Rates & Policies

1. OBJECTIVE
   To provide a systematic schedule for the reading of meters and the payment of energy bills on a monthly basis and to establish regulations which will assure prompt collections of delinquent accounts to the end that all patrons will be treated on a fair and equitable basis.
2. CONTENT
   
   1.  AMR/AMI Read, Co-op Billed Accounts: For accounts where the meter is read remotely by the Cooperative’s metering system to calculate and render a billing to the member-consumer, the following applies.
      1.  The AMR/AMI meters shall be read three (3) to six (6) working days preceding the end of each month and bills shall be calculated by the Cooperative and deposited in the mail by the 1st of the month. If a member selects paperless billing, they will receive an electronic notice of their billing. Payment shall be remitted to the Cooperative on or before the 17th of the month.
      2. If payment is not received by the 17th of the month, a late payment will be assessed on each account not paid by the due date. For accounts on the budget billing plan, the penalty will be assessed only on the amount of the monthly payment. The bill shall also be considered delinquent. A grace period is provided to extend the payment date to the first working day following the 17th if the 17th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday.
      3.  Members that do not want the Cooperative to record their electric usage with an AMR/AMI meter may opt out of the remote metering program. For those members that opt out, the Cooperative shall utilize a non-AMR/AMI metering package. If a separate trip is required by Cooperative personnel to complete the meter change-out, a $50.00 charge will be assessed to help defray expenses. Cooperative personnel shall then read the meter on a monthly basis for billing purposes. A meter reading fee of $50.00 per month shall be applied to their account to offset the cost of reading the meter manually and inputting their electric usage into the billing system manually.
   2. Any account not paid after the delinquent date shall be sent a delinquent notice. The delinquent notice shall inform the member-consumer that the balance due must be paid, or arrangements for payment made by the date indicated on the notice.
   3.  If payment has not been received, or if arrangements for payment have not been made, by the date indicated on the delinquent notice, a disconnect notice shall be sent which will inform the member-consumer that the balance due must be paid, or arrangements for payment made, by the date listed on the disconnect notice or the electric service will be disconnected.
   4.  If payment has not been received, or if arrangements for payment have not been made by the date indicated on the disconnect notice and Cooperative personnel make a trip to collect or disconnect the service, a $50.00 collection or disconnect charge will be added to the delinquent account to help defray expenses.
   5.  Before a service is reconnected, the consumer shall pay a charge of $50.00 plus any other applicable charges or fees. However, management is authorized to waive reconnect charges for remote reconnects or for other extenuating circumstances. If the consumer requests that service be reconnected after normal working hours and Cooperative personnel make a trip to reconnect the service, the charge shall be $175.00 plus any other applicable charges or fees.
   6.  The provisions of this policy shall apply unless a written contract for electric service has been executed with the consumer which specifies other billing and collection procedures.
   7.  Billing Errors: When billing errors are discovered, the billing department will recalculate the billing to determine the amount overpaid or underpaid.
      1. Any overpayment will be refunded to the member-consumer(s) involved. No time limit shall apply. The refund shall be calculated from the point the error occurred to the point it was discovered and corrected. If the point the error occurred cannot be fixed with reasonable certainty, the refund will be limited to one year consisting of the twelve (12) months prior to the date the error was discovered.
      2.  For any underpayment, the Cooperative will limit the indebtedness to one hundred percent (100%) of the underpayment for a maximum look back period of one year (12 months).
      3. The Cooperative shall offer a deferred payment plan to any member-consumer for indebtedness due to a billing error of the Cooperative that permits such members to retire the debt by periodic payments as defined in a deferred payment plan.
      4.  The terms, conditions and acceptance of the member’s request for making deferred payment arrangements will be determined by the Cooperative after considering the following:
         
         1. Amount and age of past due amounts;
         2. The member-consumer’s ability to pay;
         3. The member-consumer’s payment history;
         4. Reasons for indebtedness; and
         5. Any other relevant factors to the member-consumer’s electric service.
      5. Any “Deferred Payment Agreement” shall be signed by the member-consumer and include the following provisions:
         
         1. The member-consumer shall pay all future bills for electric service in accordance with billing policies and procedures;
         2. The member-consumer shall retire the indebtedness according to the terms of the deferred payment agreement;
         3. No interest shall apply on the outstanding balance of the indebtedness;
         4. The deferred payment amount shall be subject to late payment penalties; and
         5. If the member defaults upon any payment due under the deferred payment agreement, the Cooperative shall have the right to demand immediate payment of the outstanding debt and service may be disconnected for nonpayment of any amount due.
3. RESPONSIBILITY
   
   1. The General Manager is responsible for administering this policy and for recommending to the Board any changes deemed necessary.
   2. The General Manager may delegate to appropriate staff the various activities necessary to carry out this policy.

EFFECTIVE DATE:   October 1, 2020

DATE ADOPTED:     March 28, 2000

DATE REVISED:       September 25, 2002

DATE REVISED:       June 24, 2004

DATE REVISED:       August 21, 2008

DATE REVISED:       November 19, 2008

DATE REVISED:       May 21, 2009

DATE REVISED:       January 20, 2011

DATE REVISED:       December 22, 2011

DATE REVISED:       January 19, 2012

DATE REVISED:       November 21, 2012

DATE REVISED:       December 18, 2014

DATE REVISED:       November 19, 2015

DATE REVISED:       November 23, 2016

DATE REVISED:       September 25, 2019

DATE REVISED:        July 23, 2020

ATTESTED:   ______________________________________________

Chris Hofer, Secretary

I.          OBJECTIVE

To establish a policy for the assessment of penalties on all outstanding energy bills due to the Cooperative.

II.         CONTENT

A. The late payment charge shall apply if the balance due is $25.00 or larger and payment of the current month bill is not received in the office on or before the delinquent date. In the event the normal delinquent date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the delinquent date shall become the following working day. The late payment charge shall be the larger of $5.00 or 1½% of the outstanding balance of each account not paid by the due date. Also see the Cooperative’s policy on Consumer Billing.

B. A member-consumer’s check, credit card or ACH transaction that has been returned by the bank or credit card company for any reason and not corrected before the delinquent date shall be charged the applicable late payment penalty.

III.       RESPONSIBILITY

The General Manager is responsible for administering this policy and for recommending to the Board any changes deemed necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE:   December 22, 2016

DATE ADOPTED: March 28, 2000
DATE REVISED: September 25, 2002
DATE REVIEWED: November 19, 2008
DATE REVIEWED: November 21, 2012
DATE REVIEWED: December 18, 2014
DATE REVISED: December 22, 2016
DATE REVIEWED: August 22, 2019

ATTESTED:   __________________________________

Chris Hofer, Secretary

I.          OBJECTIVE
To establish a policy for collecting security deposits from member-consumers.

II.         CONTENT

A. The Cooperative shall require a $150.00 security deposit from all new member-consumers. If the deposit is found to be inadequate an additional deposit may be required. For commercial or industrial accounts, a security deposit based on a two month estimate of their bill shall apply.

1. Members electing to participate in the prepaid service program shall not be required to maintain a security deposit. After enrolling in the program, any existing security deposit shall be credited to their account.
2. Members electing to leave the prepaid service program shall be subject to the provisions of this policy.

B. A security deposit shall automatically be refunded, as a credit to the member-consumers account, when one of the following conditions are met:

1.  Upon receipt of a confirmation of satisfactory credit from the member-consumer’s most recent power supplier or the credit bureau if the member-consumer has no past history with a power supplier.

a. Satisfactory credit means that within the last year of service the member-consumer has not had his service disconnected for non-payment of a bill rendered, has not been issued a disconnect notice, has not had more than three late payment charges applied to their account and has no outstanding debt with their previous power supplier.

2.   After satisfactory credit has been established with the Cooperative.

a.  Satisfactory credit means that within the last year of service the member-consumer has not had his service disconnected for non-payment of a bill rendered, has not been issued a disconnect notice, has not had more than three late payment charges applied to their account and has no outstanding debt with the Cooperative.

C. The service of any member-consumer who fails to comply with the security deposit requirements within a specified time shall be subject to disconnection.

D. No interest shall be paid on security deposits.

III.       RESPONSIBILITY
The General Manager is responsible for administering this policy and for recommending to the Board any changes deemed necessary.

EFFECTIVE DATE:   June 30, 2016

DATE ADOPTED:     March 28, 2000

DATE REVISED:       September 25, 2002

DATE REVISED:       December 18, 2008

DATE REVIEWED:   December 20, 2012

DATE REVISED:       March 20, 2014

DATE REVISED:       June 30, 2016

DATE REVIEWED: September 25, 2019

ATTESTED:   __________________________________

Chris Hofer, Secretary

CONSTRUCTION AND EXTENSION OF ELECTRIC SERVICE (CIAC)

I. OBJECTIVE
To set forth the terms and conditions under which the Cooperative will construct and extend its facilities to provide electric service for the benefit of the member-consumer.

II. CONTENT

A. General Terms and Conditions

1. The electric plant of the Cooperative shall be constructed, installed, maintained and operated in accordance with RUS standards and accepted engineering practices in the electric industry to assure, as far as reasonably possible, continuity of service, uniformity in quality of service furnished and the safety of persons and property.

2. The Cooperative shall use, as the minimum standard of accepted practice, the National Electrical Safety Code as prescribed by the statutes of the State of South Dakota or as the same may be amended.

3. The type and character of construction, capacity requirements, location of the origin, and the route to be followed in the construction of an extension shall be determined by the Cooperative after due consideration of the engineering problems involved, with the objective of providing the best service possible. The origin need not necessarily be at the point on the existing distribution system most proximate to the member-consumer’s premises, nor the route selected the shortest distance between the origin and the delivery point.

4. 4. Prior to the construction of new facilities to serve a member-consumer, the provisions specified in this policy shall be used to determine any required contribution-in-aid-of-construction (CIAC). If the Cooperative determines that a contribution-in-aid-of-construction is necessary, payment or payment arrangements for the contribution-in-aid-of-construction shall be made prior to the construction and extension of electric service. As with any contribution-in-aid-of-construction payment, the Cooperative retains ownership of the facilities involved and the Cooperative is responsible for any future maintenance and/or ordinary replacements.

a. Management shall be authorized to negotiate payment arrangements for contributions. Payment arrangement options that spread payments over an extended period of time shall include a termination clause to guarantee payment of the contribution in the event electric service is discontinued.

5. The Cooperative shall install and maintain the electric distribution lines and all equipment up to the meter socket, which may be located either on a building, a Cooperative-owned pole or a Cooperative-owned underground pedestal. Certain single, feed-through meter sockets can be provided by the Cooperative. All meter sockets, even member-consumer provided, must meet the Cooperative’s approved meter socket list and any code requirements.

a. Where requested by the member-consumer, the Cooperative shall install, own, operate and maintain load control receivers on the member-consumer’s side of the meter in conjunction with the load management program.

6. For safety purposes, the installation of a double throw disconnect switch shall be a pre-requisite to a member-consumers operation of a standby generator. The contribution-in-aid-of-construction for single phase installations shall equal the cost of the appropriate disconnect switch described in Section II.C. For three phase installations the member-consumer is responsible for providing the needed disconnect switch.

7. For each service classification, the Cooperative shall provide single or three-phase electric service under the applicable rate schedule at the meter location, or delivery point agreed to by the Cooperative and the member-consumer as the best service location available. The terms, rates and conditions of service may be formulated into a contractual agreement with the member-consumer prior to the installation of the service.

B. Post-Disaster Construction Specifications, Codes and Standards

1. In the aftermath of a major storm which has caused significant damage to existing overhead pole line, the Cooperative will assess the extent of the damage to determine whether the damaged portion of the overhead pole line will be rebuilt or replaced with underground facilities. It shall be the practice of the Cooperative to rebuild or replace any storm damaged overhead pole line based on the following minimum construction specifications, codes and standards rather than rebuild the overhead pole line to the former specifications, codes and standards:

a. Single-Phase Overhead Pole Line Construction
  Pole – Class 4 or lower
  Conductor – 1/0 ACSR, 6/1 Aluminum
  Spans – average 240 feet or less

b. Three-Phase Overhead Pole Line Construction
  Pole – Class 3 or lower
  Conductor – 1/0 ACSR, 6/1 Aluminum
  Spans – average 240 feet or less

c. Single-Phase Underground Line Construction
  Cable – 1/0, 220 mil, EPR
  Rubber Goods – 200 Amp

d. Three-Phase Underground Line Construction
  Cable – 4/0, 220 mil, EPR or TRXLP
  Rubber Goods – 200 Amp or 600 Amp, depending on the feeder

2. It is the Cooperative’s intention to improve and upgrade the distribution system to meet these minimum specifications, codes and standards; however, the first priority in the aftermath of any major storm is to restore power as expeditiously and safely as possible.

3. Management will make the decision to replace overhead pole line with either overhead pole line or underground facilities after restoring service and taking into consideration the damage to the overhead pole line, the Long Range Engineering Plan and the number of members and the types of loads to be impacted.

C. Line Extensions and General Provisions

1. Single-Phase Service. The following applies to single-phase line extensions for new service. See Section II.E. below for further CIAC provisions within a development or platted subdivisions.

a. The contribution-in-aid-of-construction shall consist of the following fixed service charge, capacity charge, and per foot charges.

Fixed Service Charge $750.00 plus,

Capacity Charge (based on electric panel ampacity rating) plus,

200 amps No additional capacity charge
400 amps $400.00
600 amps $800.00
800 amps $1,200.00

Per Foot Charge:
$4.00 per foot – single phase primary and secondary (1)
$8.00 per foot – three phase primary and secondary
$4.00 per foot – each additional conductor

(1) First 150 feet of single phase, secondary $0.00 (no cost)

Any incidental charges directly related to the line extension such as road bores, winter conditions, county permits and/or crossing fees shall be added to and included in the contribution-in-aid-of-construction. If the member-consumer requests an underground disconnect, the following charges shall apply:

200 amp………..$1,500.00
400 amp………..$3,000.00
600 amp………..$4,500.00

b. New requests for electric service may be limited to less than 100 kVA for a single phase service or required to accept three-phase service by the Cooperative. In making this determination, the Cooperative will perform engineering modeling based on the new load characteristics and the existing distribution system capabilities.

c. The maximum allowable transformer capacity for a single-phase service shall be 100 kVA.

d. For developments, platted subdivisions, mobile homes, seasonal, or temporary services, see the applicable sections of this policy.

2. Three-Phase Service to Non-biddable Load. The following applies to three-phase line extensions for new services. See Section II.E. below for further CIAC provisions within a development or platted subdivisions.

a. The contribution-in-aid-of-construction shall consist of the following fixed service charge, capacity charge, and per foot charges. Per foot charges shall apply to both primary and secondary line extensions.

Fixed Service Charge…………………………………..$3,000.00, plus
Capacity Charge (1)…………………………………………..$6.50 per amp, plus
Per Foot Charge (2)
$8.00 per foot – three phase primary
$4.00 per foot – each additional conductor

(1) Based on the electrical panel amperage rating.

(2) When the Cooperative determines 200 amp rated primary infrastructure isn’t adequate, the applicable Per Foot Charge shall be doubled.

Any incidental charges directly related to the line extension such as road bores, winter conditions, county permits and/or crossing fees shall be added to and included in the contribution-in-aid-of-construction. If the Cooperative determines that the construction of the new service line extension would provide a specific benefit to the distribution system, the contribution-in-aid-of-construction may be modified accordingly to take into consideration those system betterment costs as approved by the Cooperative’s Operations and Engineering Manager.

b. The Cooperative may require that a written contract be executed between the Cooperative and the member-consumer prior to the installation of the service.

c. For loads in excess of 150 kVA, the member-consumer may be required to furnish and install a secondary transition cabinet next to the transformer with a connective raceway between them. The Cooperative shall furnish and install the conductor between the transformer and transition cabinet and be fully responsible for all connectors and connections in the transformer. The member-consumer shall furnish the connectors inside the transition cabinet.

d. The member-consumer shall furnish and install a concrete pad for transformers in excess of 300kVA in accordance with the Cooperative’s specification.

3. Three-Phase Service to Biddable Load. The following applies to all line extensions to serve large three-phase services classified as a biddable load under South Dakota codified law.

a. As a biddable load, management shall have the authority to negotiate the cost recovery methodology for the investment required to serve the load. Cost recovery methods may vary from a full contribution-in-aid-of-construction with no initial investment cost recovery built into the rate to no contribution-in-aid-of-construction with full investment cost recovery built into the rate.

b. The Cooperative shall require that a written Membership Application, CIAC Agreement, and Electric Service Agreement be executed between the Cooperative and the member-consumer prior to the installation of the service.

4. Seasonal and Low Consumption Services. All line extensions to new seasonal and low consumption services, including grain drying and irrigation, shall require a contribution-in-aid-of-construction based on the previous provisions of this policy as applicable plus an additional $5.00 per amp of the electrical panel size (minimum of a 200 amp panel or $1,000.00). The following additional criteria also apply to all line extensions to new irrigation services.

a. Members requesting irrigation service must show satisfactory permits and tests on the availability of water, both in quantity and quality, suitable for long-range irrigation practices.

b. The Cooperative may require that capacitors rated for 480 volt service and sized to the horsepower rating of the pumping unit be connected on the line side of the motor starter.

c. The Cooperative will provide primary service for irrigation equipment to just inside the road right-of-way (fence line). The member-consumer shall furnish and install the secondary service wire from this location to the irrigation equipment.

5. Multiple-Voltage Service. When more than one electric service is requested to accommodate multiple voltages for the same location, the contribution-in-aid-of-construction shall include the normal contribution-in-aid-of-construction based on this policy plus an estimate of the entire installation costs associated with any additional electric service(s) including metering and transformation.

6. Multi-Family Dwelling or Multi-Unit Services. The following applies to multi-family dwellings or multi-unit services.

a. A contribution-in-aid-of-construction for any line extension to the delivery point shall be based on the previous provisions of this policy as applicable.

b. All multi-family dwelling units shall be individually metered except for (1) residential multiple occupancy buildings consisting of only two units, of which one unit is occupied by the owner of the building, and (2) multiple occupancy buildings that have central heating and/or central cooling systems.

c. Each ganged meter panel service shall include the fixed service charge, capacity charge, and per foot charges described in the line extension provisions above plus a $50 per meter position charge.

d. For services of 600-amps or less, the gang meter panels with meter bypass and breaker shall be furnished and installed by the Owner. The delivery point shall be the transformer terminal or the buss of a secondary transition cabinet furnished and installed by the Owner, including cabinet connector.

e. For services exceeding 600 amps, the Owner shall furnish and install the gang meter panels with meter bypass and breaker and also furnish and install a secondary transition cabinet next to the  transformer with a connective raceway between them. The Cooperative shall furnish and install the conductor between the transformer and transition cabinet and be fully responsible for all connectors and connections in the transformer. The Owner shall furnish the connectors inside the transition cabinet.

f. The Owner shall provide the Cooperative with a list of addresses and physically identify each apartment, suite, or unit served by a gang meter panel prior to any meters being installed. The Owner shall be responsible for all costs associated with correcting electric metering equipment, billing records, and electric bills that result due to a change in addresses after the electric meters have been installed.

6. Mobile or Modular Home

a. For electric service to an individual mobile or modular home, the following applies:

(1) If the Cooperative considers the structure to be permanent in nature (i.e.; approved water supply, septic system and/or permanent foundation), a contribution-in-aid-of-construction for any line extension to the delivery point shall be based on the previous provisions of this policy as applicable.

(2) If the Cooperative considers the structure to be non-permanent in nature, the Cooperative shall require a contribution-in-aid-of-construction equal to one-half of the estimated cost to provide electric service.

b. For overhead electric service to mobile or modular home courts or parks, the Owner shall furnish and install a meter loop and support pole. For underground service, the Owner shall furnish and install a metering pedestal. The Owner shall be charged a CIAC per the line extension section above.

7. Non-Permanent/Temporary Service The following applies to loads of a temporary nature or where the venture may be of such speculative character that the permanency is questionable.

a. The Cooperative shall collect a contribution-in-aid-of-construction for all of the costs (labor, materials, and overheads) to extend service to any non-permanent/temporary load. The Cooperative shall also collect a construction deposit for the estimated retirement costs for any non-permanent/temporary load.

b. Upon retirement of the facilities, credit on the deposit shall be granted for any material salvaged. If the Cooperative decides to reclassify the electric service as permanent in nature, the amount of the retirement deposit shall be refunded. The contribution-in-aid-of-construction is non-refundable.

c. Any inspection fees that are required for the temporary service shall be the responsibility of the member-consumer.

d. The Cooperative shall also collect a prepayment sufficient to cover the estimated usage or twelve (12) monthly minimums, whichever is greater. This prepayment will then be credited to the member-consumer account on a monthly basis.

8. Construction Service

a. When single-phase electric service is requested during the construction of facilities to be served with permanent electric service at a later date, the Cooperative will energize and de-energize a single-phase construction service provided by the contractor after receiving a $300.00 fee for each construction service.

b. When three-phase electric service is requested during the construction of facilities to be served with permanent electric service at a later date, the Cooperative will energize and de-energize a three-phase construction service provided by the contractor after receiving a $600.00 fee for each construction service.

9. Primary Voltage Service

a. A contribution-in-aid-of-construction for any line extension to the delivery point shall be based on the previous provisions of this policy as applicable.

b. The Cooperative may furnish electric service at 12,470/7,200 grounded wye primary voltage under the applicable rate schedule at the request of the member-consumer. To qualify, the member-consumer must be capable of owning, operating and maintaining all high voltage distribution facilities between the metering point and the low voltage service entrance.

c. Due to the specialized nature of the required metering, the cost of the primary metering package shall be included in the contribution-in-aid-of-construction for any primary voltage service.

10. Recognizing the fact that the Cooperative cannot define a method of determining the applicable contribution-in-aid-of-construction for every situation or circumstance in a written policy, the CEO and the Operations Manager shall have the authority to interpret the intent of this policy and make reasonable estimates of contributions-in-aid-of-construction for unusual or unique situations whether or not specifically addressed herein.

D. Duplication of Service/Redundant Service

1. For any member-consumer requesting redundant electric service with the construction of an alternate feed, the Cooperative shall require a contribution-in-aid-of-construction equal to the cost of redundant line extension less the value of any resulting line improvements or upgrades deemed beneficial to the
Cooperative.

E. Developments or Platted Subdivisions

1. The provisions of this section apply to extending service to a group of lots in any development or platted subdivision that is duly approved and recorded by the local governing body. The developer shall provide the Cooperative with a certified copy of the development or platted subdivision as filed with the Register of Deeds in the applicable County.

2. The applicable single phase or three phase line extension contributions-in-aid-of-construction will apply for that portion of the service required to extend the Cooperative’s existing facilities to the entrance point of the development or platted subdivision. The Cooperative reserves the right to determine the best design and routing of the electric distribution facilities both to and within a development or platted subdivision.

3. For lots less than or equal to one-half (0.50) acre, the Cooperative agrees to provide and install the electric primary facilities after the developer has paid a non-refundable fee of $750 per lot and has completed installation of infrastructure such as water, sewer, storm sewer, and streets.

4. For lots greater than one-half (0.50) acre to two (2.0) acres, the Cooperative agrees to provide and install the electric primary facilities after the developer has paid a non-refundable fee of $1,500 per lot and has completed installation of infrastructure such as water, sewer, storm sewer, and streets.

5. For lots greater than two (2.0) acres, the Cooperative’s line extension policy will apply.

6. The developer shall coordinate with the Cooperative and/or its contractors to ensure the route for installation of electric facilities in the development or platted subdivision is clear of obstructions that would inhibit access of construction equipment.

7. The developer shall grant the Cooperative any rights of way and a ten (10) foot wide permanent easement on both sides of all roadways for the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, and replacement of the electric facilities. Any right-of-way or easement costs incurred by the Cooperative for the service shall be paid by the developer. Front lot line easements are required.

8. The developer shall establish grades which shall be no more than four (4) inches above or below the final finished grade. The developer shall be responsible for all costs associated with the relocation of Cooperative facilities to accommodate changes in grade, changes in lot lines, or relocation after the facilities have been installed.

9. The electric facilities provided by the Cooperative remain the property of the Cooperative.

10. This agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors, legal representatives, and assigns of the respective parties hereto.

11. In addition to the per lot costs noted above for installation of the primary distribution infrastructure, the member-consumer, builder, or other party requesting service to a lot or lots shall be responsible for the Fixed Service Charge defined in the line extension provisions above to defray the cost of  installing the secondary.

F. Easements

1. A contract for electric service, or the receipt of service by a member-consumer, shall be construed as an agreement granting to the Cooperative without charge, an easement for electric lines, wires, conduit and other equipment of the Cooperative necessary to render service to the member-consumer. Cooperative personnel may enter the premises to install, repair, maintain, replace and perform any other duties necessary to provide continuity of service for the member-consumers of the Cooperative.

2. The Cooperative may assist the member-consumer in the procurement of other right-of-way easements necessary for the line extension and may assess the member-consumer for any costs incurred in the right-of-way acquisition. It shall be the responsibility of the member-consumer desiring service to provide or pay for costs incurred for tree or brush clearing and/or crop damages.

G. Transformers

1. Necessary step-down transformers shall be installed and maintained by the Cooperative, unless otherwise specified in the applicable rate schedule on file. The Cooperative shall determine the required capacity of the transformation.

a. The member-consumer, at the request of the Cooperative, shall furnish and maintain space and facilities for the installation of the Cooperative’s transformers and other equipment.

III. RESPONSIBILITY
The CEO is responsible for administering this policy and for recommending to the Board any changes deemed desirable.

EFFECTIVE DATE: January 1, 2025
DATE ADOPTED: April 24, 2003
DATE REVISED: January 24, 2008
DATE REVISED: January 22, 2009
DATE REVISED: March 21, 2013
DATE REVISED: May 23, 2013
DATE REVISED: August 21, 2014
DATE REVISED: February 22, 2017
DATE REVISED: November 29, 2017
DATE REVISED: March 21, 2019
DATE REVISED: September 22, 2020
DATE REVISED: June 20, 2024
ATTESTED: Johnathan Wildeboer, Secretary

I.          OBJECTIVE

To establish policy concerning the retention or retirement of idle services deemed to be no longer needed by the Cooperative.

II.         CONTENT

A.    Line Retention Fee.

1. Upon request for a new service, the Cooperative will make every effort to complete the installation in a timely manner.  Once a new service has been constructed and is ready for the Cooperative to energize and the member-consumer/contractor is not ready for the service to be energized or asks the Cooperative to postpone the installation of the metering equipment required to energize the service, a line retention fee shall be assessed until the member-consumer/contractor indicates that the service is ready to be energized.

2. The line retention fee shall be the monthly facility charge of the applicable retail rate schedule.  The initial line retention fee may be prorated by the Cooperative for any partial billing period.

3. Any delinquent line retention fees at the time the member-consumer/contractor indicates that the service is ready to be energized must be paid before the Cooperative will energize the service.

B.    Idle Services.

1.Any electric service that has been idle for more than one (1) year may be retired at the discretion of the Cooperative in accordance with the regular work order procedure.

2.If the member or land owner request that the idle service be retained, a monthly line retention fee shall be required.  The fee shall coincide with the facility charge specified in the applicable rate schedule as determined by the Cooperative.

3.If the electric facilities are retired, the Cooperative’s line extension policy shall apply for any future requests for electric service at the same location.

4.If an idle service has not been retired and an applicant requests that the service be energized, the applicant shall pay any outstanding line retention fees.

III.       RESPONSIBILITY

The General Manager is responsible for administering this policy and for recommending to the Board any changes deemed desirable.

EFFECTIVE DATE:   March 23, 2017

DATE ADOPTED:     September 20, 2001
DATE REVISED:       July 23, 2009
DATE REVIEWED:   April 18, 2013
DATE REVISED:       March 23, 2017

ATTESTED: Chris Hofer, Secretary