20240918Answer to Complaint.pdf

1221 W. Idaho St (83702) 
P.O. Box 70 
Boise, ID 83707
LISA D. NORDSTROM
Lead Counsel
[e-mail]
September 18, 2024
VIA ELECTRONIC FILING
Commission Secretary
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
11331 W. Chinden Blvd., Bldg 8,
Suite 201-A (83714)
PO Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720-0074
Re: Case No. IPC-E-24-34
Jim Naumann vs. Idaho Power Company
Dear Commission Secretary:
Attached for electronic filing, please find Idaho Power Company’s Answer in the
above-entitled matter.
If you have any questions about the attached filing, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
Very truly yours,
Lisa D. Nordstrom
LDN:sg
Enclosures
' HIDAHO POWER .
RECEIVED
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
IDAHO PUBLIC
UTILITIES COMMISSION
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 1
LISA D. NORDSTROM (ISB No. 5733)
MEGAN GOICOECHEA ALLEN (ISB No. 7623)
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street (83702)
P.O. Box 70
Boise, Idaho 83707
Telephone: [phone]
Facsimile: [phone]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Attorneys for Idaho Power Company

BEFORE THE IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Jim Naumann

Complainant,

vs.

Idaho Power Company,

Respondent.
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Case No. IPC-E-24-34

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S
ANSWER

COMES NOW, Idaho Power Company (“Respondent”, “Idaho Power” or
“Company”), and pursuant to Procedural Rule 57, now answers the Summons of the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission (“Commission”) dated August 28, 2024, concerning the
formal Complaint (“Complaint”) of Jim Naumann (“Complainant”).
I. REGULATORY AND FACTUAL BACKGROUND
1. This case arises out of a dispute between Idaho Power and Mr. Naumann
regarding his compliance with Idaho Power’s Rule H, New Service Attachments and
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 2
Distribution Line Installations or Alterations (“Rule H”).1 More specifically, the dispute in
this case relates to the standards that Idaho Power has established for customer-
constructed underground service line extensions to residential meters. Underground
service includes trenching, installing conduit, backfilling, and pushing cable to attach to
the meter.
2. Prior to 1992, Idaho Power’s line extension rules provided that the Company
would install underground service cable to residential meters. In 1992, in response to
requests from homebuilders, the Company agreed to change its line extension practices
allowing homebuilders and their subcontractors to perform certain underground service
facility installations so long as they met specifications established by Idaho Power. These
specifications are published in a document titled Customer Requirements for Electric
Service (“the Document” or “construction standards”) and is available on Idaho Power’s
website2. The Document has been published since 1993 with the most recent version
published in March 2024. For the convenience of the Commission’s review, a copy of the
applicable Document is enclosed as Attachment No. 1. The pertinent portions of the
Document are found on pages 7, 12, 14, 22, 43, 44, 48 of 59 of Attachment No. 1.
3. In accordance with Sections 2.l. and 4.b.i. of Idaho Power’s Rule H, an
Applicant can provide trench and conduit for an underground service attachment. This
section of Rule H, commonly referred to as “customer provided trench and conduit,”
substantially reduces the amount Idaho Power charges for an underground line

1 I.P.U.C. No. 30, Tariff No. 101, Original Sheet No. H-6 and First Revised Tariff Sheet No. H-7.

2 The Document can be found on Idaho Power’s website at
https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/ServiceBilling/customerservice/newConstruction/CustomerServiceRequ
irements.pdf (accessed September 17, 2024).
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 3
extension, as the customer is taking responsibility for completing and funding the
trenching and installation of the conduit. As previously noted, Applicants are eligible for
the customer provided trench and conduit option if they comply with construction
specifications established by Idaho Power. As referenced in the Document, for customers
that have chosen this option for suitable3 projects, detailed requirements for installation
and service as well as design limitations are published in a brochure entitled Underground
Residential Conduit (‘the Brochure”), which is available on Idaho Power’s website.4 As
with the Document, the Brochure has been published since 1993.5 The version of the
Brochure that was in effect when Mr. Naumann elected to proceed under the customer
provided trench and conduit option was published in November 2023. For the
convenience of the Commission’s review, a copy of the applicable Brochure is enclosed
as Attachment No. 2. Pages 1 through 5 of 13 of Attachment No. 2 contain the pertinent
provisions of the Brochure.
II. FACTS OF THIS CASE
4. Idaho Power installed direct buried cable to the lot at 110 Larkspur Road in
Hailey, Idaho in 1982 – a common industry installation practice at that time. The
Company has provided electrical service to the residence at 110 Larkspur Rd. Hailey,
Idaho, since June 1999.

3 Per Section 2.l. of Rule H, the customer provided trench digging and backfill option is allowed at the
Company’s discretion.

4 The Brochure can be found on Idaho Power’s website at
https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/ServiceBilling/customerservice/newConstruction/UGResConduitInstall.
pdf (accessed September 17, 2024).

5 While the Document sets forth requirements and information applicable to all services, the Brochure
provides additional detail, requirements, and guidance specific to installation of underground residential
conduit.
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 4
5. On May 21, 2024, Commission Staff contacted Idaho Power with an open
inquiry from a letter received6 from the Complainant enclosed as Attachment No. 3
questioning the service upgrade required by Idaho Power due to the Complainant’s
garage addition, claiming that the work and costs were unnecessary, and the
Complainant was not informed of the required new lines until the project was almost
completed. Idaho Power provided a response to the Commission on May 31, 2024,
describing the circumstances underlying Mr. Naumann’s Complaint, which are also
summarized below.
6. Idaho Power had first become aware of Mr. Naumann’s garage addition two
weeks earlier on May 7, 2024, when electrician Ricky Ward called Idaho Power to request
a disconnect and reconnect. Although Idaho Power requests that customers contact
Idaho Power’s Customer Care Team before beginning work on a new service or modifying
existing service,7 the Company does not have record of Mr. Naumann calling Idaho Power
prior to the addition being built to request service or inquire about work that may be
needed to accommodate his project. The Company has only communicated with the
customer’s agent/electrician, Mr. Ward.
7. During Mr. Ward’s May 7th communication, the Idaho Power Service
Specialist asked about the work being done, and Mr. Ward explained that he was
relocating the meter base to an outside wall of the garage due to an addition that was
already built over the existing underground service at 110 Larkspur Road in
Hailey. When the Idaho Power Service Specialist asked if the service was in conduit,

6 Although dated “June 15, 2024”, Idaho Power believes the date on the letter addressed to state and
local officials was in error given the envelope’s May 16, 2024, postmark.

7 The Document (Attachment No. 1) at 7 and the Brochure (Attachment No. 2) at 1.
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 5
Mr. Ward indicated that he believed it was direct buried though he was not certain. The
Idaho Power Service Specialist suggested that Mr. Ward recommend to Mr. Naumann
that installation of a new underground service in conduit would be needed based on the
information Mr. Ward provided over the phone. This is because once the existing service
is exposed at the edge of the new foundation and pulled back, there would not be enough
cable to reach the new meter base without splicing, which could then compromise the
integrity of the wire. Mr. Ward was advised that an Idaho Power field employee would be
scheduled to visit the site to assess the project’s requirements.
8. The following day, on May 8, 2024, an Idaho Power field employee visited
the site. During that visit, the employee confirmed that as a result of the garage addition,
the customer’s meter was now located inside the garage and needed to be moved to an
outside wall, which was the work to be performed by Mr. Ward. The Idaho Power field
employee observed that the concrete pad and footings had already been poured over the
direct buried cable, making it impossible for Idaho Power to pull the cable back to reach
the new meter base location. Moreover, the direct buried cable had not been upgraded
to conduit as required by Idaho Power’s construction standards. Not only is the customer
required to relocate the meter outside the garage, which Mr. Naumann apparently
understood, but he is also responsible for any service upgrades to bring customer-owned
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 6
equipment into current compliance with the National Electric Code (“NEC”)8 and Idaho
Power’s current construction standards9, which were communicated with the customer’s
electrician at this time. Idaho Power’s field employee was familiar with Mr. Ward, who is
an electrician that has worked in the Wood River Valley for numerous years. The field
employee told Mr. Ward the service would have to be upgraded and installed in conduit.
9. As permitted at the Company’s discretion by Rule H Sections 2.l. and 4.b.i,
the customer then dug his own service trench and installed 3-inch conduit. On May 23,
2024, an Idaho Power field employee performed a trench inspection resulting in a
successful inspection indicative of compliance with Company requirements and
proceeded to have the services scheduled to be pushed through the customer installed
conduit on May 28, 2024.
10. On May 28, 2024, the customer’s new meter base was re-located to the
outside of the new addition by the electrician, and Idaho Power then installed 166 feet of
new service, which was billed to the customer in the amount of $838.74. Idaho Power
abandoned10 the original service that was now located under the concrete of the garage

8 The National Electric Code is applicable from the service point throughout the building. NEC 230.50
Protection Against Physical Damage (“(A) Underground service-entrance conductors shall be protected
against physical damage in accordance with 300.5.”); NEC 300.5 Underground Installations “(C)
Underground cable and conductors installed under a building shall be in a raceway.”); and NEC 230.32
Protection Against Damage (“Underground service conductors shall be protected against damage in
accordance with 300.5. Service conductors entering a building or other structure shall be installed in
accordance with 230.6 or protected by a raceway wiring method identified in 230.46.”).

9 Page 7 of the Document which can be found on Idaho Power’s website at
https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/ServiceBilling/customerservice/newConstruction/CustomerServiceRequ
irements.pdf (accessed September 17, 2024).

10 NESC 351.C.2: “Cable should not be installed directly under the foundations of buildings or other
structures, such as above ground swimming pools, tanks, toolsheds, etc. Where a cable must be
installed under such a structure, the foundation should be suitably supported to limit the likelihood of
transfer of a detrimental load onto the cable.”

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 7
addition on the customer side of the relocated meter. Residential installation costs are
available on the Company’s website.11 This amount was assessed by the Company
based on the distribution line alteration fees in accordance with Rule H. Though such fees
are typically applicable when the Company receives a request for such work, neither the
Complainant nor his agent Mr. Ward requested a cost estimate or quote at any time or
advised Idaho Power of the work in advance.
11. The Company is aware that the Complainant sent another letter to the
Commission responding to Idaho Power’s reply to Commission Staff, which was received
on or about June 12, 2024, and is enclosed as Attachment No. 4. In that correspondence,
the Complainant claims “the new meter was moved 35 inches closer to the transformer
requiring a shorter line and no splice. The existing line was in conduit and not impacted
by concrete.”
12. On July 1, 2024, Idaho Power addressed the Complainant’s allegations by
providing Staff with photos taken in the field on May 23, 2024, which depict the direct
buried cable that existed prior to any upgrades Idaho Power facilitated as well as the pre-
existing meter base located inside the addition enclosed as Attachment No. 5. The photos
demonstrate that the concrete pad was poured over direct buried electrical cable
(identified by the number “4” in the attachment) in variance with Idaho Power’s
construction standards pursuant to which the direct buried cable should have been
upgraded to conduit. In addition, the existing direct buried cable did not have sufficient

11 Residential Installation Costs can be viewed online at
https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/ServiceBilling/customerservice/newConstruction/IdahoCostInfo.pdf
(accessed September 17, 2024).
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 8
length to reach up into the meter base, an issue that could not be easily remedied
because the concrete pad and footings had already been poured.
13. On or about August 14, 2024, the Complainant initiated a formal Complaint
with the Commission. Following Staff’s decision memo dated August 28, 2024, a
Summons was issued to Idaho Power Company directing it to respond within 21 days of
the service date.
III. ANSWER
14. Mr. Naumann did not make numbered allegations in his formal complaint,
but instead made general allegations in a narrative format. Consequently, Idaho Power
generally denies the Complainant’s allegations.
15. In the Company’s view, the Complaint directly or indirectly raises three
issues: whether the Complainant had access to Idaho Power’s construction standards for
customer-driven projects; whether Idaho Power’s relevant construction standards are
reasonable; and whether Idaho Power is responsible for alleged damage to Mr.
Naumann’s sprinklers and landscaping. According to the Complaint, “[t]he outcome
should be financial compensation from Idaho Power for the for the [sic] unneeded work
and cost due to Idaho Power” in an unspecified amount of more than $10,000.12
16. As detailed below, Idaho Power acted in accordance with its Commission-
approved Rule C (Service and Limitations) and Rule H (New Service attachments and
Distribution Line Installations or Alterations) contained in Idaho Power’s tariff, containing

12 Naumann Formal Complaint file stamped August 14, 2024.

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 9
the requirement that customers adhere to the Company’s construction standards.13 The
Company denies that it damaged a portion of Mr. Naumann’s sprinkler system or an “8 x
100 maintained area of old sage that is irreplaceable.”14
A. Idaho Power’s Customer Service Personnel and Construction
Standards Are Readily Available.

17. Idaho Power’s Customer Service Center is staffed with employees ready to
assist customers with issues related to their electric service. The hours of operation are
Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. MST and employees are available for
outages and emergencies 24/7.
18. As discussed in greater detail below, customers are advised of Idaho
Power’s construction standards when they contact the Company with customer-driven
projects. As shown in Figure 1, these are published on Idaho Power’s website and easily
found under “Accounts and Service,” “Construction and Remodeling,” and “Installing New
Service.” 15 Idaho Power also provides customers with copies in person or via email during
the design process for customer-driven projects. Additionally, requirements are also
available for customers that are looking to change their existing electrical service.16

13 I.P.U.C. No. 30, Tariff No. 101, Original Sheet No. C-1 Section 2 “…The Company will not be obligated
to construct extensions or install additional service facilities except in accordance with Rule H and to the
Company’s construction standards…”

14 Naumann Formal Complaint file stamped August 14, 2024.

15 Figure 1 can be accessed on Idaho Power’s website at https://idahopower.com/accounts-
service/construction-remodeling/installing-new-service/residential-overheadunderground/ (accessed
September 17, 2024).

16 Changing an Existing Electrical Service can be accessed on Idaho Power’s website at
https://docs.idahopower.com/pdfs/ServiceBilling/customerservice/newConstruction/changingExistingservi
ce.pdf (accessed September 17, 2024).
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 10
Figure 1: Idaho Power Residential Service Requirements Website

19. Idaho Power was not provided with advance notice of the Complainant’s
garage addition project that necessitated the installation of new service in a different
location on the same property. Rather, Idaho Power was contacted late in the project
when Mr. Naumann’s electrician/agent called seeking a service disconnect/reconnect on
May 7, 2024, at which point the Company advised of its construction standards. Idaho
Power understands that Mr. Ward is a local electrician that has operated in the Wood
River Valley for several years and therefore should have been aware generally of the
Company’s process and construction requirements for electric service, or at the very
least, how to obtain or verify those requirements. It is Idaho Power’s impression that
experienced service professionals operating in its service area are generally familiar with
this information, belying Complainant’s suggestion to the contrary.17
20. Unfortunately, due to the Complainant’s failure to timely notify Idaho Power
of his project, the Company did not have an opportunity to advise or educate Mr.
Naumann or his agent of its line extension requirements in advance; as more fully

17 Naumann Formal Complaint file stamped August 14, 2024 (“Neither the architect or contract, both very
experienced people, were aware of this requirement until the project was almost complete.”).
Resident ia l: Overhead/Underground
Home , Accounts and Serv ice , Construction and Remode ling , Insta lling New Serv ice , Residentia l: Overhead /Underground
Resi dential:
Ove rhead /Unde rground
Commerc ial or Irr igation
Over head /Undergro und
Ways To Pay: Cons rue ion
The following documents exp lain elect rica l serv ice requ iremen t s fo r res ident ial customers .
IZl ew Res iden t ial Se rvice
IZl Customer Requ iremen t s for Elect rica l Service
IZl Unde rground Res ident ial Cond uit Ins t allati on Requ iremen t s
IZl Idaho Cost Information
IZl Oregon Cost Informa t ion
IZl Tempo rary App rova l for Sing le-phase 400-amp Meter Bases
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 11
explained above, Idaho Power was only contacted by the Complainant’s electrician/agent
after his garage addition was already constructed, and the Company has never
communicated directly with Mr. Naumann concerning the issues described in his
Complaint.
B. Construction Standards are Reasonably Necessary for Reliability and
Safety.

21. Underground cables are subject to environments that alternate between wet
and dry; they must endure electrical stresses, voltage transients, lightning, and soil
contaminants. They also risk physical damage during shipping, handling, and installation,
as well as shovel nicks, gophers, etc.
22. Electrical conduit is a tube or pipe that surrounds the underground cable
and protects it from corrosive soil, rocks, roots, and other underground hazards. The use
of conduit protects the cable, increasing reliability and extending cable life compared to
direct buried installations. Installing cable in conduit allows for future replacement of the
cable without having to excavate, resulting in faster restoration at a lower cost in the event
of a cable failure without further disruption to landscape or hardscape.
23. In the late 1960s, utilities across the country began putting power services
underground instead of overhead. At the time the underground services were installed
to provide electricity to the lot where Mr. Naumann resides, it was common practice to
“direct bury” the service cable, which had a 30-year life expectancy. Industry standards
have since changed due to safety and reliability concerns with direct buried cable. Older
underground cables without conduit are more susceptible to outages and power quality
problems. In the 1990s, plastics, synthetic polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”) polymers, and other
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 12
materials became more advanced -- improving conduits that hold underground cables
and making them easier to use.
24. In 1990, Idaho Power started requiring all newly installed underground cable
to be in conduit as its construction standard. In 2012, the Company began its service
area-wide Underground Cable Replacement (“UGCR”) project to improve reliability and
power quality by replacing more than 7,000,000 feet of power lines buried in the dirt
directly with more modern, reliable lines by 2035.18 When underground lines are buried
in conduit, it provides easier access for maintenance and repair. Additionally,
underground lines buried in conduit enhance safety from contact with electric current for
the public, contractors, and Idaho Power employees who may be digging or working near
Idaho Power underground facilities.
25. Idaho Power’s construction standards were developed and are updated in
conformance with the National Electric Safety Code (“NESC”) applicable from the bulk
electrical system to the service point (usually the customer’s meter).19 The NESC is a
U.S. safety standard for the proper and safe installation, operation and maintenance of
electric power utilities, substations, and powerlines. It is intended to protect both utility
workers and the public. The Commission adopted the NESC and requires all electrical
and communication facilities subject to its jurisdiction to abide by its applicable
provisions.20

18 Information about Idaho Power’s underground cable replacement project can be viewed online at
https://idahopower.com/energy-environment/energy/planning-and-electrical-projects/current-
projects/underground-cable-replacement-project/ (accessed September 17, 2024).

19 By contrast, the National Electric Code applies from the service point throughout the building.

20 IDAPA 31.11.01.101, Safety and Accident Reporting Rule 101, Order Nos. 35095 and 35474.

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 13
26. The Company is obligated to provide safe and low-cost electric service to
all customers and, to this end, has established construction standards including requiring
that conduit be installed for enhanced reliability and safety. Section 2 of Rule C21, Service
and Limitations, expressly applies Idaho Power’s construction standards to its supply of
service to customers. It states, “The Company is not obligated to construct extensions or
install additional service facilities except in accordance with Rule H and to the Company’s
construction standards.” Idaho Power’s requirement for Complainant to upgrade the
direct buried cable to conduit was both reasonable and consistent with this provision of
Idaho Power’s tariff, as well as industry standards and best practices.
C. Idaho Power Did Not Damage Complainant’s Landscaping.
27. As a utility regulated by the Commission that is statutorily required to
provide non-discriminatory treatment to its customers, Idaho Power does not pay claims
absent justification and full documentation that Idaho Power acted negligently to keep its
electric service as affordable as possible for all customers.
28. Mr. Naumann and his agent(s) elected to perform the trenching and conduit
themselves; Idaho Power did not dig into the ground when it pulled the electrical wire
through the customer-provided conduit in the open trench. Had Idaho Power been asked
for other trench options, customer-funded alternatives like directional boring or trenching
that circumvented the sage or sprinklers could have been explored.
29. Mr. Naumann’s customer-provided trenching transverses the shortest
distance between the meter and the transformer and was done in the same location as
the existing direct buried line. Any perceived harm to his sprinklers and vegetation

21 I.P.U.C. No. 30, Tariff No. 101, Original Sheet No. C-1 Section 2.
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 14
resulted from the actions of his contractor or agent(s) who performed the trenching under
the customer-provided trenching option. Although Idaho Power repairs landscaping back
to its original state for work it performs as part of Company-driven projects, customers
are responsible for restoring or replacing their own landscaping for customer-driven
projects, either directly or through assessment by the Company of an “unusual conditions”
charge22 used to pay for a landscaper. Idaho Power believes this business practice is
necessary to avoid socializing costs for customer-driven projects to other customers that
do not benefit from them.
IV. AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSES
30. Jim Naumann’s Complaint, and all allegations and requests for relief
therein, fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted.
A. The Complaint Raises Issues Beyond the Commission’s Jurisdiction
and Thus is Procedurally Insufficient.

31. The Commission is an agency of limited jurisdiction and may only exercise
the authority delegated to it by the legislature. Washington Water Power v. Kootenai
Environmental Alliance, 99 Idaho 875, 591 P.2d 122 (1979). The legislature has
delegated to the Commission responsibility to regulate certain relationships between
utilities and their customers, including by setting service rates, charges, and terms of
service pursuant to Idaho Code §§ 61-501, 502, 61-503, 61-507, and 61-612.
32. Idaho Code § 61-612 gives the Commission the authority to determine the
merits of any complaint “setting forth any act or thing done or omitted to be done by any
public utility including any rule, regulation or charge heretofore established or fixed by or

22 I.P.U.C. No. 30, Tariff No. 101, First Revised Sheet No. H-10 6.i.
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 15
for any public utility, in violation, or claimed to be in violation of any provision of any order
or rule of the commission[.]”
33. Commission Rule of Procedure 54 sets forth the process for bringing formal
complaints against a public utility and specifies that complaints must be in writing and
contain certain information including, in pertinent part, reference “to the specific provision
of statute, rule, order, notice, tariff, or other controlling law” that the utility allegedly
violated.23 Rule 65 provides that insufficient or defective filings may be dismissed.24
34. Mr. Naumann’s Complaint sets forth factual allegations in narrative format
but does not indicate how the Complainant believes such circumstances constitute a
violation of the Commission’s rules or laws. This failure to specific provisions of statute,
rule, order, notice, tariff, or other controlling law that the Company allegedly violated is
contrary to the requirements by Rule of Procedure 54.03.
35. Moreover, the Complainant does not present a claim that the Commission
is empowered to remedy. As a regulatory Commission, it has no authority to award
damages except as given to it by statute.25 “Although the Commission is often described
as a quasi-judicial agency, the Commission is not a judicial court. Thus, persons injured
by public utilities have recourse through the courts.”26 Damage claims for injury to

23 IDAPA 31.01.01.054.03.

24 IDAPA 31.01.01.065.

25 See Grace Joint Sch. Dist. No. 148, Complainant, No. QWET1004, 2010 WL 2235243, at *3 (June 3,
2010) (“Since the Commission’s inception in 1913, it has not been authorized to award damages under
the Public Utilities Act.”)

26 Id. To this point, Idaho Code § 61-702 provides that “any corporation or person” injured by the conduct
of a public utility may file an “action to recover such loss, damage or injury ... in any court of
competent jurisdiction....”.

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 16
personal property are tort matters that do not raise a utility customer issue within the
Commission’s jurisdiction.27
36. Although the Complaint fails to state a claim against Idaho Power upon
which relief can be granted in this forum, this does not preclude the Complainant from
enforcing any legal rights it may have against its agents or contractors to the extent
Complainant may have been harmed.
37. Because the Complaint fails to satisfy Commission rules and seeks relief
that the Commission is not authorized to provide, the Company believes the Complaint
fails on procedural grounds and should be dismissed on that basis. Notwithstanding, as
set forth more fully below, the Company also affirmatively avers that it acted in conformity
with regulatory requirements and consistent with its normal practices in relation to Mr.
Naumann’s claim.
B. Idaho Power Complied with the Commission-Approved Provisions of
Rules C and H.

38. Idaho Power is required to follow the Commission’s prior orders as well as
the utility tariff on file with the Commission. This concept, known as the “filed rate
doctrine,” is a basic principle of utility regulation that states that a utility may charge only
the approved rates and charges it has on file with its regulatory body.
39. Together, Idaho Code §§ 61-313 and 61-315 codify the concepts that make
up the filed rate doctrine for the State of Idaho. Idaho Code § 61-313 provides, in pertinent

27 City of Spencer, Complainant v. PacifiCorp DBA Utah Power & Light Company, Respondent, Case No,
UPL-E-91-05, Order No. 24114 (January 1992); Pamela and Scott Bowers, Complainants v. Idaho Power
Company, Respondent, Case No. IPC-E-07-14, Order No. 30615 at 6 (August 7, 2008); Grace Joint
School District No. 148, Complainant v. Qwest Corporation, Respondent, Case No. QWE-T-10-04, Order
No. 31099 (June 3, 2010); ln the Matter of Idaho Power Company's Petition for a Declaratory Ruling
Regarding its Rights and Obligations under Schedule 15, Case No. IPC-E-14-10, Order No. 33065 at 2
(June 27, 2014); Paul Madalena, Complainant v. Idaho Power Company, Respondent, Case No. IPC-E-
24-03, Order No. 36173 (May 14, 2024).
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 17
part, that no refund or remit of any rates or charges may be made, and no contract or
agreement extended except as specified by tariff and as are regularly and uniformly
extended to all corporations or persons. Similarly, Idaho Code § 61-315 codifies the
concept of non-discriminatory service and prohibits a utility from giving preferential
treatment to any customer or customer class over another. Thus, Idaho Power cannot
lawfully pay for Mr. Naumann’s expenses because Idaho Power does not pay for
landscaping repair of customer-driven Rule H projects for other similarly situated
customers.
40. The Company contends that in its dealings with Mr. Naumann (and his
electrician/agent, Mr. Ward), it has fully complied with Rule H, specifically Sections 2.l.
and 4.b.i. It is Idaho Power’s position that it has properly adhered to the standards set
out in the construction standards Document and the underground residential conduit
Brochure as applied to Mr. Naumann by Rule C, that it does not enforce the standards in
an arbitrary or capricious manner, and that Mr. Naumann was not singled out for unfair
treatment. As indicated on page 7 of the Document found as Attachment 1, “[s]ervices
must meet Idaho Power’s requirements before they can be connected.”
41. Moreover, as more fully described above, the Company’s construction
standards set forth in the Document and the Brochure are necessary for safety and
reliability. They are readily available through a variety of forums to customers and service
professionals and the existence of which should be generally known by experienced
industry contractors.
42. Idaho Power reserves the right to assert any and all additional
defenses, ascertained during the course of discovery or otherwise, by amendment to this
IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 18
Answer as the Commission's rules, procedures, and/or Orders may allow, and/or
withdraw or amend the above affirmative defenses.
V. COMMUNICATIONS AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS
43. Service of pleadings and communications with reference to this case should
be sent to the following:
Lisa D. Nordstrom
Megan Goicoechea Allen
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street (83702)
P.O. Box 70
Boise, Idaho 83707
[e-mail]
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

Connie Aschenbrenner
Ashley Herrera
Idaho Power Company
1221 West Idaho Street (83702)
P.O. Box 70
Boise, Idaho 83707
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

VI. CONCLUSION
44. As illustrated in this Answer, Mr. Naumann and his electrician/agent, Mr.
Ward, did not take reasonable action to understand the impacts of the garage addition on
the 42-year-old electric service to this location prior to construction, even though Idaho
Power personnel and construction standards are readily available and commonly known
to exist by local electricians performing similar work.
45. As described above, the Company believes the Complaint should be
dismissed because it seeks relief outside the Commission’s jurisdiction, is procedurally
insufficient, and fails to state a claim upon which relief can be granted when the Company
acted in compliance with its tariff and normal business practices.
WHEREFORE, Idaho Power respectfully requests the Commission issue an Order
denying the relief sought by the Complainant and dismissing the Complaint with
prejudice.

IDAHO POWER COMPANY’S ANSWER- 19
DATED at Boise, Idaho, this 18th day of September 2024.

________________________________
LISA D. NORDSTROM
Attorney for Idaho Power Company
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BEFORE THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CASE NO. IPC-E-24-34
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
ATTACHMENT NO. 1
CUSTOMER REQUIREMENTS
FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Contents Working Space ................................................. 22
Definitions ................................................................. , ...... 1 Meter Height ................................................... 23
General Information ........................................................ 7 Meter Po les ...................................................... 23
Pre-Construction ................................................ 7 Multiple Meters ............................................... 24
Connection Requirements ................................. 7 Meter Rooms for Multiple Meters .................. 29
Required Permits ............................................... 8 Temporary Service ....................................................... 30
Service Voltages ................................................. 8 General ............................................................ 30
Site Preparation ................................................. 8 Overhead Requirements .................................. 30
Clearances .......................................................... 9 Underground Requirements ............................ 30
Chang ing an Existing Electrical Service ............ 12 Overhead Service ........................................................... 3 3
Power Production and Energy Storage ............ 13 Heights for Overhead Service .......................... 33
Avai lab le Fault Current .................................... 13 Services Over Building Roofs ........................... 34
Who Provides the Materials? .......................... 14 Overhead Service Diagrams ............................. 36
When Will Construction Begin? ....................... 14 Underground Service ................................................... 43
Metering ............................................................................... 15 Sea ling for Moisture and Gas .......................... 43
Requirements ................................................... 15 Underground Conduit ...................................... 43
Meter Base Types ............................................. 15 Trench and Backfill Requirements ................... 44
Bypass Meter Bases ......................................... 16 Compaction ...................................................... 45
Approved Meter Bases .................................... 18 Special Requirements for Poles ....................... 46
Current Transformer Rated Met er Bases ........ 19 Non-metered General Service ......................... 46
Motor limits on Se lf-contained Meter Bases .. 19 Handholes in Driveways .................................. 47
Recessed Meter Bases ..................................... 20 Underground Service Diagrams ....................... 48
Meter Base Wiring ........................................... 20 Joint Trench ....................................................................... 57
Other Metering Equipment ............................. 20 Required Information ...................................... 57
CT-Metered Services up to 800-Amps ............. 20 Easements ........................................................ 58
CT-Metered Services over 800-Amps .............. 21 Revision History ................................................................ 59
Services above 600-Volts ................................. 22
Meter Location ................................................. 22
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Definitions
American National Standards I nstitute (ANSI) is an organization responsible for a variety of industry
standards i ncluding pole class.
Amp {A) is short for "amperel/ and refers to the measurement of current flow. It may also refer to the
maximum current a piece of electrical equipment is designed to accommodate, e.g., 200-A meter base.
Amps Interrupting Capacity {AIC) is the maximum number of surge amps that can be served to the
equipment and still safely trip off when the amperage gets too high.
Arc Flash refers to the release of energy caused by an electrical arc. Protection from the hazards
associated with a possible arc flash are established by Occupational Safety and Health Administration
{OSHA) and the National Fire Protection Association {N FP A 70E).
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) refer s to the electrical inspector for the state or city in which the
customer's equipment is installed.
Building refers to a structure that stands alone or that is separated from adjoining structures by fire
walls.
Conduit refers to a continuous raceway used for installing electrical conductors.
Current Transformer {CT) is an instrument transformer used to measure large customer loads; those
that exceed the capacity of self-contained meters.
Current Transformer Enclosure {CT Enclosure) is a cabinet that houses Idaho Power's instrument
transformers.
CT Metering Wires are wires installed in one {l) inch conduit by Idaho Power between the CTs and the
meter.
Customer refers to a present or prospective user of Idaho Power's service.
Electric Utility Service Equipme nt Requirements Committee {EUSER() is the committee that develops
standards for meter enclosures and service equipment.
Electrical Metal Tubing {EMT) is thi n-wall metal tubing.
Fault Current refers to the amount of electrical current that can be supplied to customer's equi pment in
the event of a short circuit. Customer equipment must have an available interrupting current {AIC) rating
able to w ithstand this current.
Handholes are small subsurface boxes that contain connections between the
customer's service and Idaho Power's facilities. Handholes must be access ib le;
do not hide, bury, or drive vehicles over handholes; see Figure 1.
Horsepower {HP) refers to the size and electrica l load of a motor;
1-HP=0.746-kW.
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page 1 of 5 9
Figure 1 Handhole
Defin itions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Idaho Power refers to Idaho Power Company or its authorized agent.
Institute of Electrical and Ele ctronics Engineers (IEEE) is an organization that publishes a variety of
industry standards for electrical and electronic equipment.
Kilowatt (kW) refers to the size and electrica l load of a customer's service; 1-kW=lO00-watts.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWH) refers to the electrical consumption of a customer's load. A 1000 watt load
operating for one (1) hour uses 1-kWH.
Kilovolt Ampere (kVA) refers to the apparent power of a customer's load and is what Idaho Power uses
to size its facilities; kVA=kW/pf.
Meter is a device for measuring the electric energy consumed by a
customer.
Meter Room is a room for multiple meters in a multi-occupant
building that has been approved by Idaho Power.
Meter Sea l is a device installed on a meter base by Idaho Power that,
when broken, indicates that the meter base has been opened; see
Figure 2.
National Electric Code (NEC) is the Code that estab lishes the
requirements for custome r's wiring that is adopted and/or amended
by law and enforced by the AHJ. Electrical wiring for Idaho Power is
governed by the NESC.
Figure 2 Meter Seal
National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is a standards organization that addresses
electrical industry concerns and objectives.
National Electric Safety Code (NESC) is the Code that establishes the practica l safeguarding of persons
during the installation, operation, and ma intenance of electric supply and commun ication facilities.
Non-linear Load refers to an electrical device that draws current in a non-sinusoida l waveform such as:
♦ Solid-state motor drives
♦ Variable frequency drives
♦ Adjustable speed drives
♦ Electronic motor controllers
♦ Electronic power supplies
♦ Electronic phase converters
These loads must meet IEEE 519-1992 guide lines regarding their effect on voltage distortion and
notching.
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page 2 of 5 9
Defin itions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Pedestals are above-ground boxes that contain connections between the
customer's service and Idaho Power's facilities. These are different from
meter pedestals, as they contain a meter base and not just connectors,
see Figure 3.
Phase (0) refers to the number of waveforms for an electrical service, either
single-phase (1 -0) or three-phase (3-0).
Point of Attachment for overhead services is the point on the customer's
bu ilding, structure, or pole that supports service wires. Figure 3 Pedest al
Point of Delivery is the point where Idaho Power's service conductors connect to the customer's wires
or equipment. Service point locat ions are listed below:
♦ For all overhead services, the service point is located at the drip loop where the customer's
conductors are connected to Idaho Power's conductors.
♦ For se lf-contained meters on u nderground services, the service point is located at the line-side
lugs in the meter base.
♦ For CT metered underground services, the service point is in the CT enclosure for Idaho Power-
owned services, at the secondary lugs of the transformer, or secondary bus cabinet for customer-
owned services.
♦ For multi-metered or switchgear underground services, the service point is located at the lugs in
the incoming section of the service equipment.
The customer owns, installs, operates, and maintains all wiring and equipment beyond the point of
delivery. Idaho Power on ly owns, reads, and maintains t he electrical billing meters and any associated
instrument transformers beyond the point of delivery, and is not responsible for any electrical issues
beyond the point of delivery, including voltage drop and flicker.
Pole Class is an ANSI standard used to establish the strength of a wood pole based on the type of wood
and the dimensions of the pole at specific locations. If the po le is not branded, follow the tab le below:
Pole Length
2 5 '
30'
35'
Class 6 Wood Pole Measurements
Top
17" (min.)
17" (min.)
17" (min.)
6 ' from Pole Butt
26 " (m in.)
28" (min.)
30"(min.)
M easurements are circumference for Douglas Fir or Western Red Cedar.
Other species of wood poles w ill vary. For more information contact Idaho Power.
Unless approved by Idaho Power in advance, a minimum 25 foot, Class 6, round, and treated, wood po le
in like-new, climbable condition is requ ired for permanent service.
Pole Size refers to the overall length of the pole and includes the portion buried in the ground.
Post for a meter base fed from underground must be pressure-treated and a minimum of 6"x6".
Power Factor (pf) is a ratio used to measure the inefficiency of an electric load. Idaho Power may need
to install larger facilities to serve a customer's load if the power factor is too low.
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page 3 of 5 9
Defin itions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Premises is a bu i lding, structure, dwelling, suite, or residence of the customer that is separated by a
demising wall. If the customer uses several bui ldings, structures, or suites in the operation of a single
integrated commercia l, industrial, or institutional enterprise, Idaho Power may consider all such
build ings, structures, or suites that are in proximity to each other to be the premises, even though
intervening ownerships or public throughfares exist.
Rigid Conduit is required by Idaho Power for certain applications and includes the following types:
♦ Intermediate Metal Conduit (IMC) is l ighter weight than RMC and GRC, but still acceptable for
app lications that require rigid conduit.
♦ Rigid Metal Conduit (RMC) and Galvanized Rigid Conduit (GRC) are heavy-wal l metal lic conduit.
♦ Schedule 80 PVC is heavy weight, non-metallic conduit and is acceptable be low ground and for
applications that require rigid conduit.
Sealable is capable of having an Idaho Power meter sea l insta lled to prevent unauthorized access.
Schedul e 40 PVC is a non-metallic conduit for use below ground that is acceptable to Idaho Power.
Self-contained Meter refers to a meter that measures a customer's load without using CTs.
Service has two definitions:
1. The supply of electricity from Idaho Power to the customer.
2. The conductors (wires or cables) that connect Idaho Power's facilities to customer's equipment.
Service Disconnect is a customer-owned circuit breaker or fused switch that is intended to disconnect
the customer's electrical system from Idaho Power.
Single-phase (1-0) Service refers to an overhead or underground three-wire service used to serve
1-0 loads, typically for residential or small commercial, and some irrigation, customers.
Speculative Building is a request by a developer for a commercia l and/or industrial building designed
and constructed with a long-term objective to allow for dynamic occupancy of various tenants' electrica l
requirements.
Structure refers to something, such as a building, that is constructed.
Tariff refers to the requirements, limitations, and rates for a customer's service. Tariffs are governed by
the Pub lic Utilities Commission and can be found on Idaho Power's website.
Three-phase (3-0) Service refers to an overhead or underground four-wire service used to serve
3-0 loads; typically for commercial, w hich is most irrigation and industrial customers.
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page4of 5 9
Defin itions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Transformers are electrical devices that convert Idaho Power's h igh voltage facil ities to the desired
voltage needed for the customer's service, see Figures 4-7.
Figure 4 Single-phase Overhead Figure 5 Three-phase Overhead Transformers
Figure 6 Single-phase and Three-phase Padmounted Transformers
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page 5 of59
Defin itions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Transformers conti nued:
Figure 7 Other Padmounted Equipment
-Not a transformer
NOTE-Do not m ist ake other Idaho Power padmounted equ ipment for a transformer, see Fi gures
6 and 7. Only t r ansformers have service voltages on them, contact Idaho Power for cla ri fication.
Volt (V) is the measurement of electrical pot ential and corresponds t o the customer's service voltage,
e.g., 120/240-V.
Voltage Drop is a reduction in supply voltage due to res istive heating losses i n conductors.
Weatherhead refers to the weatherproof service drop entry point where overhead supply conductors
enter the service condu it.
~~llAH() ~POWER. Page 6 of59
Definitions
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
General Information
Pre-Construction
Before beginning w ork on a new service or modifying an existing serv ice, contact Idaho Pow er's
Customer Care Team at 208-388-2323 or 1-800-488-6151 if outside the Treasure Valley.
Exception: For new residential services on ly; if the installation meets the design limitations described in
the Underground Residentia l Conduit Installation Requirements document and the customer is i nstalling
the trench and conduit, Idaho Power does not need to be notified until the service is ready for the
conductors and permanent meter to be installed.
It is important to follow the requirements in the most cu r rent version of this document. If this is a
printed copy, check the Idaho Power w ebsite at the address below for a new version with the most
current requirements:
www.idahopower.com/accounts-service/construction-remodel i ng/inst all ing-new-serv ice/
Connection Requirements
Services must meet Idaho Power's requirements before they can be connected. Some projects requi re
approva l from Idaho Power before service can be connected; for example, single-phase motors larger
than 7 1/2-HP, phase converters, large loads, etc. Fo r residentia l services, any equipment such as electric
space or water heaters, electric vehicle chargers, welders, etc. with an individual and instantaneous load
exceeding 6-kW must be approved by Idaho Power in advance and may requi re upgrades to Idaho
Power's distribution system at the customer's expense.
All instal lations must meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC) with modifications as
adopted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) at the service address and display the proper
electrical permit. To avoid a return trip charge and a delay in service, make sure the installation has
passed t he required electrical inspections befo re requesting permanent service.
ATTENTION ! Idaho Power cannot energize a new service or
re-energize a disconnected service until it has passed an
electrical inspection.
Dig-Line. At least 2-10 days before digging, call 811 or go to
811 In Your State to request that buried utility l ines be marked.
DIGLINE, Inc. provides a one-call solution to notify all public utility
companies of pending excavations, allowing them to mark their lines.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 7 of59
Know what's below.
Call before you dig.
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Required Permits
Contact state and local governments about required permits which must be obtained before electrical
service is connected. Some permits or documentation that m ight be required are :
♦ City or state electrica l permit(s).
♦ Additiona l documents and paperwork depending on scope and location of the project, canal or
h ighway permits, easements, etc.
Service Voltages
Single-phase (1-0): 120/240-volt
240/480-volt*
120/208-volt*
Regular
120/240-V
~ ~
120/208-V
"network" meter
5th '~
terminal ~
Figure 8 Sin gle-phase Self -contained Met er
Terminal Arrangements
*Single-phase, 240/480-volt services are
avai lable for limited applications and must
be approved in advance by Idaho Power.
Single-phase, 120/208-volt services require
a "network" meter with a 5th lug and are
only available as part of a 3-phase,
multi-occupant service.
Site Preparation
Three-phase (3-0): 120/208-volt
277 /480-volt
120/240-volt**
240/480-volt **
120Y/208-V and 120/240-V
277 Y/480-V and 240/480-V
~ ~
Figure 9 Three-phase Self-contained M eter
Terminal Arrangement
**Three-phase, 120/240-volt and 240/480-
vo lt services are for maintenance only and
are not available for new construction,
except for some specific applications that
must be approved in advance by Idaho
Power.
To avoid a return trip charge and unnecessary delays w ith a service installation, prepa re the site before
the arrival of Idaho Power's team. Site prepa ration includes, but is not li m ited to the following:
♦ Install the meter pole or mark the location on the building foundation.
♦ Provide clear access to the site.
♦ Identify all property lines w ith property pins and written documentation.
♦ Establ ish the final grade of the site.
♦ Obta i n all required permits and inspections.
Route to the Proper Equipment
Underground services should go to a transformer, handhole, or pedesta l; see Fig ures 6 and 7. For service
to an overhead transformer, contact Idaho Power for clarification.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page8 of 5 9
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Clearances
Overhead Power Lines
All people and all tools or equipment being used must stay at least 10 feet from any overhead
distribution power line, and further from transmission power lines, see Idaho Code § 55-2401 Idaho
Overhead Line Safety Act.
Bu ildings, antennas, signs, pools, and other objects require additional horizontal and vertical clearances
from overhead power lines. Refer to the document linked below and consult with Idaho Power prior to
starting construction near overhead lines.
https://docs.idahopower.com /pdfs/ServiceBil ling/Construction/BuildingNear%20 0verheadlines.pdf
Overhead service conductors must be at least 36 i nches from windows that are designed to be opened,
doors, porches, balconies, ladders, stairs, fire escapes or similar locations.
Separation Between Electric and Gas
The fo llowing requirements are for the separation between
electric and gas equipment. Note that electrical conduit is not
considered electrical equipment.
Non-residential i nstallations. All electric devices, including
meters and pad-mounted transformers, must be separated from
a gas meter by at least 36 inches horizontally.
Residential installations. All electric devices, including meters
and pad-mounted transformers, must be separated from a gas
meter by at least 36 inches in any direction. An electric meter
also requires 18 inches horizontal separation from
the gas meter; see Figure 10.
NOTE-The gas company may require more space.
Propane Tanks
I L 18" (min.)
I
I
I
Keep the electric 1
meter out of t he I
shaded area :
I
I
Gas :
/?~W I
: Und~rground
, servi ce
35" (mm.)
0
\
I
I
I
I ~,
I
Figure 10 Separation Between Electric and Gas
{Residential Only)
Electrical equipment requires 10 feet clearance from storage tanks and 20 feet from dispensers; this
applies to all flammables. Electrical equipment includes air conditioners, transformers, meters, etc.
Keep the service conductors and conduit at least three (3) feet from the tank.
Pad-mounted Equipment
Pad-mounted equipment requires a clear and level workspace. Keep shrubs, stored material, fences, and
other materials out of the measured space detailed below, also see Figure 11.
♦ 10 feet from each access door or hood; some equipment has more than one door
♦ Three (3) feet from each side and back of the equipment
♦ 10 feet above transformers 1000 kV A and smaller
♦ 20 feet above transformers larger than 1000 kV A
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page9 of 5 9
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
3' (min.) in back
without doors
1 O' (min.) 1000-kVA and below
20' (min.) above 1000-kVA
3'(min.)
on sides
10' (m in.) in front
or sides with doors
'
3'(min.}
on sides
Figure 11 Working Clearance around Padmounted Transformer
Buildings have add itional requirements. Buildings are required to be 10 feet from pad mounted
transformers. Th is clearance may be reduced to three (3) feet from a non-combustible wall. However,
10 feet of clearance is sti ll required in all directions from doors, operab le w indows, o r air intake vents on
a non-combustible wall, and paths of egress, see Figure 12.
Non-combustible
wal l or fire-rated
surface • "
Doors, operable w indows,
/ air intake openings or
1 □.□1 □(7',d/-□--.-"1 □-□-,-1 □-.□-,,~ -
. paths of egress
> 'J g ~□ D ID D ID F?; 0 1 □,□1 □ DID D I
3'
(min.)
3'
(min.)
-t. --10'
(min.}
10'
(min.)
~ --.I -------..,
Padm ounted equ ipment 1
1 not a llowed in t his ar ea I
~--------L----------------~
Figure 12 Clearance from a Non-Combustible Wall
To be considered noncombustible one of the following requirements must be met:
1. A one-hour or greater fire rating as certified by a licensed architect, enginee r, or other AHJ .
2. Have an automatic fire supp ression system, i.e., fire sprinkler system.
3. A surface material that wi ll not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors
when subj ect to fire or heat ac cording to ASTM E136. There must be 5/8 inch gypsum board on
the inside of the surface with fire/smoke detectors, and the surface material must be insta lled
with one of the following underneath:
♦ Minimum of 5/8-inch gypsum board
♦ Cement board
♦ Fire-rated OSB
ATTENTION! All building surfaces withi n 10-feet of the transformer must be noncombustible.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 10 of 5 9
General Information
March 2 0 2 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Fire-Resistant Barriers
When the required clearance described previously cannot be achieved, construct a fire-resistance
barrier made of non-combustib le materials that meets all applicable building codes and Idaho Power's
requirements.
An acceptable fire-resistant barrier is a free-standing wall such as brick, CMU b lock, or concrete that is
located between the padmounted equipment and the combusti b le wall or opening, see Figure 13.
Do not overlook
a combustible eve
10'
(min.)
Bar rier must extend
to at least face of
/
30
.equipment
(m in.) •
Path of
eg ress
1 Combustible wall, door,
operab le window, air
i ntake or fi re escape
Non-combust ible /
barrier by Cust omer /
□□□□□□□□□□/
D 3' 110• D . /,( . ) D mm. 1 min.
D 3'
D(min.)
□,---►
D
D --.. --fo'
Non-combustible
barrier by Custome r
~--~ (min.)
Figu r e 13 Fire-Resist ant Barrier
NOTE-The 10 foot clearance is measured "line-of-sight" between the nearest point on the
equipment and the wall, opening and/or path of egress.
Equipment Screening
Screening of pad-mounted equipment is discouraged because it can lead to increased restoration times
during an outage. If screening is used, it may be constructed of any material unless it is surrounding oi l-
filled equipment that is located within 10 feet of a build ing. In this case, the screening is considered a
fire-resistant barrier and must meet the requirements above. The use of landscaping to screen
equipment is acceptable and is the only option available in heavy snow areas where snow removal
equipment can damage manufactured or constructed screen wall s. Other means of conceal ing pad-
mounted equipment such as vinyl wraps, custom pa int, or covers are not allowed.
All equipment screening must be approved by Idaho Power prior to insta llation and shall not obstruct
access to the equipment, impede airflow required for cooling, or infringe on the required clearances for
the equipment. Contact Idaho Power for specific requirements. Provide a permanent sign on
manufactured screen wall doors stating "IDAHO POWER EQUIPMENT LOCATED BEHIND DOORS" in
one (1) inch high lettering (refer to page 28 for additional requirements).
Idaho Power wil l not furnish, install, own, or mainta in any screening materials. In order to access
equipment or restore power, screening materials that are in vio lation of these req uirements or that
otherwise impede access to equipment may be removed. Idaho Power is not respons i ble for replacing
screening materials found t o be in violation of these requirements that were necessary to remove to
gain access to its equipment.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 11 of59
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Changing an Existing Electrical Service
An existing electrical service may be changed, modified, or relocated to meet the customer's electrical
needs. It might be necessary to disconnect t he power to do this work. Some reasons for changing an
existing electrical service may include:
♦ Additional power is needed, and the existing pane l is not adequate for new loads. For example,
the main b reaker may be too small, or there is no room for additional circuits.
♦ There appears to be power quality p roblems due to add itional or unusual customer loads and
Idaho Power's service wires, cables, or equipment might be inadequate.
♦ Replacing an old o r damaged panel or meter base.
♦ Relocating the service meter to another location.
♦ Converting from an overhead service to an unde rground se rvice.
♦ Cons tructing a new structure or modif ying an existing structure, so the service wires o r cables
need to be relocated.
♦ Adding Customer Generation, such as solar panels, to the service. Usually, the installer of these
systems will determine if the existing electrical pane l is adequate.
A TTEN TION ! Making changes to an existing service will require the service to comply w ith Idaho
Power's current requ i rements as stated in this document and any other related documents.
Idaho Power w ill disconnect the exist ing servic e and then reconnect it after the work is completed at no
cost provided the following terms are met:
1. Idaho Power receives at least 24-hours' notice for the disconnect and the reconnect.
2 . Both the disconnect and the reconnect are done during normal wor king hours,
i.e., weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
3 . The service is ready to be disconnected when Idaho Power arrives.
4 . The service is ready to be reconnected with a passed electrical inspection by the AHJ when Idaho
Power arrives.
There might be a charge for this service if it is requ ired outside normal business hours, or if
Idaho Power is required to make an extra tri p because the service is not ready or does not comply
with Idaho Power's requirements.
Construction and engineering fees may apply to any addit ional work or materials supp lied by Idaho
Power to meet the needs of t he new service. Construction credit allowances may n ot be ava ilable when
load is added to an existing service. An Idaho Power representative will review the new service
requirements to determine if its existing facilities are adequate for the changes to the existing service
and p rovide costs for any work required by Idaho Power.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 12 of59
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Power Production and Energy Storage
Any on-site customer-owned device or equipment that can produce or store elect r ical energy is subject
to add itional r equirements. This includes but is not limited to generators (p r ime movers that convert
mechanical energy to electrical energy), so lar or wind production, and battery storage systems.
Generators, battery stor age and other systems that provide back-up emergency or stand-by pow er only
during an electrical out age must utilize a "break-before-make" t ransfer switch that meets the
requirements of NEC Articles 700, 701 or 702. These systems may not interconnect with Idaho Power's
d istribution system.
So lar, w ind, battery and other systems that are used to offset a customer's electrical consumptio n, send
electrical energy back to Idaho Power, or interconnect w ith Idaho Power's distribution system in any
way must meet the requirement s in NEC Article 705 and Tariff Schedu le 68. All interconnected power
production systems require an interconnection agreement w ith Idaho Power. Refer to the Idaho Power
w ebsite for the i nstallat ion req u irements for a customer generation or battery storage system.
www.idahopower.com/energy-envi ronment/green-choices/solar-power-options-customer-generation/
Portable Generators
Do not co n nect a portable generator to a building's electrical wiring unless a l is t ed transfer switch has
been insta lled. The transfer switch prevent s the generator from feeding back i nto the Idaho Power
electrical system, exposi ng workers to unforeseeable hazards . The generator can be damaged if the
electrical system becomes energized whi le the gener ator is operating. Transfer devices insta lled in the
meter base are not allowed.
Available Fault Current
The NEC requires that service entry equipment must be r ated for the maximum available fault current
from all sources, including any customer generation.
Residential Services
For typica l single-famil y residential services w ith a se lf-contained meter and served from a 100-kVA
t r ansformer or smaller, the avai lab le fau lt current contribution from Idaho Power will r equire serv ice
equipment ratings as shown:
Fault Current Ratings for Residential Services by Le n gth
Overhead Services Underground Services
Service
200-A
400-A
lOkAIC
~ 30-ft
> 50-ft
22kAIC
< 30-ft
< 50-ft
from Transformer
l0kAIC 22kAIC
,2:. 40-ft < 40-ft
> 80-ft < 80-ft
from Handhole/Pedestal
l0kAIC 22kAIC
,2:. 20-ft < 20-ft
> 40-ft < 40-ft
Contact Idaho Power to obta in more preci se fault current contributions for larger transfor mer s or for
any other t y pe of res idential service. Please have a service length and demand load available.
Commercial, Industrial and Irrigation Services
Contact Idaho Power for the maximum avai lable fau lt current.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 13 of59
General Information
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Who Provides the Materials?
Most materials are provided by the customer. Idaho Power will provide the meter and service
conductors from its faci lities to the point of de livery and may provide other material for some
installations. For installation types and additiona l information, see the following service diagrams:
♦ Figures 38-44 for Overhead Services
♦ Figure 50-59 for Underground Services
Materials provided by Idaho Power may be charged to the customer as part of the cost of the service.
Consult with Idaho Power for specific prices. For residential, single-phase services up to 400-amps,
customers can refer to the Idaho or Oregon cost information sheets.
Connectors
Genera lly, the owner of the enclosure or equipment will provide the electrical connectors (lugs or
terminals) within that piece of equipment necessary to connect the electrical conductors, rega rd less of
who owns the conducto rs. The number, size, and type of conductors must be known so that the proper
connectors can be provided.
NOTE-Idaho Power w ill not terminate service conductors in a customer breaker. The connection
point must be on terminals that extend away from the main disconnect.
When Will Construction Begin?
Idaho Power wil l schedule installation when all necessary payments, signatures, documents, and permits
have been received by the company. Idaho Power will strive to meet the requested in-service date;
however, construction may be affected by the avai lability of materials, manpower, weather, site
preparation or change orders. The installation may be done by Idaho Power or o ne of its contractors.
~•rw«> ~POWER. Page 14of59
General Informatio n
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Metering
This section provides details for se lf-contained, residential, and commercia l meter bases that are
acceptable for use in Idaho Power's service territory. Idaho Power does not h ave a list of specifically
approved meter bases; however, meter bases that meet the requirements of EUSERC are
recommended . Al l meter bases are subject to app roval by Idaho Power prior to being energized.
Requirements
All meter bases must meet the requirements be low u n less otherwise app roved in advance by the Idaho
Power Metering Department:
♦ Listed and labe led by Underw riter's Laboratory (UL), or other Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory (NRTL).
♦ Enclos u res m ust be rated for exterior use, per National Electrical M anufacturers Associat ion
(NEMA) Type 3R, un less they are part of a multi-meter insta llation installed in an Idaho Power
approved meter room.
♦ Rated for the maximum avai lable fau lt cu r rent.
♦ Accept a meter seal.
♦ Customer-ow ned energy management, load monitoring, and overcurrent protection equipment is
not allowed i nside of a meter base enclosure.
♦ Recessed meter bases are not allowed.
Meter Base Types
Meter bases must be sea lab le-either ring or ri ngless type. Idaho Power w ill install a meter sea l on t h e
ri ng or on the cl ip at the base of the enclosure.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER.
Figure 14 Ring Type
Page 15 of59
' -.' J
;.
-:-·: • '·, •·
Figure 15 Ringless Type
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Bypass Meter Bases
A meter base bypass is used to keep the service energized while maintenance is being performed on the
meter. It provides safety for workers and allows them to replace the meter without an interruption of
service.
Horn Bypass
Horn bypass is only available with ringless style, single-
phase metering equipment. Jumper cab les may be
installed once the outer ringless cover is removed from
the meter socket to bypass the meter. Short bus
connectors extend upward from the line side and
downward from the load side meter socket jaws giving
the appearance of "horns."
Horn bypass meter sockets are not allowed.
Lever Bypass
Lever bypass is available with ringless-style metering
equipment. A swing arm or "lever" extends from the
right side of the meter socket. Once the meter socket
cover is removed, the lever may be manually rotated
upward to engage bypass jaws allowing current to flow
through the meter socket with the meter in or out of
the meter socket. Another feature this lever provides is
a jaw release function. By rotating the lever up as far as
possible the spring-loaded meter socket jaws are spread
open for ease of meter installation or removal.
The lever is usually red.
Lever bypass meter sockets are not allowed.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 16 of59
Figure 16 Horn Bypass
Figure 17 Lever Bypass
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Locking Jaw
A locking jaw meter base is used to lock the blades of
the meter into position in the socket and ensures that
the meter does not come loose. A lever is incorporated
into the meter base and used to lock and unlock the
socket. While the lever looks like a bypass lever, they
serve different purposes. These levers are often green.
Locking-jaw non-bypass meter bases are not required
but are allowed for applications that do not require a
"Safety Socket Test Bypass" meter base.
Test Bypa ss
Test bypass with safety socket, also referred to as "link-
bypass" is available for ring style single-or three-phase
meteri ng equipment. This temporary bypass feature
allows Idaho Power to perform meter maintenance
without removing the meter or interrupting service to
the customer.
While the equipment remains energized, the "test
b lock" cover is removed, and a techn ician installs a set
of jumpers on a threaded stud with a keeper nut from
the line-side bussing to the load-side bussing on each
phase. With the manual bypass l ink jumper installed,
the meter can be removed from the socket without
d isrupting service.
Safety socket test bypass meter bases are required for
480-volt services. They are approved for use on 208-volt
and 240-volt commercial or irrigation services up to
200-amps, but they are not required. Test bypass bases
must have r ing protector.
Test bypass meter bases are not allowed for
res idential services or for services greater than 200-
amps.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Pa ge 17 of 59
Figure 18 Locking Jaw
Test Block
Cover
Figure 19 Test Bypass with Safety Socket
Metering
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Approved Meter Bases
The following table summarizes the types of bases that are approved for use by Idaho Power:
Approved Meter Ba se Types
Base Rating (continuous) Horn Lever Locking Jaw Test Bypass
Residential
120/240-V, 1-0
100-A NO NO OK NO
200-A NO NO OK NO
320-A NO NO OK NO
120Y/208-V, 1-0 (network)
100-A NO NO OK NO
200-A NO NO OK NO
Commercial/Irrigation
120/240-V, 1-0
200-A NO NO OK OK
320-A NO NO OK NO
240/480--V, 1-0 (by permission only)
20 0-A NO NO NO REQUIRED
320-A NO NO OK NO
120Y/208-V, 3-0
200--A NO NO OK OK
120/240-V, 3 -0 (by permission only)
20 0 -A NO NO OK OK
277Y/480-V, 3-0
200-A NO NO NO REQUIRED
240/480-V, 3-0 (by permission only)
200-A NO NO NO REQUIRED
Ring-type or ringless-type are acceptable except for test block bypass meter bases which must be ring-t ype.
Additional meter base requirements for each voltage class are list ed i n the sub-sections below.
12O/24O-Volt a nd 24O /48O-Volt, 1 -0 Meter Bases
EUSERC-approved bases are recommended. Refer to EUSERC Drawings 301, 301A, 302 and 302A. Other
bases may be accepted if they have adequate wiring space bet ween the load terminals and
underground conduit entry and meet the following minimum dimensions:
1-0 Meter Base Minimum Dimensions
Number of Exterior Dimensions* W iring Lug Conduit
Service Terminals Height Width Depth Space Range Entry
100-A 4 11" 8" 4" 4" #6-1/0 2"
200-A 4 15" 11" 4" 4" #2-4/0 2"
400-A 4 22" 11" 5" 6" #1/0-350 3"
*Dimensions shown are rounded to the nearest inch .
No bypass of any ki nd is allowed on residential meter bases or on a 400-amp meter base. Meter bases
greater than 200-amps must sea l with one meter seal. Some ring type bases w i ll require a cover
int erlock device before they are approved for installation. Check with the manufacturer before
purchase.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 18 of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
12OY /2O8-Volt, 1-0 Meter Bases
Network meter bases are only al lowed as part of a 3-phase service when installed in multi-meter
equipment.
12O¥/2O8-Volt and 12O/24O-Volt, 3-0 Meter Bases
EUSERC-approved with or without "S afety Socket Test Block Bypass" meter bases are accepted on al l
self-cont ained 208-volt services up to 200-amps. They must seal with only one meter seal;
see EUSERC Drawi ngs 304, 305 and 305A.
3-0, 24O-V Meter Base M inimum Dimensions
Number of Exterior Dimensions* Wiring Lug Conduit
Service Terminals Height Width Depth Space Range Entry
100-A 7 19" 10" 5" 6" #6-1/0 2"
200-A 7 19" 13" 5" 6" #1/0-350 3"
*Dimensions shown are rounded to the nearest inch .
2 7 7Y/48O-Voltand 24O/48O-Volt, 3 -0 Meter Bases
EUSERC-approved w ith "Safety Socket Test Block Bypass" meter bases are required on all newly i nstalled
480-volt services up to 200-amps. They must seal with only one meter seal. Refer to EUSERC Drawings
304, 305 and 305A.
3-0, 48O-V Te st Block Bypass Meter Base M inim um Dimensions
Number of Exterior Dimensions* Wiring lug Conduit
Service Term inals Height Width Depth Spa ce Range Entry
100-A 7 25" 12" 5" 6" #6-1/0 2"
200-A 7 30" 14" 6" 6" #1/0-350 3"
*Dimensions shown are rounded to t he nearest inch .
Current Transformer Rated Meter Bases
Current Transformer (CT) rated meters are required for single-phase services greater than 40 0-amps and
three-phase services greater than 200-amps. Bases for these meters are provided by Idaho Power.
NOTE-There is an additional charge for CT metering when the customer's main breaker or panel
size is less than 400-amps si ngle-phase, or 200-amps three-phase.
Motor Limits on Self-con t ained Meter Bases
All single-phase motors larger than 7-1/2-HP require advance approval from Idaho Power. Once
approved, the maximum horsepower allowed on a self-contained meter base is shown be low.
Motor Li mits on Self-contained Meter Bases
Service Voltage
240/120-V 208Y/120-V 480/240-V 480Y/277-V
1-phase 30-HP* N/A 40-HP N/A
3-phase 50-HP 50-HP 125-HP 125-HP
*For 320-A, 1-phase meter bases only. The limit on 200-A, 1-phase meter bases is 25 -HP .
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 19 of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Recessed Meter Bases
Recessed meter bases are not allowed.
Meter Base Wiring
Customer wiring for a self-contained meter base is required to be connected to the "load-side" (bottom)
terminals, and Idaho Power's wiring will be on the "line-side" (top) terminals.
Other Metering Equipment
The other types of metering equ ipment listed below must meet
the same socket requ irements described above. EUSERC
approved equipment is recommended.
Meter-Main Equipment
Combination meter-main equ ipment is allowed, but not required.
This equipment must have the meter base and main disconnect,
including any distribution branch circu it breakers, in separate
sections. The meter section must be independently sealable from
the main/distribution section.
The main(s) and distribution section must be located to the side
0
Meter Main(s) and
Distribution
Figure 20 Meter-Main Equipment
of the metering section, as shown in Figure 20. Stacked meter-main equipment that requires Idaho
Power service conductors to pass through the mai n(s) and distribution section of the equipment is not
allowed. Refer to EUSERC Drawings 301, 301A or 301B for more information.
NOTE-Article 230.85 was added in the 2020 Edition of the National Electric Code requ iring exterior
disconnects on 1-and 2-family dwell ing units; however, neither Idaho nor Oregon have adopted
this requ irement at the time of this publ ication.
Meter Pedestals
Meter pedestals must conform w ith EUSERC Drawing 307.
Multi Meter Equipment
Se lf-contained meter sockets within the equipment must comply with the requirements above.
CT metering is also required to comply with EUSERC Drawing 328A, 328B, 329A or 329B for single-phase
services larger than 400A and three-phase services larger than 200A.
CT-Metered Services up to 800-Amps
CT Enclosures
CT enclosures are used for Idaho Power-owned services below 600-volts and up to 800-amps that
cannot be served using a self-contai ned meter. Enclosures require a hinged cover and must be
"sealable" with a meter seal. A CT mounting rack is required to be i nstalled inside the enclosure that
conforms with EUSERC Drawings 328A, 328B, 329A or 329B and re lated requirements.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 20 of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Idaho Power wil l furnish and install the CT bus l ink and CTs on the mounting rack and terminate on the
top of the bus l ink. Customer wiring must terminate on the bottom of the bus l in k.
48"
(min.)
36" (min.)
CT bus bar
mounting rack
per EUSERC
11" deep (min .)
w/hinged cover
48"
(min .)
48" {mi n.)
11" deep (min.)
w/hinged cover
CT bus bar
mounting rack
perEUSE RC
Figure 21 Single-phase CT Enclosure {401-800A) Figure 22 T hree-phase CT Enclosure {201-800A)
CT-Metered Services over 800-Amps
The preferred installation for services over 800-amps is
customer-owned w it h the CTs located at the transformer for
underground services, see Figure 53; or at the weatherh ead for
overhead services, see Figure 42.
Switchgear-mounted metering must be approved by Idaho
Po w er in advance of insta ll ation. Bussing must accommodate
CTs with a 4-½-inch x 3-½-inch w indow size and conform to the
EUSERC Standard Drawing numbers; see Figure 23 and the
table be low.
CT
Compartment
Termination
Enclosure
(EURSE C 327)
◄-wi dth
Mai n
Discohnect
NOTE-CT bus links are provided and installed by the
customer and must torqued to the manufacturer's specified
va lue.
Figure 23 Switchgear-mounted CTs
Service Size
801-1000-A
1001-2000-A
2001-3000-A
Over 3000-A
EUSERC Drawings for Switchgear-mounted CTs 0-600V*
Service Section
3 25
325
326
326
CT Compartment
1-~. 3-wire 3-~. 4-wire
319
321
N/A
N/A
320
322
3 22
324
*Co nsult Idaho Power for 1-¢ services above 1200A and 3 -¢ services above 3000A.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 21 of59
Drawing 327
Termination Width
30"
35"
32"
44"
Met ering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Services above 600-Volts
Consult Idaho Power for requirements on se rvices above 600-volts.
Primary Metering
A customer is considered a Primary Service Level customer if:
1. The customer is served by a transformer rated at least 1,000-kVA or by multiple transformers
that in aggregate have a rating of 1,000 kVA or higher and the facilit ies are dedicated solely for
use by the individual customer.
2. The customer owns the primary faci lities through which service is to be delivered.
3. The customer is served through a si ngle transformer rated less than 1,000-kVA or by multiple
transformers that in the aggregate have a rating of less than 1,000-kVA, the facilities ar e
dedicated solely for use by the individual customer, and it can be reasonably foreseen and
expected that the customer's load will grow to exceed 1,000-kVA of installed transformation.
The service voltage at the point of delivery must be 12.5-kV to 34.5-kV for a customer to be classified as
a Pri mary Service Level customer. Contact Idaho Power for additional information.
Meter Location
The meter and any associated equipment must be located such
that the installation and any future maintenance can be
performed without undue inconvenience to the customer or
Idaho Power.
The meter must be in a protected area to minimize the risk of
inadvertent damage. Place the meter in front of the fence to
provide the best service access for Idaho Power personne l;
keeping them from having to go in the backyard. The preferred
location for residential meters is shown in Figure 24.
The meter base, conduit, and any CT enclosure must be
adequately supported on the outside of an exterior structure
wall so that it will be readily accessible to Idaho Power. Do not
cover or enclose the meter.
Working Space
The 36x36 inch area directly in front of the meter base
must be clear of equipment, landscaping, or other
obstacles that will interfere with access, see Figure 25.
L
Don 't put the meter here
,, I
J Pla~ing ~he meter in front
of the fence keeps Idaho
Power out of the back yard
Figu re 2 4 Residential Meter Location
f.--18" ., 4
' ' ' 18"---•
Meter base
Equipment not associated with the meter or service
must be kept out of this space on either side of the
base. This includes door frames for inward-swinging
doors or perpendicular walls. Frames for outward-
swinging doors must be at least 36 inches from the
edge of the meter base.
Keep shaded : 36"
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER.
area clear ;----. .._
' ' '
:_ --------' --------
Figure 25 Working Space Around Meter Base
Page 22 of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Meter Height
P ermane nt Meters
The preferred height for all permanent meters is five (5) feet, six (6) inches {to the center of meter
socket) above fini shed grade or other accessib le surface such as a deck or stairs. Meters may be
mounted between four (4) feet and six (6) feet, except in areas with heavy snowfall where the m in imum
height is five (5) feet.
Se lf -contained meters for underground services not associated w ith a building, such as pedestals or on
freestanding racks, may be mounted as low as three (3) feet.
S'-6" (preferred)
6'-0" (max.)
4'-0" (min.)*
*Minimum height
in heavy snowfall
areas is 5'-0"
0
6'-0" (max.)
3'-0" (min.)*
*Minium height
in heavy snowfall
area is 5'-0"
•
0
Figure 26 Permanent Meter Height Figure 27 Meter Pedestal and Freestanding Meter Height
Multi-meter Equipment
The top meter i n multi-meter equipment must be no higher than six (6) feet, six (6) inches; an d the
bottom meter must not be lower than four (4) feet. Multi-meter equipment must be mounted to the
build ing served by the meters.
Figure 28 Multi-meter Heights
Meter Poles
0 0 0
0 0 0
0 0 0 !
Po les for mounting non-CT metering equipment are provided, installed,
and owned by the customer. Customer-owned meter sockets are not
allowed on ,Idaho Power-owned po les. Meter poles must be tall enough
to provide adequate clearance above the fin ished grade or obstacles for
the service conductors and drip loop, see Table 1 Minimum Cond u ctor
Heights page 33. Meter poles shorter than 25 feet must be approved in
advance by Idaho Power.
I
6'-6"
(max.)
A m inimum Class 6, round, wood pole is requ i red for permanent
service, see Definitions. Meter poles must have a minimum setting
depth of 10% of the length of the pole plus two (2) feet, six (6) inches.
Additional bracing must be i nstalled if the tension of the service
conductors will cause the pole to lean.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 2 3 of 59
4'-0"
(min.)
I
' '
Metering
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Multiple Meters
Multiple meters may be installed on a build ing or structure to serve multiple occupants' loads through a
single point of delivery. At the time of energization, each individual occupant's space must be separated
by a demising wall (or fire-rated wall where required by the International Building Code), unless
otherwise noted on page 27, and have only one meter serving that occupant. House panels that feed
loads common to all occupants may be served from a separate meter. Except ions require prior written
approval by Idaho Power and the AHJ .
Service for multiple meter occupancies may be accomplished by one of the methods described in this
section. These requirements apply to all 1-phase and 3-phase, multi-occupant services at 600-vo lts and
below and less than 1000-kVA of transformation. Safety socket test bypass meter bases are required for
480-volt services. Multi-meter installations may not be metered at the transformer. A main disconnect is
required when more than six meters are connected from a single point of delivery.
NOTE-Equipment connected to the supply side of a service disconnect must comply w ith NEC
230.82, have an AIC rating greater than the available fault current and be grounded per NEC 250.
All branch circuits must only be supplied from the meter(s) serving each individual premises. HVAC
equipment and its associated controls cannot serve more than one premises unless it is powered from a
house meter that is common to all premises.
Multi-meter Packs
A multi-meter pack with 200-amp meter sockets may be utilized to serve a single, 200-amp panel board
in each occupant's space or a house panel. Idaho Power will serve this equ ipment with one set of service
conductors from the transformer to the multi-meter pack, see Figure 29 .
.-----'' .__ ____ __.
200A panels
for speculative
occupancy \
Demising wall(s)--
(fire-rating may be
required)
Multi-meter pack w ith 200A
se lf-contained meter sockets
(one pe r 200A panel)
/
I
Underground service lateral
from Idaho Power transformer
Figure 29 Multi-meter Packs
Energization . Idaho Power will connect and energize the multi-meter pack prior to individual occupants'
d istribution pane lboards being installed only if the branch feeder disconnecting means are installed or
manufacturer's b lank covers are in p lace, and the installation has passed an electrical inspection by the
AHJ. Individual occupant's meters will be installed when the occupant's distribution panelboards are
installed, connected, labeled, and have passed an electrical inspection by the AHJ.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 24of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Switchboard Metering
A main distribution switchboard may be utilized with a combination of bus-mounted CTs for each
individual occupant requiring more than a 200-amp service; and a 200-amp meter socket for each
individual occupant requiring a single, 200-amp service or a house panel. Provisions for additional
metering of future, individual occupants may be included to allow flexibi lity. The switchboard must
conform with EUSERC standard drawings as described on page 21 w ith the abi lity to seal all metering
compartments. Idaho Power does not provide the CT bus links.
Idaho Power will serve this equipment with one set of service conductors from the transformer to the
switchboard, see Figure 30.
--~-, .__ ____ ___, ,·.__ ____ ___,
Distribution
Panelboard
Demising wall(s)--
(fire-rating may be
required}
Main Distribution Switchboard with
200A meter sockets and CT metering
provisions as needed
I /
I
•
I ~ Undergrou nd service latera l
-1 from Idaho Power transformer
Figure 30 Switch board Metering
200A panel
\
\
\
Energization. Idaho Power will connect and energize the main switchboard prior to individual occupants'
distribution panelboards being installed only if the branch feeder disconnecting means are installed or
manufacturer's b lank covers are in place, and the installation has passed an electrical inspection.
Individual occupant's meters w ill be installed when the occupant's distribution panelboards are
installed, connected, labeled, and have passed an electrical inspection by the AHJ.
Multiple Meter Bases
Multiple, self-contained and/or CT meter bases may be installed from a single point of delivery as
allowed by the NEC and approved by the AHJ. For services up to 800-amps, provide a CT cabinet with
busbar, see page 20, and bus link. For services up to 2000-amps, a bussed secondary termination
enclosure that may be either wall-or pad-mounted is required. Power distribution blocks installed on
the line side of service equipment must be listed for this application with an AIC rating greater than the
available fault current. The enclosure must be grounded per NEC 250, be sealable with an Idaho Power
meter seal or padlock, and cannot contain materials or connections requiring inspection or testing.
Idaho Power will serve this equipment with one set of service conductors from the transformer to the
termination enclosure, see Figure 31. Idaho Power will not terminate its conductors directly to a
customer-owned breaker, see page 55.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Pa ge 25 of 59
Metering
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Self-contained /
meter bases
Poi nt of delivery
(must be sealable)
Grou nd and bond
per NEC
CT [9-) n cabinet ~• = . 400 to 800A CT cabinet
(must be sea labl e)
Idaho Power service
Figure 31 Example Service with Multiple Meter Bases up to 2000A
NOTE-Wireways are not preferred and are only allowed for customer-owned conductors where
no splices or terminations are made within the wireway, and the conductor fill ratio and derating
of the conductors meets the requ i rements of the NEC. The wireway must be capable of being
sealed with an Idaho Power meter seal. Idaho Power will not install, own, or maintain conductors
in a wireway or tap gutter.
Ene rgization. Idaho Power will connect and energize the service once all meter bases, disconnects and
individual occupants' and house panel boards are ,installed, connected, and labeled; and the installation
has passed an electrical inspection by the AHJ.
Separate Services
Each individual occupant's space may also be treated as a separate build ing with its own service when
the spaces are separated by fire-rated wal ls in accordance with the International Building Code.
Individual occupant spaces requiring a 200-amp service may utilize a single-gang meter socket or be
served as part of a multi-meter pack as descri bed above. Individual occupant spaces requiring more than
200-amps and up to 800-amps may uti lize a CT cabinet as described on page 21. Individual occupant
spaces requiring a service larger than 800-amps must be served from switchboard(s) that conform with
EUSERC standard drawings as described on page 21. An occupant requiring more than 1000-kVA of
transformation will require a primary meter and a separate transformer from other building occupants.
Idaho Power wil l serve each occupant with a separate set of service conductors, see Figure 32. A
secondary bus cabinet is required when more than six runs of service conduits are needed to serve all
the occupant spaces or to provide for future occupant needs.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 2 6 of59
Met e ring
Marc h 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Distribu tion Switchboard
with CT meter provision
for service above 800A
\
\
Demising wall(s)
must be fire-rated
CT enclosure and meter
for service up to 800A
I
2.00A meter base
for se r vice up to
2.00A
I • I
Unde rg round se rvice laterals from -------.l -~ I :
Idaho Power transformer to service point l j 1
(seco ndary bus cabi net may be requi red) ---------------------------J
Figure 32 Separate Services
Energization . Idaho Power will connect and energize each individual occupant's service when the
distri bution panel board for the occupant is installed and has passed an electrical inspection by the AHJ.
Additional Mete rs
Additional meters servi ng the same building or occupant are permitted under one of the following
situations:
♦ Special Conditions-Add itional services are permitted to supply fire pumps, emergency, or
standby systems, and systems designed with multiple sources for enhanced reliability.
♦ Capacity Requirements-Additional services are permitted where the load requirements are
greate r than Idaho Power can supply through one service.
♦ Different Characteristics-Additional services are permitted for different voltages or phases or
for different uses, such as b illing for different Rate Schedules.
♦ Cu stomer Generati on -Additional services may be required for onsite parallel power production;
see Understanding Customer Generation at Idaho Power.com for more information.
♦ Specu lative Buildings-Idaho Power's intent and practice is to serve commercial and industrial
businesses through one meter at each Premises. Accordingly, commercial and industrial buildi ngs
must be designed to meet Idaho Power's metering requirements which will be served through a
single point of del ivery to match the developer's declared occupancy requi rements at the time of
request; however, if transformation for the premises is less than 1,000 kVA and the long-ter m
objective of the building is to allow for dynamic occupancy, Idaho Power may allow an individual
commercial business to be served through multiple meters.
Service Identifica tion
When a building or structure is supplied by more than one set of service conductors, a permanent
p laque or directory is required at each service location denoting all other services supp lying that
building or structure and the area served by each as required by NEC 230.2(E).
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 2 7 of 59
Metering
Marc h 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Meter Base Labeling
Each meter base or service disconnect that is part of an installation with multiple meters is required to
use a permanent nameplate o r placard to clearly mark the numbers and/or letters that correspond to
the address, suite, office, or room it serves. In addition, mark the corresponding distribution
panelboard(s) in each space-this marking may be hand-written inside the equipment.
Permanent labeling includes engraving a
minimum of¼ inch high ,lettering on one of
the following:
♦
♦
•
UV res istant phenolic nameplate
UV resistant Gravop ly nameplate
Sta inless steel or brass nameplate
Affix nameplates to meter base using rivets or
weather-resistant adhesive intended for the
materials being bonded together. Hand-
written information or self-adhesive
alphanumeric labels are not acceptable, see
Figure 33.
NOT ACCEPTABLE ACCEPTABLE
Figure 33 Meter Base Labeling
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 28 of59
Metering
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Meter Rooms for Multiple Meters
Multiple meter installations for multi-occupant buildings may be in a meter room if all the following
criteria are met:
♦ A plan for the meter room must be subm itted to Idaho Powe r for approva l prior to construction.
♦ The meter room shall meet the requi rements of NEC Article 110.26 for Spaces About Electrical
Equipment.
♦ The meter room shall be located as close to the transformer as possible.
♦ The meter room shall always be accessi ble to Idaho Power, preferab ly through an exterior metal
door without having to pass through an interior space.
♦ A lock box shall be provided outside the door with an access key provided by the customer.
♦ The meter room door sha ll be permanently labeled "E lectrica l Room " or "Meter Room."
♦ The meter room may only be used for electrical equipment and communication equipment that
does not i nterfere with the electri ca l equipment; no sto rage of any kind is allowed.
♦ The meter room shall have emergency lighting p roviding a minimum of 30 lumens per square foot
and a 120V receptacle.
♦ Fire risers and water valves are not al lowed in meter rooms. Fire sprinkler heads shall not be
d irectly above meter panel equipment.
♦ Drainage and ventilation that provides air circulation sufficient to remove heat, fumes, or vapors
are the responsibi lity of the cu stomer.
NOTE-The meter for a single occupant bui ld ing may not be installed in an e lectrica l or meter room .
Contact Idaho Power for meter room requirements in high-rise bu i ldings, i.e., five or more stories above
street level requir i ng multiple meters.
~IDAHO -.."!!!POWER. Page 29 of 59
Metering
M arch 2 0 24
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Temporary Service
General
A Temporary Service is a non-recurring service for construction use and is intended for a limited time;
not to exceed 12 months. Use the form on the Idaho Power website, Temporary Ser vice Request-Idaho
Power , to request a temporary service. If the service address is in a subdivision, include all subdivision
information as indicated on the form. Then, clearly mark the property with the lot, b lock, subdivision,
and phase of the development to help Idaho Power identify the correct location.
A TTEN TION ! Idaho Power cannot connect a temporary service w ithout a passed electrical
inspection in most cities.
Temporary services shown in this section are 120/240-volt sing le-phase and 200-amp. Contact Idaho
Power about installing a temporary service to discuss the following:
♦ Determine which transformer or handhole will be used as the source for the temporary service.
♦ Receive a single-phase temporary service from a three-phase, 120/208-volt source.
A regular 120/240-volt meter base is not acceptable since a "network" meter with a 5th lug
is required.
♦ Receive a three-phase temporary service.
♦ Receive a single-or three-phase 480-volt temporary service.
Overhead Requirements
The customer provided meter pole must be securely set in a location that will allow the temporary
service conductor to be attached to the permanent meter location by merely relocating it. A maximum
of 100 feet of #2 AWG triplex conductor is allowed.
Underground Requirements
The customer-provided meter post must be securely set within two (2) feet of the handhole, pedestal,
or pad-mounted transformer. Dig the post hole and set the post by tamping it in place. Trench up to the
transformer, hand hole, or pedestal and leave enough wire coiled up in the trench to reach the
connection point. Idaho Power will insert the cable into the equ ipment and backfill the trench.
~•llAHO ..:!!POWER.
Ar,1nAr:mu::itr.nl'IM'lt'
Page 30 of59
Temporary Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Overhead Temporary Service
Idaho Power
triplex service
conductor
Conduct o r height
see Table 1
page 31
Leave 18" of wire ---
for drip loop
Support br acket(s)
as needed
Drip loop height
see Table 1
page 31
Meter
height
Finished grade or other accessible surface
(such as a deck or stai rs)
10% of pole
length + 2' -6"
L
Figure 34 Overhead Temporary Service
Item
Meter
Conductors from transformer to drip loop
Connectors for service conductors at drip loop
Meter base with lugs
Conduit, support brackets and weatherhead
Pole for equipment mounting
Point of attachment
Conductors from meter base to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~•llAHO ..:!!POWER.
Ar,1nAr:mu::itr.n l'IM'lt'
Page 31 of59
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
7 12" (max.)
'
6" (min.)
Class 6, round, wood pole
__ ,,.,---(see Definitions) o r 6" x 6"
treated wood post
/ Breakers and
receptacles
Ground
-:-per NEC
Installed by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Temporary Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Underground Temporary Service
Tran sfor m er
r --:~ .... --
Locate the meter
within 2' of the
t ransformer or
handhole in the
areas shown
Street
Handhole
( or Pe destal)
,_,,-. . '
/ Preferred locat ion is
--'( on secondary
side of transformer ~: __ _.
Meter
height
Support bracket(s) ....._
as needed --
/'~ §,
/.-,,-. I
ATTENTION! Do not dig under or
pull cab le into a transformer,
handhole or pedestal.
Street
Item
Meter
Type "USE" cable
(length as needed)
Figure 35 Underground Temporary Service Measu rements
Provided by
Idaho Power
Connectors for temporary conductors at transformer or handhole Idaho Power
Meter base w ith lugs
Conduit, support bracket(s)
Post for equipment mounting
Conductors from meter base to transformer or handhole
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~•llAHO ..:!!POWER.
Ar,1nAr:mu::itr.n l'IM'lt'
Page 32 of59
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
4" x 4" treated
,,_,,, wood post
/ Breakers and
/ receptacles
Installed by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Temporary Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Overhead Service
Heights for Overhead Service
Overhead services must meet the minimum clearance above the fin ished grade or other access i b le
surface as shown below. Make sure the point of attachment is high enoug h to meet these requ irements.
Conductor
he ight
TABLE 1 Minimum Conductor Heights
Drip loop
height
1-¢ and 3-¢ Multiplex Conductors Conductor Drip Loop
Operating at 600 Volts and below Height Height
Pedestrian Areas ................................ 12'-0" ........ 10'-6"
(no vehicles, horses or t rampolines)
Reside ntial Driveways .......................... 16'-0" ........ 16'-0 "
Areas w ith Tr uck Traffic ......................... 18'-6" ........ 18'-6"
(alleys, parking lo ts, etc.)
Non. Add 6" to all heights for open w ire conductors.
' Fi nished grade or other accessible surface
(such as a deck or stairs)
Figure 36 Heights for Overhead Services
Point of
attachment
Meter
height
Mast
he ight
Contact Idaho Pow er to deter m ine the minimum conductor height requirement when the serv ice
cond u ctor must cross over areas that are not addressed here, such as a road, highway, rai lroad t r ack,
canal, waterway, etc.
Point of Attachment
The point of attachment must be high enough to maintain the clearances show n in Table 1 Minimum
Conductor Heights. The point of attachment on poles must be at least six (G)inches from the top of the
po le. For overhead service to a building, the point of attachment must be located below the
weatherhead (NEC 230.54).
Exception: Where it is impracticable to lo cate the po int of attachment below the w eatherhead, the
po int of attachment is permitted to be no farther than 24 inches from the weatherhead.
Mast Height
If the installation requires a mast height that exceeds 15 feet above grade in pedestrian areas or 18 feet
above residential driveways, contact Idaho Power prior to construction to verify that the service can be
safely installed.
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 33 of59
Overhead Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Services Over Building Roofs
A service conductor or drip loop that crosses over the roof of a building that it serves must meet the
minimum conductor height over the roof as shown above in Table 1 Minimum Conductor Heights.
There are three exceptions where reduced clearances are permitted:
I
1. A service conductor, or the drip loop, up to 600-volts line-to-line that crosses over a non-
accessible roof must have a clea rance of 8-½ feet above the roof.
2 . A serv ice conductor, or its drip loop, up to 300-volts line-to-line that crosses over a non-accessible
roof w ith a slope of 4-to-12 or greater must have a clearance of three (3) feet above the roof.
3 . A service conductor, or its drip loop, up to 300-volts line-to-line that crosses only the eave portion
of the roof where it reaches the service mast must have an 18 inch clearance over the roof. The
service mast must not be more than four (4) feet from the edge of the roof. Only six (6) feet of the
service conductor may be above the roof as shown in Figure 37:
TA BLE 2 : MAXIMUM SPAN LENGTHS
Service Size 1!21 3!Zl
200A and less .................. 100' .......... 80'
201 -400A ......................... 80' .......... 60'
Larger than 400A * ............. 60' .......... 40'
.-Contact Idaho Powe.r for requi re ments.
Top View of Roof
,,---v Bracing (where
..,. requ ired)
M ast
heig ht
Roof height
' To finished
grad e
l-.. (ma,.) _
Figu re 37 Exception 3 for Services Over Build ing Roofs
NOTE. RGS or IMC
conduit req uired
above roof
Exception 3 typically applies to the most common installations for service to a building. Exceptions 1
and 2 often apply where the service mast location for the build i ng being served will not qualify for
Exception 3. A roof is considered non-accessible if it cannot be reached through a door, window,
stairway, or fixed ladder.
Service Conductors Ove r Other Buildings
A service conducto r up to 600-volts l ine-to-li ne that passes over the roof of a build ing but does not serve
that bui ld ing, must have a clearance of 8-½ feet above the roof of the build ing.
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 34of 59
Overhead Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Service Mast
Use a m in imum of two (2) inch conduit for service masts. Masts that penetrate a roof must be rigid
conduit (RGS or IMC). Non-rigid EMT or Schedule 80 PVC condu it may be used below the roof.
Mast and Roof Height
If the installation requires a mast height that exceeds six (6) feet above a roof, or the roof height
exceeds 10 feet above grade (without bucket truck access); contact Idaho Power prior to construction
to verify that the service can safely be installed.
Bracing
Bracing is required for masts that exceed 30 inches above a roof, in heavy snow areas, or where the
service span exceeds the length shown in Table 2 Maximum Span Lengths.
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 35 of59
Overhead Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Overhead Service Diagrams
Ove rhead Re sidential Service (1-0 up to 400A)
Bracing as
required
RGS or IMC
conduit only
above roof
Meter.
base
Meter
height
-0
Leave 18" of
conductor for
the drip loop
.,.-Support
bracket(s )
as needed
i------36"--~-II
Ground
-:-per NEC
Outward-swinging door
For an i nward-swinging
door, center of meter
socket must be 18" from
door frame.
Figure 38 Overhead Residential Service (1-0 up to 400A)
Item
Meter
Conductors from transformer to drip loop
Connectors for service conductors at drip loop
Meter base w ith lugs
Conduit, support brackets, weatherhead and bracing (as required)
Structure for equipment mounting
Conductors from meter base to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 3 6 of 59
Provided by
Idaho Pow er
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Installed by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Overhead Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Overhead Commercial Service (1-0 up to 400A or 3 -0 up to 200A)
Meter
base
Meter
height
Leave 18" of
/ cond uctor for
the dri p loop
, Support
bracket(s)
as needed
O ◄ 36"
Ground
7 per NEC
0
/ Outward-swinging door
For an i nward-swinging
door, center of meter
socket must be 18" from
door frame.
Figure 39 Overhead Commercial Service (1-¢ up to 400A or 3-¢ up to 200A)
Item
Meter
Conductors from transformer to drip loop
Connectors for service conductors at drip loop
Meter base with lugs
Conduit, support brackets, weatherhead and bracing (as required)
Structure for equipment mounting
Conductors from meter base to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 37 of59
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Installed by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Overhead Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Overhead Service to a Pole (1-0 up to 400A or 3 -0 up to 200A)
Leave 18" of wire....____
for drip l oop •
Point of /,,,
attachment
Support bracket(s) ''---
as needed ---....._
Meter
height
10% of pole
length+ 2'-6"
_l
' -,-I 12" (max.)
~
Minimum 25' tal l,
Cla ss 6, round, treated
wood pole i n like-new
climbable condition
(see Definitions)
Ground
-:-per NEC
Figure 40 Overhead Service to a Pole
Item Provided by Installed by
Meter Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conductors from transformer to dr ip loop Idaho Power Idaho Power
Connectors for se rvice conductors at drip loop Idaho Power Idaho Power
Meter base w ith lugs Customer Customer
Conduit, support brackets and weatherhead Customer Customer
Pole for equipment mounting (see Note) Customer Customer
Point of attachment Customer Customer
Conductors from meter base to drip loop per NEC Customer Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC Customer Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Norr-Metal poles or structures may be allowed under certain circumstances and must be approved by Idaho Power prior to
installation.
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 38 of59
Overhead Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Ove rhead CT Service to a Building (1-0 or 3 -0)-Preferred
1" steel
conduit
--Support
bracket(s)
as needed
/ CT meter
Customer's
service ll
disconnect U
Q l NOTE: Keep 6" between
enclosures (including
operating handles)
Meter
height
Housekeeping ----
pad recommended
Ground
-per NEC
Figure 41 Overhead CT Service 1-¢ or 3-¢
Item
CTs and meters
Conductors from drip loop to transformer
Connectors for the service conductors at drip loop
CT metering wires and connectors
CT meter base with lugs
One (1) inch conduit, support brackets and weatherhead for CT
wiring
Conduit, support brackets, weatherhead and bracing (as required)
Structure for equipment mounting
Conductors from service equipment to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page 3 9 of 59
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Installed by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Overhead Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Ove rhead CT Service with CT Enclosure (1-0 or 3 -0 up to 800A)-Not Preferred
12" (mi n.)
18" (max.)
Leave 18" of wire
for drip loop
Support
/ bracket(s)
/ as needed
CT met er can be
located t o the side
/' or above CT enclosure
CT enclosure
w/hinged cover ~
(sea l able)
1"
EMT Meter
height
Ground
-:-per NEC
NOTE: Keep 611 between
enclosures (including
operating handles)
Figu re 42 Overhead CT Service with CT Enclosure (1-¢ or 3-¢ u p to 800A)
Item
CTs and meters
Conductors from drip loop to transformer
Connectors for the service conductors at drip loop
CT metering wires and connectors
CT meter base with lugs
One (1) inch conduit, support brackets and weatherhead for CT
wiring
Conduit, support brackets, weatherhead and bracing (as required)
CT enclosure w/rack per Idaho Power requ irements (see page 21)
Structure for equipment mounting
Conductors from service equipment to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page40 of59
Provided by Installed by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Overhead Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for El ectric Service
Overhead CT Service on a Customer-owned Pole (1-0 or 3 -0)-Preferred for
Residential or Commercial
Point of
attachment ----
Idaho Power-owned
conductor
crs ··
Support bracket(s) _-•
as needed
CT meter,
t
Meter
height
I
Burial depth:
10% of the pole
length plus 2'-6"
l
Customer-owned
conductor
~ Minimum 25' tall,
Class 6, round, t reated
wood pole in like-new
climbable condit ion
(see Definitions )
1" steel
conduit
Ground
-:-per NEC
Figure 43 Overhead CT Service on a Customer-owned Pole (1-(2) or 3-(2))
Item
CTs and meter
Conductors from drip loop to transformer
Connect o rs for service conductors at dri p loop
CT metering wires and connectors
CT meter base w ith lugs
One (1) inch conduit, support brackets and weatherhead for CT
wiring
Pole for equipment mounting
Point of attachment
Conductors from service equipment to drip loop per NEC
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page41 of59
Provided by Installed by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Cust omer
Cu stomer
Cu stomer
Overhead Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Ove rhead CT Service on an Idaho Powe r -owned Pole (1-0 or 3 -0)-Pr eferred for
Irrigation
Idaho Powe r-owned _.,,.
transformer pole
1" conduit
CT meter ,
.-0
Meter
height
CTs
Pole
-Gro und
Idaho Power-owned
conductor
Leave 18" of w ire
for drip loop ..._ __ ...
-r t 12" (max.)
6"(min.)
__l_ '
""Po int of
attachment
.,..Support bracket(s)
,,,,.,.. as needed
M i nimum 25' tall, _ ____.--·-F.,..~~=i
Class 5, round, treated □
wood pole in l ike-new
climbable condition i
(s ee Definitions)
Coordinate maximum
distance with Idaho Power
10% of pole
length+ 2'-6"
I
Ground
-per NEC
Figure 44 Overhead CT Service on an Idaho Power-owned Pole (1 -0 or 3-0)
Item Provided by Installed by Maintained by
CTs and meter Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conductors from drip loop to transformer Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
Connectors for service conductors at drip loop Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT metering wires and connectors Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT meter base with lugs Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
One (1) inch conduit, support brackets and weatherhead for CT Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power wir ing
Service conduit, support brackets, weatherhead and equipment Customer Customer Customer
Pole for equipment mounting (see Note) Customer Customer Customer
Point of attachment Customer Customer Customer
Conductors from drip loop per NEC Customer Customer Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC Customer Customer Customer
Non:-Metal poles or structures may be allowed under certain circumstances and must be approved by Idaho Power prior to
i nstallation.
~~OAHO ~PCMIER. Page42 of 59
Overhead Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Underground Service
Sealing for Moisture and Gas
Each meter base that is connected to an underground service where the service conductors are installed
in conduit must have all opening(s) between the meter base and the interior of a building permane nt ly
sealed to prevent any l iquids or vapors from passing into the building; see NEC 230.8, Raceway Seal.
Underground Conduit
Use gray, UL l isted, Schedu le 40 or Sched u le 80 PVC conduit, bends and fittings for Idaho Power-owned
service installed below grade. The NEC requires Schedule 80 PVC or another type of ri gid conduit above
grade and for customer-owned service cond u it. All conduit joints must be completely seated and
permanently glued with PVC cement. Contact Idaho Power for size and quantity of conduit(s) requ ired.
Conduit and bends must be listed or labe led by a Nationally Recogn ized Testing Labo ratory (NRTL)
Program such as UL, ETL or CSA.
Single-phase, residential services
The customer may provide and install the Idaho Power conduit be low grade by fo llowing the
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements.
Non-residential services
The custome r may work with an Idaho Power designer to determine if it is beneficial fo r the c ustomer to
insta ll Idaho Power-owned underground service conduit. When installing Idaho Power condu it, follow
the trench, backfill, and compaction requirements below.
Expansion couplers
Expansion couple rs are requi red for all under ground services where t he length of condu it between fina l
grade and the service equipment is greater tha n 18 inches.
Bend Radius
Use grey-colo red manufactured bends. For two (2) ·inch and three (3) inch conduit, use 24 inch rad ius
bends and 36 inch radius bends for larger sized conduits. Do not heat conduit in any way to shape it or
form bends in the field!
Burial Depth
Conduit for electrical service conductors must be buried a minimum of
30 inches deep b ut not more than 36 inches deep, see Figu re 45. The
trench must be deeper than the burial depth to allow for the d iameter
of the conduit. Co ntact Idaho Power if this depth cannot be achieved .
~IDAHO ~POWER.
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Page43 of59
Finished grade
// ._ ,,..,,, \ / ::::-·
I
36"
max.
-<
' 30" 'f
m in. ' ) ~/Conduit / t
' ' 11 ,...._,,. /'
Figure 45 Conduit Buria l Depth
Underground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Conduit Routing
Route the service conduit in the most direct and straight-line path between the Idaho Power facility
(transformer, handhole, or pole) and the meter. Keep the number of conduit bends to a minimum.
Avoid routing service conduit under driveways or in areas where it is reasonable to expect future
digging; particu larly routes that run along property lines. If the route must fol low a property l ine, keep
the conduit at least two (2) feet away. Do not route service conduit under buildings or build over the top
of existing service conduits.
Separation from other Utilities
Keep electrical service condu it at least 12 inches from other underground util ity lines. Avoid routing
electrical conduit parallel to or directly above or below other underground utilities.
Installation
Keep dirt and debris out of the conduit. Make square conduit cuts and remove burrs from the inside and
outside edges. All joints must be completely seated and permanently glued w ith PVC cement. Do not
change conduit sizes in the run.
NOTE-Do not dig under a padmounted transformer, or into a hand hole or pedestal.
Trench and Backfill Requirements
Trench Spoils
Keep trench spoils at least two (2) feet from the
edge of the trench and any property pins or
permanent markers and out of the roadway or
other access areas where possible, see
Figure 46. Remove spoi ls or debris from the site
each day and dispose of it in accordance with all
applicable regulations.
CAUTION! Any open trench must be
adequately barricaded or protected for
public safety as required by loca l, state,
or federa l rules and regulations.
Shading and Backfill
Shade the conduit with enough two (2) inch select
backfill material to provide a six (6) inch covering,
see Figure 47.
This helps protect the conduit from being damaged
during the compaction process. After shading,
backfill the rest of the trench with six (6) inch select
backfill material. Do not put garbage, wood, ice,
etc., in the trench.
Place excavated material on only one
side of the trench and at least 2' away.
j--2•-..J
/
' If
--
" > ~ < ~ ' ' I I,.....,, /'
Figure 46 Trench Spoils
✓-I\ D ::; ;-, \) , ~ () 1 """~ 6" select backfill ~ O O ~ i No rocks larger than 6" ~. O f No rubbish , ice, wood, etc.
'; 0 ~
' 0 ,, % <) ,,
; 0 ~-----2" select backfill
6" c~o-ve_r __ " , , 0~----/ No rocks larger than 2"
(m!n .) :: 0
_ •
0
• • • f (hand tamp only)
I /'. o o ,
Y,y,,~/,Y/,,~ .... _..!-
"-. Conduit
Figure 47 Shading and Ba ckfill
~IDAHO ~POWER. Page44of59
Underground Service
March 2024
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Compaction
Compact all trench backfill to prevent future trench settling. Some settli ng ma y be permissible in most
new construction spaces that are not under paved areas such as sidewa lks , driveways, and road
surfaces. These areas are much more sens it ive to settling and require high compaction.
Standard Compaction
Standard compaction is required for most new construction projects where some settling is permissible
and achieves up to an 80% compaction rate but is dependent on soi l conditions. Backfill with the desired
material and wheel roll the trench. The first six (6) inches of cover can be native soil with no rocks larger
than two (2) inches. The remainder of the t r ench can be native soil w ith no rocks larger than six (6)
inches.
Medium Compaction
Medium compaction is required when t renching through existing landscaped areas where only m inimal
trench settling is tolerable. Backfill the t rench w ith the same material as required for standard
compaction, but in 24 inch l ifts. Compact each lift w ith a tamping rammer or other simi lar compaction
device.
High Compaction
High compaction of 95% or more resu lts in the least amount of trench set t ling. It is required in certain
rights-of-ways and when the trench is under paved or concrete surfaces, such as roads, alleys, parking
lots, driveways, and sidewalks. Backfill with¾ inch road mix, pit run, or sand in 12 inch lifts. Compact
each lift with a tamping rammer or other simi lar compact ion device. Using shallower lifts or adding
water to the backfill may help reach the desired compaction ra t es.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page45 of59
Underground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Special Requirements for Poles
If the service will come from a pole, contact Idaho Power prior to
d igging the trench. An Idaho Power representative will
determine the fo llowing:
1. If the pole is adequate for the service.
2. To which side of the pole to route the conduit.
Trench all the way to the base of the pole. If the pole becomes
unstable, contact Idaho Power immediately ! When backfilling
the trench, leave 6-to 8 feet open adjacent to the pole. After
Idaho Power connects the pole riser and conduit, it is the
Builder's responsibility to backfill and compact any remaining
trench.
Non-metered General Service
Call Idaho Power to determi ne which
side of pole to route the conduit toward
-----Approx. 6' __ _____,
Leave 6' to 8'
of ope n trench
Ba rricade as needed
of t he co nduit
Figure 48 Underground Conduit to a Pole
Service conductors for non-metered services must be a minimum of #6 AW G copper and listed for use as
service conductors in wet locations. Permanently identify each conductor by service type with labeling
and/or the use of colored insulation as follows:
♦ Street l ighting-BLACK
♦ Sprinkler controls and other non-lighting loads-RED
♦ Neutral-WHITE
Stub service conduit into nearest j-box or pedestal and provide a minimum of three (3) feet of service
conductors for termination; or route service conduit to edge of pad and provide a minimum of six (6)
feet of service conductor for termination. The point of delivery is the termination of the customer-
provided service conductors. Do not dig under a transformer.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page46 of59
Underground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Ha ndholes in Driveways
Standard-duty plastic handholes cannot be driven on. Heavy-duty handho les can only be driven over if
they are cast i nto a concrete driveway or a concret e ar ea not less than 18 inches larger in all di rections
than the handhole.
A customer has three options when a driveway or other driving surface confl icts with the location of an
existing handhole:
1. Move the driveway away from the handhole, thus avoiding the conflict.
2. Pay Idaho Power to install a heavy duty handhole that is i ntended for use i n sidewalks and
res idential driveways. These handholes r equ ire a six (6) inch-wide concrete border and they are
not to be used in veh icular traffic areas.
3. Frame a 24 inch by 35 inch openi ng in a concrete driveway that w i ll accommodate a steel
protective cover t o be provided by the customer.
♦ The cover must be¾ inch steel p lating and
have a ½ inch hole fo r lifting. Steel plates
can be purchased at most wel ding and
♦
fabrication sh ops.
The opening in t he concrete must have a¾
inch by One (1) inch shelf on all four sides
to support the cover, which must be flush
w ith the driveway surface.
5/8" dia.
hole for
lifti ng
34-3/4"
'o 23-3/4"
♦ The re must be at least two (2) inches
between the steel cover and the top of the
handhole.
34-3/4" x 23 -3/4" x 3/8" steel cover
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page 4 7 of 59
i-,,
09:
24 '' X 35 "
·rf ,1•·
-22 " X 33"
I Clea r opening
Stee l cover
2" mi n
'
Handhole
Figur e 49 Handhole in a Driveway
Underground Ser vice
March 2 0 24
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Underground Service Diagrams
Unde rground Residential Service (1-0 up to 4OOA)
Expansion
coupler
t
Burial
depth
'
Meter
base
Meter
height
36"
,-,,-Support
brac ket(s)
as needed
,,-Schedule 80 PVC
> conduit required
above grade
Ground
-per NE C
=
Outward-swinging door
Fo r an inward-swinging
door, center of meter
socket must be 18" from
door frame.
Figure SO Underground Resident ial Service (1-0 up to 400A)
Item Provided by Installed by Maintained by
Meter Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conductors from transformer or hand hole to meter base Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
Connection of Idaho Power wire at meter base Idaho Power Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conduit below grade See Note See Note Idaho Power
Meter base w ith lugs Customer Customer Customer
Conduit above grade, expansion co upler and support bracket(s) Customer Customer Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer Customer Customer
Conductors from meter base to main disconnect Customer Customer Customer
Connection of customer w ire at meter base Customer Customer Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer Customer Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground co nductor and connections per NEC Customer Customer Customer
NoTE-The customer may provide and install the underground condu it fro m the Idaho Power service point to the met er r iser for
res idential services that meet certain criteria; see Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements for more
information.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page48 of 59
Under ground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Underground Comme rcial Service (1-0 up to 4OOA or 3 -0 up to 2OOA)
Expansion
coupler
Burial
depth
t
Meter
base
36"
Support
bra cket(s)
as needed
,,,,schedule 80 PVC
conduit required
above grade
Ground
-:-per NEC
0
Outward-swinging door
For an i nward-swinging
door, center of meter
socket must be 18" from
door frame.
Figure 5 1 Underground Commercial Service (1 -{/) up to 400A or 3 -{/) up to 200A)
Item Provided by
Meter Idaho Power
Conductors from transformer or hand hole to meter base Idaho Power
Connection of Idaho Power conductors at meter base Idaho Power
Conduit below grade See Note
Meter base w ith lugs Customer
Conduit above grade, expansion coupler and support bracket(s) Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer
Conductors from meter base to main disconnect Customer
Connection of customer conductors at meter base Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC Customer
Norr-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Page49 of59
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
See Note Idaho Power
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Underground Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Idaho Power-owned Underground CT Service (1-0 or 3 -0 up to 8OOA)
Keep 6"
between
enclosures
\ 111
CT meter can be
located to the side
or above CT enclosure
but must meet meter
height requ irement
CT enclosure
w/hinged cover ~
(sea lable) EMT Meter
height
12" (min .)
18" (max.)
I -------1 Customer-owned conduit
above grade (con t act Idaho
Powe r for size and quantity)
Burial
depth
Ground
per NEC
...____..__· Idaho Power-owned
conduit below grade
Fig ure 52 Idaho Power-owned Underground CT Service (1-¢ or 3-¢ up to 800A)
Item Provided by Installed by
CTs and meter Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT metering wires and connectors Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conduit below ground See Note See Note
Conductors from transformer to CT enclosure Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT meter base with lugs Idaho Power Customer
One (1) inch Conduit for CT wiring Customer Customer
Conduit above ground per NEC Customer Customer
CT enclosure with rack per Idaho Power requirements (see page 21) Customer Customer
Connectors for the service conductors at the CT enclosu re Customer Customer
Condu ctors from CT enclosu re to service d isconnect per NEC Customer Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connectio ns per NEC Customer Customer
NoTE-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
~IDAHO ~POWER. Page 50 of59
Undergroun d Service
March 2024
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Customer-owne d Unde rground CT Service (1-0 or 3 -0 over 8OOA)-Preferred
OPTIO N: CT meter may be
installed by Idaho Power on
the side of the transformer
CT meter
(optional location)
---.I
CTs located in 1 •
transformer
WARN ING! Do not
dig under t ransformer
··.·••t'
1" steel -
co nd uit
(30 ' max.)
Support --_
bracket(s)
as needed
18"
(m in.)
I
I
CT meter base may be supported
on a buildfng wall, 3" galvanized
pipe (RMC); or 12-guage,
1-5/8" x 1-5/8" slotted channels
set 2' deep in concrete
Meter
height
Ground
-:-per NEC
"-Use 18" special radius bends
Customer-owned ·_..,.,.,·.....-
service conduits
(6 max.) • -■ -Sch . 40 PVC allowed below ground
Customer-owned
_...__J------~~ -►conductors
Figure 53 Customer-owned Underground CT Service (1-¢ or 3-¢ over 800A-Preferred)
Item
CTs and meter
CT metering wires and connectors
CT meter base with lugs (when not installed on transformer)
One (1) inch Conduit for CT wiring
Conduit below ground per N EC
Conductors from transformer to service disconnect per NEC
Connections for the service conductors at transformer
Structure for eq u ipment mounting
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page 51 of59
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Customer Idaho Power
Customer Idaho Pow er
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Underground Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Idaho Power-owned Underground CT Service (1-0 or 3 -0 over 8OOA)-Not Preferred
Burial
depth
Idaho Power-owned
conductors ◄
Ground
per NEC -
• CT comparment ~ w/hinged cover
• (sea lable)
Pull/termination
compart ment
(sealable)
= = =
Customer's
service
disconnect
TI
~ Housekeepi ng
pad recommended
-----------Idaho Power-owned
service conduits (6 max.)
Figure 54 Idaho Power-owned Undergroun d CT Service (1 -0 o r 3-0 over 800A-Not Pref erred)
Item Provided by
CTs and meter Idaho Power
Conduit below ground See Note
Conductors from transformer to switchgear Idaho Power
EUSERC switchgear with meter base and bus links (see page 21) Customer
Connectors for the service conductors in term ination compartment Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC Customer
Norr-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Page 5 2 of 59
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
See Note Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Under ground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Basement Under Transformer for More than Six (6) Runs of Conductors
CT meter
Nor e. Include a 1-ft length of 2-i n conduit
through the vault wal l on top of the service
co ndu its for temporary service conductors.
EEE
-----.. Hinged cover
for access to
service wires
Customer-owned
service conduits
Customer-owned ~==~ --conductors
Figure 55 Basement Under Transformer for More than Six (6) Runs of Conductors
Item
CTs and meter
CT metering wires and connectors
CT meter base with lugs
Conductors from transformer to secondary bus enclosure
Basement and pad w/hinged cover
Secondary bus enclosure
Conduit below grade per NEC (see note)
Conductors from bus enclosure to service disconnect per NEC
Connections for service conductors at secondary bus enclosure
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
~IDAHO ~POWER.
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Page 53 of59
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Underground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Secondary Bus Enclosure for Multi-meter Services or Alternate to Basement Under
Transformer for More than Six (6) Runs of Conductors
Hinged cover
for access t o
service w ires
NOTE . Idaho Power-owned
Idaho Power-owned ,....r" /
service co nduit s and
co nductors (6 runs max.)
service conduits and customer-
owned service condu its should
enter on oppos ite sides of the vault.
Figure 56 Secondary Bus Enclosure for Multi-meter Services or
Alternate to Basement Under Transformer for More than Six (6) Runs of Conductors
Item Provided by Installed by
CTs and meter Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT metering wires and connectors Idaho Power Idaho Power
CT meter base with lugs Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conductors from transformer to secondary bus enclosure Idaho Power Idaho Power
Conduit below grade from transformer to secondary bus enclosure See Note See Note
Basement and pad Customer Customer
Secondary bus enclosure Customer Customer
Conduit below grade per NEC (see note) Customer Customer
Conductors from bus enclosure t o service d isconnect per NEC Customer Customer
Connections for service conductors at secondary bus enclosure Customer Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground co nductor and connections per NEC Customer Customer
Norr-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
Cust omer-own ed
p ad and vault
Customer-own ed
service conduits
Cust om er-owned
--conductors
Maintained by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
~IDAHO ~POWER. Page 54of59
Underground Service
March 202 4
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Idaho Power-owned Underground Service to Multi-meter Packs (1-0 or 3 -0)
IMPORTANT Non: The connection point
for Idaho Power's se rvice cab les must
be on termina ls tha t extend away from
the main disconnect.
Id O Id 0
-11118 □o □o
lllill ll!lll
f
Meter
height
(max.)
Expansion --
coupler
Meter
height
(m in .)
I
I
Permanent placard s
indicating address or
unit being served ,
Expansion--
coupler
Ground
-:-per NEC
I
Bur ial
depth
I
Customer-owned conduit ~_/
above grade (contact Idaho
Power for size and quantity)
~-Idaho Power-owned '::=::::t:r=:::=====::::=:J ... -/ condu it below grade
!!11!!1
□o
11111
r
Meter
height
(max.)
Meter
height
(Tl
t
Bur ial
dept h
Figure 57 Main Disconnect for 7 or More meters
(3-!21 example shown)
Figure 58 Main Lugs for 2-6 Meters
(1-(l) example shown)
Item
Meters
Conductors from transformer to service entrance section
Connection of Idaho Power conductors at lugs
Conduit below grade
Multi-meter equipment with lugs
Conduit above grade, expansion coupler and support bracket(s))
Structure for equipment mounting
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC
Provided by
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
Idaho Power
See Note
Customer
Customer
Customer
Customer
NoTE-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
At tDACORPCQr. ,1,),1'1'1
Page 55 of59
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
See Note Idaho Power
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Underground Service
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Underground Servic e Not Associated with a Building (1-0 up to 400A or 3-0 up to 200A)
--,------------0
Meter
height
Support -·~-
Optionl
Meter base may be
supported using
6" x 6" treated
wood post(s) set
24" deep in soil.
--.--------!SI-0
Meter
height
Support --
.,..-: Option 2
Meter base may be supported
using 3" galvanized pipe (RMC);
or 12-guage, 1-5/8" x 1-5/8"
slotted channels set 24" deep
in concrete.
bracket(s) ---
as needed
_ -Expansion
coupler
bracket(s) ---~=ilil===:;.::i,::.::);l
as needed
-Expansion
coupler
Burial
depth 24"
_t
Treated Wood Po st M etal Suppor t Structure
Figure 59 Underground Serv ice Not Associated with a Building (1-¢ up to 400A or 3-¢ up to 200A)
Item Provided by
Meter Idaho Power
Conductors from transformer to meter base Idaho Power
Connection of Idaho Power conductors at lugs Idaho Power
Conduit below grade See Note
Meter base w ith lugs Customer
Conduit above grade, expansion coupler and support bracket(s) Customer
Structure for equipment mounting Customer
Grounding electrode(s), ground conductor and connections per NEC Customer
Norr-Customer may provide and/or install conduits below grade at Idaho Power's direction.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
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Page 56 of59
Installed by Maintained by
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
Idaho Power Idaho Power
See Note Idaho Power
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Customer Customer
Underground Service
March 202 4
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Joint Trench
This section provides information necessary to prepare for and install underground electrical
distribution infrastructure in re lation to other underground util ities. Th is information is for use by those
involved 'in land use plann i ng, excavation activities, and property development t o help ensure
comp liance with the NESC, Idaho Power's requirements, and industry best practices.
Required Information
Each city or county may have differences i n their requirements for residential subdivisions and
commercia l developments. Typically, each jurisdiction will require a plat map showing the proposed
utilities and associated easements for p lacement of utility facilities. The following specifications and
details shall be incorporated t o ensure clearance requirements are met from electric transformers to
str uctures, proper conduit installation, and sufficient easements are provided:
♦ A copy of the recorded subd ivision plat showing:
• Property lines
• Lot and block numbers
• Road rights-of-way and easements
• Street names
• Cu r b and sidewalk designs
• Sub -grade cuts and fills
• Any other improvements that might affect equipment placement (such as storm drai ns, fire
hydrants, etc.)
♦ Locations of other utilities
♦ Location of any streetl ights
♦ Plans for future development
♦ Load information for each lot including the expected square footage and electrical demand of
the ho uses to be built and whether gas is available
♦ Location and size of any 3-0 loads, such as wel ls or irrigation pumps
Trench and Backfill
All joint utility trenches must be a minimum of 42 inches deep with proper backfill and compaction, see
requirements starting on page 44.
Zero Lot-line Developments
Contact Idaho Power for zero-lot line co n struction. Wh ile zero lot line builds may be permitted,
developers are required to leave room for necessary electrica l equi pment, such as transformer s,
switches, and sectional izing cabinets. Th is requires a m i nimum of a 10 foot easement from the back of
the sidewal k as shown in Figure 60; in addition to meeting all clearance requirements for specific
equipment, see Clearances starting on page 9.
~IDAHO ~POWER. Page 57 of59
Joint Trench
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
Easements
The fol lowing specificat ions and details shall be incorporated on plat maps to ensure clearance
requirements are met from electric transformers to structures, proper conduit installation, and
sufficient easements are provided :
♦ Pad -mounted transformers require a minimum w idth of 10 feet from the back of the sidewalk.
♦ J-boxes must fit into the same easement as pad-mounted transformers.
♦ A side lot line width of five (5) feet is required for trench i ng and service cable installation.
♦ Maintain proper clearances to all padmounted equipment, see Clearances starting on page 9.
Figure 53 illustrates the easement and setback requirements needed to ensure adequate clearance for
the safe installation of electrica l facilities and other Joint Trench utility equipment. If compliance with
these details cannot be met, please contact Idaho Power.
MAIN LINE TYPICAL
{HOR IZONTA L CO NFIGURATION)
TRENCH X-SECTION
DETAIL
Transformer Pad
'
' ~ , pri1Pt ., _,.
...... ~~
_,. ' .,, ' ' , ' , : >: ... ' ' ' ' ' ... ' ' ,. .........
... '
© An ec1:sement of 10' is required for the joint trench and installation
of t he transformer and pad, measured from the front property line.
When the property line lies within a concrete si dewalk, 10" wJII be
rl!qulred from the back edge o f the sidewal k,
@ When a water meter Is Installed in front of the transformer and
pad, a m i nimum 8' ea.s.ement ls required as measured from the
back of the water meter. Water meters are two feet wide and
typically i nstalled 2' be.hind the sidewalk. For this situation, an
easement greater than 10' may be required.
Figure 60 Joint Trench and Transfor mer Pad Easement Requirements
~IDAHO ~POWER. Page 58 of59
Joint Trench
March 2024
Customer Requirements for Electric Service
REVISION DATE
0 03/15/2020
1 10/01/2020
2 03/15/2022
3a 12/16/2022
4 03/17/2023
5 05/26/2023
6 11/29/2023
7 03/15/2024
~•DAHO ~POWER.
Revision History
DESCRIPTION
Reformatted, clarified and combined overhead and underground service requirements,
definitions, changing ex isting service, and temporary service documents into a single
document. Added addit·ional definitions, information on site preparation and clearances,
permits and inspection requirements, and trenching and conduit requirements. Recessed
meter bases and tap gutters are no longer allowed . Updated residential fault current values.
Rev ised CT meter enclosure requirements. Added information on self-contained meters.
Combined Meter Identification document and supplemented with additional information on
allowed meter bases. Added EUSERC references for CT metered services above 800A. Revised
non-combustible wall requirements, handhole in driveway requirements. Clarified
requirements for multiple meters.
Revised defin itions. Added motor limits on self-conta ined meter bases. Added 24-ft minimum
height for meter poles. Clarified permanent marking and energization requ irements for multi-
meter ba se equipment. Added preferred location for underground temporary service. Added
point of attachment requirements for overhead services. Added requirement for expansion
couplers for non-residential underground services. Removed digging restriction within 5-ft of a
padmount transformer. Added wire co lor requirements for streetlight and sprinkler controls.
Added treated wood post option for underground service not associated with a bu ilding.
Added Joint Trench requirements.
Rev ised definitions. Added information for Primary Service Level customers. Revised
requirements for multiple meters serving multi-occupant buildings. Clarified service conductor
heights. Added requirements for overhead CT service to an Idaho Power-owned pole.
M i ni mum height for service poles increased to 25-ft. Added equipment load limits for
res identia l services. Removed option for customer-owned bus duct or tap gutter for multi-
meter services. Rev ised service w ire above other buildings. Revised maximum number of
conduits under transformer without basement.
Rev ised definitions. Added requirements for equipment screening. Revised motor l imits on
self-contained meter bases. Clarified bus link requirement for switchboard metered services.
Modified requirements for multiple meter bases . Added maximum depth for underground
services. Expans ion couplers required for underground services not associated w ith a build ing.
Added definition of "specu lative building" and "premises." Added information on power
production and energy storage. Rev ised multimeter service requirements. Revised secondary
bus enclosure alternate construction.
Page 59 of 59
Revision History
M arch 2 0 24
BEFORE THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CASE NO. IPC-E-24-34
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
UNDERGROUND RESIDENTIAL
CONDUIT
NOVEMBER 2023
UNDERGROUNDRESIDENTIAL CONDUIT
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Page left blank intentionally
Table of Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 1
Conformance ................................................................................................................................................. 1
Design Limitations ......................................................................................................................................... 2
Conduit and Trench Requirements ............................................................................................................... 2
Important Information .................................................................................................................................. 3
Ownership and Maintenance........................................................................................................................ 4
Meter Base Requirements ............................................................................................................................ 4
Installation Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 6
Available Fault Current ................................................................................................................................. 7
Transformers ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Clearance Requirements ............................................................................................................................... 8
Handholes or Pedestals............................................................................................................................... 10
Special Requirements for Poles .................................................................................................................. 11
Distributors of 2" and 3" Schedule 40 PVC 90° Bend with 24" Radius ....................................................... 12
Page left blank intentionally
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 1 of 13 November 2023
Introduction
The Customer has the option of installing the underground residential conduit for the service cable in
new single-phase, residential, underground electrical services. This is document is a guide to the
installation requirements. Idaho Power will install the service cable and meter after the installation is
complete, inspected, and all requirements have been met.
NOTE. Refer to the Customer Requirements for Electric Service document on the Idaho Power
website for additional requirements and information applicable to all services.
Contact Idaho Power if:
♦This is the first time using this program.
♦The service does not conform with the design limitations below.
♦A conduit stub cannot be found.
♦Service from a pole is required.
Dig-Line. At least 2-10 days before you dig, call 811 or go to
811 In Your State to request buried utility lines be marked.
DIGLINE, Inc. provides a one-call solution to notify all public utility
companies of pending excavations, allowing them to mark their lines.
Conformance
Installations are subject to inspection at any time by Idaho Power for conformance to these service
requirements. If a non-conformance is discovered, then the cable will not be installed. Non-conformities
might occur in the conduit length, route, depth, etc., or if the service is not ready when the installation
crew arrives. After the non-conformance is corrected, contact Idaho Power to reschedule the
installation. There will be a return trip charge; see Cost Information for more information.
ATTENTION! Non-conformances are corrected at the Customer’s expense. Idaho Power cannot
connect a new service until it has passed an electrical inspection.
It is important to follow the requirements in the most current version of this document. If this is a
printed copy, check the Idaho Power website at the link below for a new version with the most current
requirements:
www.idahopower.com/accounts-service/construction-remodeling/installing-new-service/
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Know what's below.
Gall before you dig.
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 2 of 13 November 2023
Design Limitations
For services using self-contained meter bases that meet the following limitations, contact Idaho Power
once the home is ready for permanent service. If the installation exceeds these limits, contact Idaho
Power prior to installing service conduit.
♦Maximum Service Length. The horizontal distance measured along the service route
between Idaho Power’s equipment and the meter base must not exceed 125-feet.
♦Conduit Bends. The total angle of bends below grade must not exceed 135°. Do not include
the bends at the meter or Idaho Power’s equipment in this limit.
200 Amp Service—Use 2-inch conduit, bends and fittings unless Idaho Power specifically directs the
use of 3-inch conduit.
400 Amp Service—Use 3-inch conduit, bends and fittings.
500 Amp Service with Multiple Meters—Contact Idaho Power for size and quantity of conduit(s)
required and maximum length allowed.
Conduit and Trench Requirements
Conduit and Bends—Use only gray colored, Schedule 40 or 80 PVC conduit and
manufactured bends with a radius of at least 24 inches, see list of distributors
starting on page 12. Do not form bends in the field! Schedule 80 PVC is required
above grade per the NEC.
Conduit and bends must be listed or labeled by a Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory Program, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. or CSA Group Testing
and Certification Inc.
Adapter—Provide a 2-inch to 3-inch smooth-walled conduit adapter (swedge) when a 3-inch conduit is
needed and there is only a 2-inch conduit stub available. The adapter must be tapered with a smooth
transition, see Figures 9 & 13.
Trench and Backfill—Maintain a
minimum of 30-inches cover above conduits
at final grade, but do not bury conduits
deeper than 36-inches. Contact Idaho
Power if this depth cannot be met. Backfill
the first 6-inches of cover with native soil
and rocks no larger than 2-inches. The
remainder of the trench can be native soil
with rocks no larger than 6 inches. Compact
the trench backfill to prevent future settling
CAUTION! All open trenches must be adequately barricaded or protected for public safety as
required by local, state, or federal rules and regulations.
Figure 1 Bend Radius
Figure 1 Trench and Backfill
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
rn~~a
,0 0~ /,
----36" 30" '< 0 /
\ ~ (max.)(min.) ~ o ::f-t o o a 1 /, V 2" select backfill
6" cover ~ o o 0 ... -/1 No rocks larger than 2"
(min .) ~, o • )" (hand tamp only)
----• 0 D • < ,, o O '-
"-'1/,'</,Y/,"x. ,.:_
D
6" select backfill
No rocks larger than 6"
No rubbish, ice , wood, etc .
Conduit
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 3 of 13 November 2023
Important Information
DO NOT heat the conduit in any way to shape it or to
form bends anywhere in the run or riser, see Figure 3.
DO NOT leave open trenches unprotected. Any open
trench must be adequately barricaded or protected to
ensure public safety as required by local, state, or federal
rules and regulations.
DO NOT change conduit sizes in the run unless a 2-inch
to 3-inch tapered adapter is needed at the conduit stub.
DO NOT make long radius sweeps to avoid installing
manufactured bends.
DO NOT install conduit beneath buildings or other structures.
Figure 3 Conduit Riser
DO compact the trench, particularly near the meter where settling could pull the conduit down and
damage the meter base. Although compacting the trench is the builder’s responsibility, the homeowner
is responsible for any future settling.
DO make square conduit cuts, remove burrs from the inside
and outside edges.
DO glue conduit joints. All joints must be completely seated
and permanently glued with PVC cement.
DO keep dirt and debris out of the conduit.
DO provide an expansion coupler below the meter base for
all one- and two-family dwellings.
DO keep proper trench separations. Keep a 12-inch
horizontal and vertical clearance between the electrical
conduit and all other utilities and any structures.
DO keep proper meter separations. The electric and gas
meters must be separated as shown in Figure 4.
DO route the service conduit in the most direct and straight-line path between the Idaho Power facility
and the meter and keep 2-feet away from property lines.
Figure 4 Separation Between Gas and Electric
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
OK
DO Keep the riser
straight
I
NOT PERMITTED
DO NOT form the PVC
conduit w ith heat or
add extra bends
Electric
1 Meter
1 18" (min .) i... 0
I
I
I
Keep the electric 1
meter out of the I
shaded area :
I
I Gas 1
Meter 1
nderground -
ervice conduit
36 " (min .)
I
I
I
I -I
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 4 of 13 November 2023
Ownership and Maintenance
Idaho Power assumes ownership of the builder-installed conduit when the electrical service cable is
installed. However, the builder is responsible for the condition of the conduit and trench until the
ownership of the home is transferred to the first buyer.
After the cable has been installed, Idaho Power will own and maintain the following:
♦All conduit and fittings installed below the finished grade
♦Entire length of electric cable and the connections at Idaho Power’s equipment
♦Meter
NOTE. Idaho Power will connect the cable to the meter base,
but the Homeowner will own and maintain the connections.
After the cable has been installed, the builder or homeowner will own and maintain the following:
♦All conduit and fittings installed above the finished grade
♦Trench and any landscaping
♦Meter base and its connections to the electric cable
♦All wiring and electrical connections on the Customer’s side of the meter
Connect to the Proper Equipment
See the Customer Requirements for Electric Service Definitions section, on the Idaho Power website
for more information.
Meter Base Requirements
120/240-Volt, 1-Ø Meter Bases
EUSERC-approved meter bases are recommended. Bypass meter bases are not allowed on residential
services. Other meter bases may be accepted if they have adequate wiring space between the load
terminals and underground conduit entry, and meet the dimensions shown in the table below:
1-Ø Meter Base Minimum Dimensions
Number of Exterior Dimensions* Wiring Lug Conduit
Service Terminals Height Width Depth Space Range Entry
200A 4 15" 11" 4" 4" #2 - 4/0 2"
400A 4 22" 11" 5" 6" #1/0 - 350 3"
*Dimensions shown are rounded to the nearest inch.
Meter Base Wiring
The Customer's wiring for a self-contained meter base is required to be connected to the “load-side”
(bottom) terminals, and Idaho Power’s wiring is on the “line-side” (top) terminals.
For more information, see the Customer Requirements for Electric Service, Metering section on the
Idaho Power website.
~~IJAHO ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 5 of 13 November 2023
Meter Location
The meter base and conduit must be securely mounted on the
outside of an exterior structure wall and remain accessible to
Idaho Power. The following is a list of common errors:
♦Do not place the meter behind a fence.
♦Do not put the meter at the back of the house.
♦Do not cover or enclose the meter.
♦Recessed meter bases are not allowed.
Meter Height
The preferred height for permanent meters is 5-feet, 6-inches, to the
center of meter socket, and above finished grade or other accessible
surface such as a deck or stairs. Meters may be mounted between
4-feet and 6-feet, except in areas with heavy snowfall, where the
minimum height is 5-feet.
Working Space
The 36×36-inch area directly in front of the meter base
must be clear of equipment, landscaping, or other
obstacles that will interfere with access.
Equipment not associated with the meter or service
must be kept out of this space on either side of the
base. This includes door frames for inward-swinging
doors or perpendicular walls. Frames for outward-
swinging doors must be at least 36-inches from the
edge of the meter base.
Figure 5 Meter Location
Figure 6 Meter Height
Figure 7 Working Space
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
':, Don't put the
~ meter here
Placing the meter in front
of the fence keeps Idaho
Power out of the back yard
0 7
5'-6 " (preferred)
6'-0" (ma x.)
4 '-0" (min .)*
I
*Minimum height
in heavy snowfall
areas is 5'-0"
: -----._I ......... --.-_.1 -:..-----
T
Meter base
' , I , :--1s" --, .. _,.◄◄1-1s "--•
Keep shaded :
area clear ~ : '-
'
36"
:_ --------' --- -----
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 6 of 13 November 2023
Installation Requirements
Use the diagram below as guidance for residential meter base installation requirements. An electrical
permit is required from the city or state, and the installation must have passed an electrical inspection
before Idaho Power will energize the service.
Figure 8 Typical Residential Meter Installation
Service panel with --
main disconnect .
Meter base ........._
Expansion-coupler
5'-6" (preferred)
6'-0" (max .)
4'-0 " (min .)*
36" 30"
Schedule 80 PVC -
required above
grade per NEC
+
(max .) (min .)
Schedule 80 or 40 PVC
allowed below grade
•I '
* Minimum height in heavy snowfall areas is 5'-0".
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
NOTES:
Follow manufacturer's installation instructions
for all equipment .
Be careful not to obstruct the service conduit
entry into the meter base with penetration
and wiring to service panel.
Expansion-coupler must be anchored tightly at
upper end of barrel. Locate support bracket near
top of barrel w ithin 12 " of meter socket and glue
to upper conduit OR install barrel end in meter
base . Be sure to orient expansion-coupler with
piston on the bottom .
Suggestion : Provide block or shim behind support
bracket for a snug fit.
Unless otherwise directed by manufacturer due
to ambient temperature at time of installation,
set piston approximately half-way in barrel and
glue piston to lower PVC conduit .
DO NOT glue piston and barrel together!
DO NOT secure conduit to wall below barrel!
Keep conduit straight above grade from elbow to
meter socket. Orient conduit bell ends down and
away from meter base to minimize water intrusion
and facilitate conductor installation . A maximum
conduit length of 48 " is allowed between finished
grade and the piston on the expansion-coupler.
DO NOT heat or bend PVC conduit!
Suggestion : Block out a portion of the foundation
to allow for an easier service conduit installation .
Ground service per NEC -250 (not shown).
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 7 of 13 November 2023
Available Fault Current
The NEC requires that service entry equipment must be rated for the maximum available fault current
from all sources, including any Customer generation.
For typical single-family residential services with a self-contained meter and served from a 100 kVA
transformer or smaller, the available fault current contribution from Idaho Power will require service
equipment ratings as shown:
AIC Ratings for Underground Residential Services by Length
from Transformer from Handhole/Pedestal
Service 10k AIC 22k AIC 10k AIC 22k AIC
200A > 40-ft < 40-ft > 20-ft < 20-ft
400A > 80-ft < 80-ft > 40-ft < 40-ft
Contact Idaho Power for larger transformers or to obtain more precise fault current values.
Transformers
Most transformers have 2- or 3-inch conduit stubs approximately 5-feet from the transformer, as shown
below. Expose the end of the conduit stub and connect the new conduit. If there is no stub marker or a
conduit is not present, dig up to the edge of the transformer pad. DO NOT dig under a transformer!
Figure 9 Transformer Conduit Stub-out
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Street
Transformer
3"conduit -
2" Stub
2" to 3" adapter
Adapter not required
for 2" conduit
Conduit
stub
marker
30"
(min.)
I
2" conduit
Transformer
Street
Approx . Conduit
stub
marker
30"
(min.)
I
3"
conduit
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 8 of 13 November 2023
Clearance Requirements
Padmounted Equipment
The working clearance around
padmounted equipment is a
minimum of 10-feet from the
front (or sides with doors) and
3-feet from the other sides
and back. Equipment lifting
requirements are either 10- or
20-feet above the equipment
depending on its size. Keep
shrubs, stored material,
fences etc. out of this space.
Figure 10 Working Clearance around Padmounted Transformer
Combustible structures are required to be 10-feet from padmounted transformers. This clearance may
be reduced to 3-feet working clearance from a non-combustible wall. A 10-foot clearance is still required
in front, to each side, and vertically of any door, operable window, air intake vent, or path of egress
located on a non-combustible wall or surface.
Figure 11 Clearance from a Non-Combustible Wall
To be considered noncombustible one of the following requirements must be met:
1.A one-hour or greater fire rating as certified by a licensed architect, engineer, or other
authority having jurisdiction.
2.Have an automatic fire suppression system, i.e., fire sprinkler system.
3.Surface material that will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors
when subject to fire or heat according to ASTM E136. There must be 5/8-inch gypsum board
on the inside of the surface with fire/smoke detectors; and the surface material must be
installed with one of the following underneath:
♦Minimum of 5/8-inch gypsum board.
♦Cement board.
♦Fire-rated OSB.
All building surfaces within 10-feet of the transformer must be noncombustible.
Non-combustible
wall or fire -rated
surface
3' (min .)
on sides
t
3' (min .) in back
w ithout doors
1 O' (min .) in front
or sides with doors
i
3' (m i n.)
on sides
1 O' (min .) up to 1000-kVA
20 ' (min .) over 1000-kVA
I
/
Doors, operable w indows,
air intake openings or
-paths of egress
> □ □ □ □ □ J-□~1□-□~1□-□~1□~01
~ I
3'
(min .)
3'
(min .)
-L - -10'
(min.)
10'
(min.)
~ --.I -- - - ---
1 Padmounted equipment
1 not allowed in this area 1
L--------L----------------~
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 9 of 13 November 2023
Fire-Resistant Barriers
Where it is not practical to obtain the required clearance between the equipment and a combustible
building surface or opening, the Customer may provide a fire-resistant barrier constructed of non-
combustible materials and meeting all applicable building codes and Idaho Power’s requirements.
An acceptable fire-resistant barrier is a free-standing wall such as brick, CMU block or concrete that is
located between the padmounted equipment and a combustible building or surface.
Figure 12 Fire-Resistant Barrier
Consider the following when constructing a fire-resistant barrier:
♦Make sure that the height and length of the barrier meet the needs of each application.
♦Allow space for reasonable variations in the size of the equipment should it need to be replaced in
the future.
♦The 10-foot clearance is measured “line-of-sight” between the nearest point on the equipment
and the wall, opening, and/or path of egress.
Overhead Power Lines.
People, and any tools or equipment held by them, must stay at least 10-feet from overhead distribution
power lines and farther away from transmission power lines. Buildings, antennas, signs, pools, and other
objects require additional clearances from overhead power lines. Consult with Idaho Power for more
information.
Non -combustible
barrier by Customer
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
/
Combustible wall , door,
operable window, air
intake or fire escape
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 10 of 13 November 2023
Handholes or Pedestals
Handholes or above-ground pedestals in subdivisions may have a 90° bend stubbed out of them and will
be marked with a red stake. If there is a stub, it will typically be a 2-inch conduit, sometimes with a
2-inch to 3-inch adapter attached. However, a 3-inch conduit may be provided if the lot was expected to
require a larger service. In this case, there will not be an adapter supplied and the Builder should install
a 3-inch conduit to the meter base.
The builder must provide a tapered 2-inch to 3-inch adapter as shown in Figure 13 if a 3-inch conduit is
used and adapter has not been provided.
Figure 13 Handhole or Pedestal Conduit Stub-out
DO NOT dig within 2-feet of a handhole or pedestal unless a conduit stub has not been provided.
If the handhole or pedestal does not have a conduit stub, then follow the instructions below:
♦Plumb the 90° bend into the nearest corner of the handhole with the end between
2-and 4-inches above the handhole floor.
♦Plug or cap the open end of the conduit to keep out dirt and debris.
NOTE. Handholes that are located in a driveway require supplemental protection;
see Customer Requirements for Electric Service on Idaho Power’s website for more information. .
Street
◄
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Street
2" stub
Handhole
Adapter not requied
for 2" conduit
3" conduit
Conduit
stub
marker Street
30"
(min.)
2" conduit
◄
Conduit
stub
marker
30"
(min .)
3"
conduit
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 11 of 13 November 2023
Special Requirements for Poles
If the service will come from a pole, contact Idaho Power
prior to digging the trench. An Idaho Power representative
will determine the following:
♦If the pole is adequate for the service.
♦From which side of the pole to route the conduit.
Trench all the way to the base of the pole. If the pole
becomes unstable, contact Idaho Power immediately!
When backfilling the trench, leave 6- to 8-feet open
adjacent to the pole. After Idaho Power connects the pole
riser and conduit, it is the Customer’s responsibility to
backfill and compact any remaining trench.
Figure 14 Underground Conduit to a Pole
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Call Idaho Power to determine which
side of pole to route t he cond uit toward
18"
,__ ___ A pprox . 6' ----1~
Leave 6' to 8'
of open trench
Barricade as needed
►
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 12 of 13 November 2023
Distributors of 2" and 3" Schedule 40 PVC 90° Bend with 24" Radius
Location Distributor Address Phone Notes
Blackfoot Electrical Wholesale Supply Co. 560 Jensen Grove Dr. [phone]
Boise Anixter Power Solutions 12070 W. Executive Dr. [phone]
Columbia Electric Supply 8645 Westpark St. [phone] 2" only
Consolidated Electric
Distribution 11589 W. Executive Dr. [phone]
Electrical Wholesale Supply Co. 5185 W. Bethel St. [phone]
Graybar 801 South 13th St. [phone] 2" only (3" special order)
Grover's Pay & Pack 5730 W. Franklin Rd. [phone]
Interstate Electric Supply 415 N. Philippi St. [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 5603 W. Bethel St. [phone]
WESCO 5480 Irving St [phone]
Buhl Gietzen Electric Inc. 125 9th Ave. South [phone]
Burley Ace Hardware 2256 Overland Ave. [phone] 2" only
Caldwell Electrical Wholesale Supply Co. 3409 Arthur St. [phone]
Interstate Electric Supply 3705 Arthur St. [phone] 36" radius on 3"
Eagle Evan's Building Center 931 E. State St. [phone] 2" only
Emmett Mountain West Building Supply 2449 West Highway 52 [phone] 2" only
Valley Pump & Equipment 608 N. Washington Ave. [phone]
Hailey Consolidated Electric
Distribution 1010 Business Park Dr. [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 3990 Woodside Blvd. [phone]
Jerome Consolidated Electric
Distribution 220 W. Yakima # B [phone] 36" radius on 3"
Platt Electric Supply 2735 Tucker Ct. [phone]
Kuna Kuna Lumber 175 School St. [phone] 2" only
McCall Consolidated Electric
Distribution 102 Mission St. [phone]
Interstate Electrical Supply 13788 ID-55 [phone] 36" radius on 3"
May Hardware 809 N 3rd St. [phone] 2" only (on order)
Meridian D&B Supply 1725 E. Fairview Ave. [phone]
Interstate Electric Supply 760 N. Ralstin St. [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 1300 E. Kalispell St. [phone]
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
Page 13 of 13 November 2023
Location Distributor Address Phone Notes
Mountain Home P & C Plumbing and Electrical 950 Sunset Strip [phone]
Nampa Consolidated Electric
Distribution 1112 W. Hemingway Blvd. [phone]
Grover's Pay & Pack 824 Caldwell Blvd. [phone]
Interstate Electric Supply 1917 Industrial Rd. [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 401 6th St. North [phone]
Ontario Interstate Electric Supply 287 SE 2nd St. [phone]
Pocatello/
Chubbuck
D & S Electrical Supply Co. 363 W. Chubbuck Rd [phone]
Electrical Wholesale Supply Co. 220 W. Maple St [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 2815 Garrett Way Ste. A [phone]
WESCO 2815 Garrett Way Ste. F [phone]
Salmon Havemann Ace Hardware 720 S. Challis St. [phone]
Twin Falls Colombia Electric Supply 455 4th Ave W. [phone] 36" radius on 3"
Columbia Electric Supply 552 2900 East Rd. [phone]
Electrical Wholesale 218 Blake St. South [phone]
Grover's Pay & Pack 130 Eastland Dr. South [phone]
Platt Electric Supply 294 2900 East Rd. [phone]
~~~ ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Cof'l1)Qny
Underground Residential Conduit Installation Requirements
November 2023
Revision History
REVISION DATE DESCRIPTION
0 03/15/2020 Reformatted document. Added clearance requirements around transformers.
1 03/15/2021 Added Installation Requirements diagram.
2 12/02/2022 Added working space requirements around meters.
3 03/17/2023 Added requirements about conduit routing and long-radius sweeps. Builder to provide 2-inch
to 3-inch adapter when needed.
4 11/29/2023 Revised burial depth requirements for service conduits.
~IDAHO ~POWER.
An IDACOR:P Co~ny
BEFORE THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CASE NO. IPC-E-24-34
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
ATTACHMENT NO. 3
JIM NAUMANN LETTER
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110 Larkspur Rd.
Hailey, Id .
June 15, 2024
Governor Brad little
Idaho Legislature
Public Utilities Commission
Blalne County Commissioners
Esteemed Idaho Representatives:
This is a letter about abuse of power; autocratic and bureaucratic actions by Idaho Power.
We are adding 180 squqre feet to make the garage large enough for two vehicles. To do this the electric
meter needs to be moved 35 inches closer to the transformer which would take an electrician under
supervision of an Idaho Power representative maybe fifteen minutes to do.
Instead Idaho Power requires a completely new line from the transformer at a cost of about $5,000.
They claim the wires are five years past their 20 year life span. There is no basis for this claim except
bureaucracy.
All permits were obtained and we were not informed of the required new lines until the project was
almost completed.
So much for affordable housing.
~
BEFORE THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CASE NO. IPC-E-24-34
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
ATTACHMENT NO. 4
JIM NAUMANN LETTER
110 Larkspur Rd.
Hailey, ID 83333
June 19,2024
Mr. Curtis Thaden
Idaho Public Utilities Commission
P. 0. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0074
Dear Mr. Thaden:
Your quick and detailed response to the letter of June 15 is certainly a compliment to the Utilities
Commission.
The information Idaho Power gave you was false! The new meter was moved 35 inches closer to the
transformer requiring a shorter line and no splice. The wire was in conduit and not affected by concrete .
The electrician on the job said moving the wire from one meter to the other would have taken him 15
minutes.
The $5,000 was for trenching 166 feet and the cost of conduit to the contractor. The $838 raises the cost
to $5,838.
The trenching destroyed a 100' by 8' maintained area of sage which would take years to grow back.
Disputing Idaho Power's demand during mid construction would have stopped work which negated the
opportunity to challenge Idaho Power's nonsensical bureaucratic requirement. The $5,838 extra is a
financial burden . A challenge would probably only have benefited a lawyer.
Again, so much for affordable housing!
Sincerely,
NAUMANN
110 Larkspur Rd.
Hailey, ID 83333
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BEFORE THE
IDAHO PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION
CASE NO. IPC-E-24-34
IDAHO POWER COMPANY
ATTACHMENT NO. 5
PHOTOS
110 Larkspur Rd.
Hailey, ID
Photographed May 23, 2024
Existing meter and
base located inside
the addition, prior to
relocation to exterior
110 Larkspur Rd.
Hailey, ID
Photographed May 23, 2024
1) New meter base
located on the outside of
the addition
2) Communications cables
3) Possibly gas (yellow)
and unknown (black) in
conduit (gray casing)
4) Idaho Power direct
buried line
1
2
3 4