
customers’ service. In this
instance, MVP has the right to refuse service or require a service upgrade and
rate change.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive years. Cancellation of this contract is described under 1.5.
The use of this schedule is required for customers requesting a service in addition to their residential service, such as barns, wells, personal garage, etc.
1.2c General Services With Demand – This classification is available to single or three-phase service with a demand over 25 kilowatts, not to exceed 3,000 KW, delivered through one meter. If more than one meter is required by the customer’s installations, or for the customer’s convenience, a separate billing for each meter is required.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive years.
Cancellation
of this contract is described under 1.5.
A discount may be allowed if the customer takes delivery at primary distribution or transmission voltage at a location with adequate and suitable facilities for delivery.
1.2d Unmetered Services Using Kilowatt Hours (Unmetered services that do not fall under one of the existing rate schedules) - This classification is available for services using kilowatt hours without a meter registering actual usage. This rate class does not include Area Lights or Street Lights (which are in a separate class as defined within the Rate Schedule).
This rate class only applies to the unmetered services (excluding Area Lights or Street Lights) in existence before November 1, 2001. Upgrades or any changes to these existing services will require a metered service and a rate change.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive years.
Cancellation
of this contract is described under 1.5.
1.2e Large Commercial – This classification is available to three-phase electric service for all purposes that exceed 3,000 KW per month.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive years.
Cancellation
of this contract is described under 1.5.
A discount may be allowed if the customer takes delivery at primary distribution or transmission voltage at a location with adequate and suitable facilities for delivery. The utility will determine what qualifies for discounts.
1.2f Irrigation – This classification is available to customers with single or three-phase services used exclusively for irrigation pump motors and/or electrical drive systems (pivots) during the irrigation season (April 15 through October 15).
All motors will be equipped with power factor correction (want 100% power factor). The capacitors will be switched with the motor and installed in accordance with Article 460, NEC 1990.
All installations shall be equipped with low voltage lightning arrestors installed at the weatherhead of the service conduit, and in accordance with Article 280, NEC 1990.
All motors shall be protected on all three power legs.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than five (5) consecutive years.
Cancellation
of this contract is described under 1.5.
Customers guarantee payment of the annual horsepower (hp) charges for at least the first five (5) consecutive irrigation seasons, and when establishing new or additional pump locations.
This
annual charge shall be due and payable every year, whether the pump is used or
not, until the customer cancels their irrigation contract in writing and signs a
pump abandonment form
.
A new owner is required to sign a contract for the pump service. This will be a continuation of the established contract terms. In the event, a new owner fails to contact MVP and sign a contract right away, they are still liable to pay the seasonal horsepower charges that are owed from the date of the previous customer’s disconnect date.
In the event a pump service (including a pump house) has been damaged by Mother Nature, the seasonal minimum may be waived for one (1) irrigation season only.
At the close of the irrigation season the meter will be read and the service may be disconnected at the transformer. The total seasonal energy use will be computed and the bill is due and payable within twenty-two (22) calendar days after date of issue.
Off-Season Irrigation (after October 15) – Customers may request, in writing, no later than October 1, that their irrigation pump service be left on after the regular pumping season. If a request is received after October 1 and the pumps were disconnected, a $100.00 reconnect fee is required before re-energizing.
All three-phase pump services that serve a single-phase
load must have a 7-terminal meter base
.
All requests will be reviewed by MVP’s Operations Department to determine if the existing metering service meets the appropriate wiring and voltage requirements for usage other than irrigation.
Should the request to keep a pump service energized during the off season be accepted, and it is determined the anticipated load is less than 25 kW, the General Services Without Demand rate will apply. If the anticipated load is determined to be over 25 kW, the General Services With Demand will apply and a demand meter will be installed.
The irrigation service that is used after October 15th will be billed the monthly minimum charge for the applicable rate class for every month it is energized, plus the usage. The customer will receive one (1) bill for these services. The customer will receive monthly statements (only after Automated Meter Reading [AMR] is fully implemented) and be billed one (1) time for these services.
1.2g Area Lighting – This classification is available to customers who desire a lighting system not to exceed ten (10) units. There must also be existing secondary distribution facilities of adequate capacity and voltage available. A single transformer will not be installed to solely serve a single area light .
This service is not available for seasonal use.
Individual users of area lighting will be required to have an established billing account under one of MVP’s other rate schedules. The account must be active and have been billed “at least” the monthly minimum charges.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than three (3) consecutive years. Cancellation of this contract is described under 1.5.
The facilities required for supplying service, including fixture, lamps, control relay, support bracket for mounting on the utility pole, special pole where specified, and energy for the operation thereof, are supplied,
installed and maintained by MVP for the monthly charge applicable for installation.
In the event, continuous vandalism causes MVP to replace equipment more than two (2) times a year for the same area light , the customer will be required to pay the cost of the materials.
Special Conditions – If an area light location is more than 150 feet from the power source, the customer will be required to pay the incremental cost in excess of 150 feet.
1.2h Street Lighting Unmetered – This classification is available for lighting public right-of-way , and for customers desiring 10 or more lighting units.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than three (3) consecutive years.
Cancellation
of this contract is described under 1.5.
1.2i Street Lighting Metered – This classification is available for lighting public right-of-way , and for customers desiring 10 or more lighting units. MVP will supply power to a single metering point. The customer will be responsible for maintaining the lighting system beyond this point.
The term of contract for new services shall not be less than three (3) consecutive years.
1.3
Reclassification of Service
Reclassification requests must be made in writing and will be reviewed by MVP’s Engineering Department within ten (10) working days.
Should the request for rate change be accepted, a new electrical service contract must be signed and all rules and regulations regarding service agreements will apply. This becomes the binding contract between the customer and MVP.
1.3a Reclassification Requested by Customer – Reclassification of service may be requested by the customer. The following conditions will be considered:
1) The service has to meet the required criteria for the requested rate classification for any ten (10) out of twelve (12) consecutive months.
2) The term of the original contract has to be satisfied.
3) Buy out the contract by paying remaining value of the contract.
1.3b Reclassification at MVP’s Discretion – In the event a customer’s nature of service has changed sufficiently to require reclassification, MVP will notify the customer in writing. The following conditions will be considered:
1) Significant usage increase for any ten (10) months out of twelve (12) consecutive month period.
2) A demand meter installed and the recorded results are over 25 KW in a single month test period.
A new service contract will be provided and all rules and regulations regarding service contracts will apply.
1.4 Businesses Located in Residences
If a small business is conducted within the customer’s residence, the applicable rate schedule will be based on computed consumption determined by MVP’s Engineering Department. If the usage is 50% or more residential, the Residential Rate will apply. If the usage is less than 50% residential, the appropriate rate schedule will apply. The following conditions will be considered:
1) The horsepower size of all motors.
2) The total KW load and how it is used.
Each prospective customer is required to sign an Electrical Service Contract with MVP that specifies terms of service. This contract establishes a billing account with MVP.
If the contract is for a new service, the billing begins when Mission Valley Power has installed its line equipment regardless if the customer side is ready or not. The customer will be billed a minimum charge applicable to an assigned rate classification until a meter is installed. A signed contract is required to bill an account. A minimum number of months to pay the monthly minimum charge or the annual minimum charge is designated on the contract.
The persons whose signatures are on the contract are the only authorized persons who may inquire and receive detailed information on an account. If it is proven that the authorized person is unable to physically make the inquiry or if a valid subpoena is presented, information may be disclosed.
The utility may release “history usage” to others than those listed on the current contract of record if it is requested for comparison.
Payment arrangements on an account can be made only with those who have signed the contract.
In the event a contract has a customer name and a “c/o” name, both signatures must be on the contract. In such a case, both parties may have access to detailed account information upon request.
An owner that has multiple locations established and that have renters/lessees continually moving in and out, may provide MVP a written request to put a “c/o” name on a specific account. The owner must have an original contract signed for each account on file. Both parties may have access to detailed account information upon request.
A landowner/landlord is required to have a signed contract on file with an agreement stating whether or not to put the power back in their name when renters/lessees discontinue the service under their own name.
Where the term “new service” is used in the Classes of Service, it refers to the original established date of a billing account.
Contracts for corporations must have a legally authorized signature (CEO or President) and must include their corporate title.
1.5a
Cancellation of a New Contract
(five
years or less, three for area/street lights)
If a customer desires to discontinue service, they shall:
1) Provide written transfer of contract, to be approved by MVP, or
2) Buy out the contract by paying the remaining value of the contract amount.
3) Sign abandonment form if removing service.
1.5b Cancellation of a Continuing Contract (more than five years, three for area/street lights)
If a customer desires to discontinue service, they shall:
1) Notify MVP of request to disconnect and/or abandon service.
2) Make arrangement for final bill (address change, apply deposit , transfer to new account, etc.)
3) Sign abandonment form if removing service.
Cancellation of any contract has to be made by the authorized person(s) whose signature(s) appear on the most current contract on file. A landlord is not authorized to request a discontinuance of service if the account has a signed contract by a current renter or lessee. Exception to this would apply in the event a renter or lessee vacates a location without notice. In such a case, the power can be transferred to the owner or new lessee but not disconnected.
If a tenant has been evicted and the owner requests the power discontinued, the owner must provide MVP a copy of the eviction notice and must sign a statement releasing all liability from MVP. If the current contract has been signed by the landlord and the renter/lessee, then either party can request discontinuance of service .
In the event, a renter/lessee makes a request for discontinuance of service , MVP will notify the owner. MVP has the right to discontinue service and cancel a contract if an account is in a non-pay status.
MVP will use reasonable diligence to provide an adequate and uninterrupted supply of electrical energy at normal voltage, but if the supply is interrupted without notice for any cause, MVP will not be liable for personal injuries, losses or damages resulting therefrom, nor will such failure constitute a breach of agreement for services.
MVP will have the right to temporarily suspend service for the purpose of making repairs or improvements to the system, but in such cases, when practicable, notice will be given to the customers and every effort will be made to make interruptions as short as possible.
In the event that service is interrupted or not satisfactory, or any hazardous condition is known to exist, it will be the obligation of the customer to notify MVP.
Only MVP will perform all necessary routine maintenance and repair work during regular scheduled working hours. MVP will respond promptly, but in no circumstances, will be more than three (3) working days.
In the event of a service failure, the customer must attempt to determine if the failure is due to a fault in his or her own equipment. If the fault is found to be the customer's equipment, or if the customer's main breaker is in the off position, the customer will be responsible for the cost of a service call ($50 minimum).
Hours 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Actual Cost
(With $50.00 minimum)
Hours after 4:30 p.m. or weekends/holidays Actual
(With $200.00 minimum)
B. Meter test $50.00
(The fee will be refunded if analysis indicates problem with MVP equipment)
C. Connect or Transfer Fee $10.00
D. Late Fee $5.00/notice
F. Reconnect Fee – General:
After customer requests disconnect Varies
G. Service Fee – Non-payment:
Hours 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $50.00
Hours after 3:30 p.m. or weekends/holidays $200.00
H. Reconnect Fee – Irrigation-Non-payment:
Estimated energy charge (penalty) $22.50/HP
Plus $100.00
I. Dishonored Checks $25.00
J. Application (minimum) Fee $75.00
K. Temporary Construction (minimum) Service Fee, non-refundable $150.00
1.8a Service Call – When a service call or an underground locate is requested by a customer, and it is not a MVP service problem or MVP underground conductor, a charge is assessed. If either of these is requested by a customer outside of regular working hours for a non-MVP service problem, the minimum charge is $200.00. During working hours, the minimum charge is $50.00.
1.8b Meter Test – When a meter test is requested by the customer, MVP will analyze the customer’s actual usage and billing information prior to authorizing a test. A $50.00 test fee will be collected from the customer prior to the actual test.
Upon receipt of this fee, a test meter will be installed next to the meter in question within seven (7) working days. The reading from both meters, the time and the date will be documented. The standard test will last 7-10 days and the reading from both meters; the time and the date will be documented.
Should the register be within the allowable 2%, plus or minus, the test fee will be forfeited.
If the reading of the meter registers higher or lower than the allowable 2% margin of the meter in question, the test fee may be refunded or credited to the account. MVP will make an adjustment to the billing based on estimated usage for a period not exceeding six (6) months or the current occupancy time, whichever is less.
1.8c Connect or Transfer Fee – A general connect/transfer fee is collected for a service connection, or the transfer of the billing name of a location.
The $10.00 connect or transfer fee will be included in the first month’s billing.
An
owner of record will be charged the connect or transfer fee one (1) time per
location.
1.8d Late Fee - An account that is not paid within two (2) working days of the due date and/or a payment agreement has not been made, will be assessed a $5.00 late fee.
1.8e Service Fee - A $30.00 service fee will be billed to the account when no payment or payment agreement is made after the late fee notice due date, and collection process has started.
1.8f Reconnect Fee – General – A general reconnect fee is required prior to re-energizing an existing service. This fee is the current monthly minimum charge applicable to the Class of Service times the number of months disconnected, one (1) year maximum, plus the $10.00 connect fee. Owners/managers are responsible to pay the back minimum charges when the power has been off between renters. This reconnect fee also applies to immediate members of the same family residing at the same location.
Reconnections will be made within seven (7) regularly scheduled working days, providing the customer has met all the necessary requirements for the taking of service (contracts, deposits, fees, outstanding previous power bills).
1.8g Reconnect Fee –Non-payment – Customers will be disconnected for non-payment only after all reasonable alternatives have been exhausted.
1.8h Reconnect Fee – Irrigation Accounts disconnected for non-payment require full payment of any outstanding bills, the estimated energy charge for the coming season (based on $22.50/hp), the annual horsepower charge, and a $100.00 connect fee prior to re-energizing the service.
1.8i Dishonored Checks – Any person from whom a dishonored check is received will be assessed a twenty-five dollar ($25.00) handling fee. The individual will be notified of the dishonored check. The check must be redeemed at a MVP office in cash, money order, certified check, or cashier’s check within five (5) working days of notice. Payment must include the handling fee. Upon redemption, the dishonored check will be returned. If the check is not redeemed within five (5) working days, the service may be discontinued without further notice to the customer.
1.8j Application Fee – A minimum non-refundable fee of $75.00 is required for new line extension requests. This does not apply to a single area light application . If assistance exceeds one meter location, or involves significant engineering time, this fee may be adjusted accordingly.
1.8k
Temporary Construction
Service Fee
- A non-refundable fee of $150.00 is required at the time of application
. This fee covers the cost of installation and removal.
Temporary
service is normally rendered for construction purposes, but may also be rendered
to traveling shows, public events, displays, etc. where there are existing
facilities, sufficient capacity, and suitable phase and voltages, service may be
provided at applicable rates if there is:
1)
provision
by the customer of suitable approved meter pole
or other structure
with entrance conduit, meter socket, and suitable
protective devices; and
2)
payment, at
the time of application
, by the customer of
$150.00
temporary non-refundable fee, or the actual cost of installation
and
removal, whichever is greater.
In
cases where higher voltage is necessary or where the point of delivery is remote
from MVP’s existing systems, the customer may obtain service by:
1)
payment to
MVP, prior to construction, an amount equal to the estimated cost
of installing and removing the facilities, including
overhead costs (up and
down costs) plus loss of material.
After completion of the work, the customer’s payment will be actual
costs; or,
2)
MVP may
contract to furnish the facilities for a fixed price agreed upon in
advance of construction. MVP may require appropriate guarantees or deposits to assure
that the financial obligations of the customer will be met.
If a deposit was not collected at the time of application , a request for deposit can be made at any time if payment problems occur.
A deposit is required to be paid in full before an account can be connected under the name of an individual that has no established credit, who cannot provide a good credit reference from a previous electric utility within the last twelve (12) months, or who does not have a co-signer that currently has an account with MVP and has good credit history.
In the event a customer is requesting service with MVP who has a previous unpaid balance, the unpaid amount must be paid prior to service and a deposit is required regardless of a recent good credit reference. If the customer keeps their bill current for twelve (12) consecutive months, the deposit will automatically be credited to their account.
If
a deposit
was not collected at the time of application
, or if an account
becomes delinquent with two (2) months past due bills, a deposit equal to all
due amounts can be requested.
If the landlord of a residence consents to have the account remain in his/her name, this is an agreement that the landlord will be responsible for any and all amounts charged to the account and there will not be a deposit assessed on the renter. The landlord must have an acceptable credit standing and a service contract with MVP that includes the rental dwelling(s).
If the deposit is for a service without established usage, a deposit of $150.00 will be required if electric heat is used and $75.00 deposit if heating with other than electric.
All deposits will be held for twelve (12) months, and if no delinquency occurs during that time, it will be applied as a credit to the account. In some cases and if approved by Customer Service, a refund may be allowed upon personal request from the customer, or if a customer is not transferring to another location in MVP’s service area.
In the event an account has a deposit and the customer is transferring to another service location within MVP’s service area, the deposit will automatically be transferred to the new location.
1.10
Establishing Credit References