ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Need some input on a 1 mile wire run!!

If I read this right, the homeowner wants 1 mile of wire run along the public right of way for his personal use alone.

I think the "personal use alone" is what makes the price high.

If this is along the public right of way, I suspect the homeowner is not allowed to run his own wire without new easments.

We've come a long way from the REA,
( at least in attitude) the old timers say they'd knock on doors trying to 'sell' people on having power......

65K would sure buy a lot of alternate energy.

I guess it depends on what the PUC rules are for your state. It appears that the PoCo is not refusing to provide service here but wants to get paid for the construction. Here in CA the customer is responsible for any underground sub-structure work done by PG&E and the cost for any wire over 100 feet. If the 65K includes all trenching and sub-structure work you might be able to same some money by doing this work yourself and just have them install the conductors and other equipment. I think if you add up the costs of all the materials and labor for this 1 mile run the $65K will not sound that bad.

I've seen this done on a golf course before(mind you it was only a 200 amp service). They step a 120/208 service up to 347/600(common in Canada) and then step it back down at the other end of the run and use the appropriate taps,saves on wire size and line loss.

still...a mile...... better eat yer wheaties!

I'm with Joeh20. The general rule around here is, the PoCo [bold]must[/bold] bring power to your property. Now, if you have a 1000 acres, and build your house on the back side of it, you have to get power to your house from the PoCo's right of way. The PoCo will bring primary to your house if you are willing to give them a right of way, and pay those big dollars. It sounds to me like your customer owns a piece of property on a mountain, and the PoCo needs to get them some 'lectric up there. If they won't help you, get out the Yellow 77 boys 'cause it's gonna be a tough one.

Running the 2 hour mile,
Doc