Electric Tariff Rules 15 and 16 - Electric Distribution Line Extensions and Service Line Extensions
Rule 15
Rule
15 is the tariff that governs the investor-owned electric utilities distribution
line extensions, which are extensions of the existing distribution lines from
the nearest permanent and available distribution facilities to commercial areas/neighborhoods.
Rule 15 specifically requires new distribution line extensions to be built
underground.
According to Rule 15 Section A.3.a, underground distribution line
extensions are required for all new:
(1) Residential Subdivisions (except as provided for in Section H),
(2) Residential Developments,
(3) Commercial Developments,
(4) Industrial Developments, and
(5)
Locations that are in proximity to and visible from designated Scenic Areas.
For
more information, see the Rule 15 Tariffs for PG&E, SCE
and SDG&E.
Rule 16
Rule 16 is
the electric utility tariff that outlines the rules and requirements for
service line extensions, which are lines that connects the distribution lines
to the customers’ electric meters. Service line extension are necessary to
provide utility service when new residential/commercial/industrial facilities are
constructed. Like Rule 15, Rule 16 also has an underground requirement for new
customer facilities. According to Rule 16.C.3.a, underground service
extensions:
(1) shall be installed where required
to comply with applicable tariff schedules, laws, ordinances, or similar
requirements of governmental authorities having jurisdiction, and
(2) may be necessary as determined
by the utility where [the] Applicant's load requires a separate transformer
installation of 75 kilovolt amperes (kVa) or greater
For
more information, see the Rule 16 Tariffs for PG&E, SCE
and SDG&E.
Exceptions to
Rules 15 and 16
Rule 15.H.1 details the types of locations in which the utility may
construct overhead electric distribution extensions. According to Rule 15.H.1,
“overhead extensions may be constructed in residential subdivisions or
developments only where either a. or b. below are found to exist:
a. The lots within the residential subdivision or development existed
as legally described parcels prior to May 5, 1970, and significant overhead
lines exist within the subdivision or development.
b. The minimum parcel size within the new residential subdivision or
real estate development, identifiable by a map filed with the local government
authority, is three (3) acres and [the] Applicant for the distribution line
extension shows that all of the following conditions exist:
1) Local ordinances do not
require underground construction.
2) Local ordinances or land
use policies do not permit further division of the parcels involved such that
parcel sizes less than three (3) acres could be formed.
3) Local ordinances or deed
restrictions do not allow more than one single-family dwelling or accommodation
on a parcel of less than three (3) acres, or any portion of a parcel of less
than three (3) acres.
4) Exceptional circumstances
do not exist which, in the utility’s opinion, warrant the installation of
underground distribution facilities.
Whenever the utility invokes this provision, the circumstances shall be
described promptly in a letter to the Commission, with a copy to Applicant for
the distribution line extension.
5) The utility does not
elect to install the distribution line extension underground for its operating
convenience. Whenever the utility elects
to install the extension underground for its operating convenience, the extra
cost compared with overhead shall be borne by the utility.
Rule 16.C.4 explains
that new overhead service extensions may be permitted only in instances where
Rule 16.C.3.a does not apply.