Chapter 50 ELECTRICITY

These general rules, regulations, terms and conditions of the City of Rensselaer, Indiana, for supplying electrical service and energy to the customers of the Rensselaer municipal electric utility are hereby adopted by the City Council for the operation and conduct of the business of the said municipal electric utility hereinafter referred to as “utility” or “the utility” or “the city.”

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.002 DEFINITION.

As hereinafter used the word CUSTOMER shall be constructed to be an individual, firm, organization or corporation using the utility’s electric service and to whom all of the following rules, regulations, terms and conditions are applicable.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.003 COPY OF RULES IN CLERK-TREASURER’S OFFICE.

A copy of all these rates, rules, regulations, terms and conditions under which service will be supplied is posted or filed in the office of the utility and the Clerk-Treasurer’s office.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.004 ENFORCEMENT.

(A) It is the responsibility of the City Council of the City of Rensselaer, Indiana, acting through the Mayor, the City Engineer, the Superintendent of Lines, the Plant Superintendent and City Clerk-Treasurer and the employees supervised by and reporting to those responsible officials and superintendents to uniformly apply and enforce these general rules, regulations, terms and conditions.

(B) Any rules, regulations, terms, conditions, practices and rates, whether written or unwritten, previously applied or enforced are hereby canceled and superseded as of the effective date designated upon passage by the City Council.

(C) The responsible officials and superintendents are hereby authorized and directed to establish such practices and prepare such forms and/or specifications as may be necessary for the proper application and enforcement of these rules, regulations, terms and conditions. All such practices, forms and/or specifications shall be recorded in printed form and shall be enforced after approval and adoption by the City Council.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

BILLING AND CLERICAL

50.010 APPLICATION FOR SERVICE.

(A) Applications for service shall be made in writing on forms provided by the utility before the utility will be required to provide service. Service to new premises which have not previously received service from the utility will only be provided on application of the property owner.

(B) The customer’s application shall in general cover the length of the service, except those who request temporary service such as construction trailers, carnivals, etc., for which a construction charge is also made. Applications are not transferable and shall be considered a contract between the applicant and the utility under which the utility will supply one class of service to the customer through one set of wires and other necessary equipment, which material and equipment remain the property of the utility, and under which the customer receives and agrees to pay for the service and energy received.

(C) As heretofore stated, the conditions under which service will be provided as set forth under § 50.020 shall have been satisfied and fulfilled to the extent applicable before service will be supplied.

(D) An application shall be executed for each place or location at which service is requested.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.011 DEPOSITS, METER READING, BILLING, PAYMENT AND COLLECTION.

(A) A deposit is required before a service is installed at a new location or before service is reconnected. All services require a meter deposit as per the current rate ordinance.

(B) If the customer’s past payment record or the amount of electric power usage indicates that an additional deposit is necessary as proper security for the payment of the account, the utility is granted the right to require an additional deposit. This deposit may be equal to approximately 90 days’ usage of electrical energy under the applicable rate schedule, same to be estimated by the utility.

(D) Meters shall be read and bills rendered at regular periods approximately 30 days apart.

(E) In the event of the stoppage of the meter or when it is evident that the meter is not recording within the limits of accuracy as prescribed by the rules of the Public Service Commission of Indiana, an adjustment shall be made in accordance with such rules.

(F) When the accuracy of a meter is questioned by a customer, the utility, if requested in writing by the customer, will test or have the meter tested with a standard test meter. If the meter is found to be incorrect beyond the limits of plus or minus 3%, as prescribed by the rules of the Public Service Commission of Indiana, the utility will adjust the bill in proportion to the error for the bill in question. If the meter is found to be correct within a tolerance of plus or minus 3%, the utility may charge a fee for making such test, same to be paid as a deposit prior to making said test. If the meter is found to be inaccurate as stated above, the deposit shall be refunded to the customer, as per Section IID #11.

(G) In the event a meter reader is unable to obtain access to a customer’s premises for reading a meter during the regular meter reading cycle, the utility shall estimate the consumption on the basis of the average monthly consumption over the three previous months when the meter was read. Any adjustment necessary to reflect the correct reading shall be made in the next month’s billing. Service may be disconnected if inaccessibility continues.

(H) Bills for energy and service are due when issued and are payable at the utility’s office for payment of bills on or before the date specified on the customer’s bill. If the customer’s bill is not so paid, a past due charge will be made according to the current charges. At least 15 days shall be allowed between the date of issue of the bill and the final payment date for the customer to avoid payment of this past due charge.

(I) Billing for a partial month’s service shall be made on the following basis for residential and commercial customers:

(1) If the partial month’s service covers a period of five days or less the usage during such period will be combined with the usage in the following period (in the case where service is first established to the customer at a new location) or with the previous period (where service to the customer is being discontinued).

(2) If the partial month’s service covers a period more than five but less than 15 days, the bill shall be calculated according to the rate schedule under which service is furnished to the customer, with prorating of the minimum charge and the demand charge on the basis of 50% of the full month’s charge. Energy will be billed without prorating of rate blocks.

(3) If the partial month’s service is for a period of more than 16 days, the bill will be calculated in accordance with the applicable rate schedule. No prorating will be made for minimum charge or demand charge for rate blocks.

(J) A customer who moves from one location to another and who requests and is furnished the same type of service as at the old location will not be required to make a second or additional deposit if his payments for the past six months have not in any month been delinquent. If the payment record has been delinquent or if a larger deposit is required because of the type of service, a second or additional deposit will be required. After payment of the final bill for service at the old location, the deposit shall be adjusted as is required for the type of service at the new location and an appropriate refund of deposit money.

(K) Work orders – On/off/reads/reconnects. The deadline for doing work orders is 3:00 p.m. Orders requested after 3:00 p.m. will be done the next business day, unless customer pays for an after hours reconnect fee.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.012 TYPES OF SERVICE AND VOLTAGES AVAILABLE.

(A) The following types of overhead services, covered by rate schedules set forth hereafter, will be provided to customers making a proper application therefor and complying with the conditions under which service is provided as hereinafter set forth:

(1) Residential. Any single-family dwelling which is being used strictly as a residence. A full domestic service through one meter to individual customers. This type of service will be fed from a transformer or transformers normally servicing more than one customer, at the discretion of the utility.

For all connected loads under 25 kilowatts, a single phase, three-wire, approximately 120/240 volt, 60 cycle, alternating current service will be provided.

(2) Commercial. Any building in which a business is operated from or has multiple families fed from the same meter. The service through one meter to individual customers. This type of service may be served from a transformer or transformers serving more than one customer, if available at the customer’s location. If not, an individual transformer will be installed and billed to customer at the time of installation required for the exclusive use of the customer. The service will be a single phase, three-wire, 60 cycle, approximately 120/240 volts.

If the customer’s anticipated connected load is greater than 25 kilowatts and if a three-phase supply is available at the customer’s location, a three-phase, four-wire service will be installed providing three-phase and 60 cycle. Only one service will be provided at any given location.

(3) Large power. Any three-phase commercial account that meets any of the following criteria:

(a) KW demand is above 200kW once during a 12-month period;

(b) KW demand is above 100kW for four consecutive months;

(d) If the utility feels that the customer will meet the above criteria.

(B) For a large power customer to be changed to a regular commercial customer, the following criteria must be met:

(1) KVA demand must be below 100 kVA for 12 months;

(2) The utility deems that the customer will no longer have a demand above 100 kVA.

Refer to the current rate schedule ordinance.

(C) Service through one meter to an individual customer. Large power customers will normally be served on a three-phase, four-wire, 60 cycle. If lighting and small single phase power is required, customer shall furnish, install and maintain the necessary transformer and transformers or same may be taken from the four-wire services. Service at the primary voltage is optionally available supplying energy at three-phase, 60 cycle. Only one service will be provided at any given location.

(D) Other types of service may be furnished at the discretion of the utility but any added initial cost of the installation shall be paid for by the customer.

(E) Construction specifications for different services are available at the City Engineer’s office.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.013 SUMMARY OF CHARGES AND DEPOSITS, ETC.

(A) Charges and deposits authorized for new services are to be directed to the utility office located at City Hall.

(B) Vehicle charges are:

(1) Bucket truck: $50/hr.

(2) Digger truck: $50/hr.

(3) Flatbed truck: $25/hr.

(4) Pickup truck: $25/hr.

(C) Charges for labor will be time (x) employee’s hourly rate plus the employee’s benefits. Benefits will be charged as per the current state and federal regulations.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.014 RATE SCHEDULE DESIGNATIONS.

See current rate schedule ordinance.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.015 INTERRUPTION AND DISCONTINUATION OF SERVICE.

(A) For any one of the following reasons the utility shall have the right to discontinue the supply of electricity and to disconnect the service wires and/or remove its property from customer’s premises:

(1) When the customer has requested termination of service.

(2) When customer has moved from the premises.

(3) If customer’s installation is deemed unsafe and after customer has received reasonable notice to that effect.

(4) If customer has illegally diverted electricity.

(5) For repairs.

(6) For unavoidable stoppage or interruptions in the source of supply.

(7) When customer refuses to comply with these rules, regulations, terms and conditions.

(8) When continuation of service would be in violation of any state or other regulatory board of authority or the laws of the state of Indiana.

(9) When inaccessibility to a meter continues and is not corrected.

(B) Any such interruption to or discontinuance of service shall not reduce the term of any contract under which service has been provided nor shall same be terminated by such acts. Neither shall the minimum charges or any other money owed or to be owed to the utility by customer be reduced, canceled, or forgiven by reason of interruption, suspension, disconnection and/or discontinuation of service. The utility will not be liable for damages except where interruption is due to neglect or culpability of the utility.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.016 SECURITY LIGHTS.

(A) If a customer desires a security light for their home or business, then the customer should go to the utility office and sign a security light agreement document stating what size and type of light is requested and how it is to be billed. A list of the charges for the different sizes of lights can be found in the most recent rate schedule ordinance.

(B) If a customer has some questions as to the size or location for a security light, a representative from the utility will meet with the customer to answer any questions that they may have.

(D) If a customer wants a security light removed, they must contact the utility office and request what light they want to be disconnected. The light will then be removed and the monthly charge will not be added on the subsequent bills.

(E) If a problem occurs with the security light, then the customer should report the problem to the utility office. The problem will then be dealt with promptly.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

UTILITY SERVICE

50.020 CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH SERVICE IS SUPPLIED.

(A) The following requirements must be complied with by the prospective customer before electrical service is installed by the utility:

(1) An application for service shall have been completed and filed at the collection office of the utility, together with the correct deposit for the type of electrical service desired.

(2) All necessary permits shall have been obtained and evidence of same shall have been submitted to the utility.

(3) The utility is under no obligation to inspect the customer’s wiring installation but shall have the right to inspect same and to refuse service if the installation, in the opinion of the utility, is deemed unsafe or that it may be detrimental to the service of other customers.

(4) If the service is to be installed in or on premises not owned by the applicant for service, he shall submit written consent of the owner that the service is to be installed.

(5) If in making such service installation, it shall be necessary for the utility to use any land or grounds owned by other either temporarily or permanently, the applicant shall present evidence to the utility that the necessary easements or rights-of-way have been secured from the owners of the property involved and that the right of access has been granted to the utility over any and all premises and lands for the stated purpose, which shall include reading, testing, repairing and replacing of meters, apparatus and equipment.

(6) If space is required for the installation of poles, or other equipment on land of the owners or others by the utility, the applicant shall provide written authority from said owners to use the necessary space.

(7) The applicant shall have stated in his application for service the extent of the electrical equipment, appliances, lights, etc., for which service is desired so that the utility can determine the size of the electric service required.

(8) A licensed electrician is required to do wiring on any building, except on a single residential dwelling wherein the owner of the dwelling makes his residency and is allowed to do his own electrical work. See section on licensed electricians.

(B) The following conditions shall govern the kind of extent of the electrical service installation provided by and at the expense of the utility:

(1) The normal electric service shall be for permanent use and of the overhead type and shall not extend more than 150 feet from the distribution system pole to the customer’s pole, building or terminal connection. If UG is requested, refer to the specifications provided at the Engineer’s office.

(2) The utility will furnish appropriate metering equipment as practicable. The meter base shall be installed (subject to the utility’s approval) at the customer’s expense. The meter itself shall be installed, owned and maintained by the utility.

(3) It shall be the customer’s responsibility to own, install and maintain all equipment and wiring commencing from the point of contact of utility’s service wires on customer’s building, pole or structure and extending throughout customer’s wiring and equipment.

(4) Three-phase service will be furnished only where exiting three-phase facilities of adequate capacity are already installed or where, as determined by the utility, it is economically feasible to extend such three-phase facilities.

If not economically feasible, it will be at the customer’s expense.

(5) Service under residential rate schedules shall not be used for the operation of individual motors with a nameplate rating greater than 7.5 HP except by special permission from the utility. The utility reserves the right to refuse to provide three-phase facilities to serve motors rated 7.5 HP or less and to furnish only single-phase service for such motors.

(6) Where customer’s premises are used as a commercial establishment and also as a residence, all services will be supplied under the applicable commercial rate schedule. Customer may, at his option and expense, separate the wiring, subject to the utility’s inspection, and request separate metering and billing in accordance with applicable rate schedules.

(7) Apartment house and other multiple type dwellings shall be metered by a single meter and billed under the applicable commercial rate schedule unless the owner shall install at his expense separate wiring for each dwelling unit so that each such unit can be metered separately. When such wiring of the building has been so arranged and installed in accordance with the utility’s specifications and practices and written notification is given the utility to the effect that separate metering of each dwelling unit is desired, the utility will install separate meters upon completion of the required application for services at no cost to the owner. Each such service will be billed separately under the appropriate rate schedule. All meters must be located in one general area.

(8) Where service is supplied direct to trailers or other temporary or portable structures, the utility may, at its option, require that the application for service be completed by the property owner on whose land the trailer or other temporary structure is located. The monthly bill for each individual trailer or temporary structure will be billed under that appropriate rate structure and the bill will be suitably identified as requested by the property owner.

If requested by the property owner, the utility will send all such bills to the party designated by the property owner, but compliance with such request does not relieve the property owner of his responsibility for the payment of all bills for all electric service to his premises.

For multiple trailer courts, the utility reserves the right to read meters and bill each service location only once for each billing period. In all cases the property owner shall be responsible for payment of all bills.

The utility reserves the right to either meter and bill each trailer individually under the appropriate residential rate or to meter and bill the entire group of trailers under the appropriate commercial or power rate.

(9) Applicants for service for nonpermanent structures, which shall include trailers, contractor’s job site buildings, etc., shall pay a minimum construction charge for each service location which shall cover only a single-phase “service drop.” (See § 50.023, Temporary and Seasonal Service.) If more construction is required or additional labor and material costs (plus overhead charges) are required in excess of the “service drop” charge, the additional cost shall be paid by the customer. A suitable deposit shall be paid to the utility in advance of construction to secure the payment of such costs and charges. (See § 50.023, Temporary and Seasonal Service.)

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.021 UTILITY’S INSTALLATION.

(A) The utility is not required to furnish service to the customer until a reasonable period of time after all permits have been granted and application has been accepted by an authorized employee of the utility.

(B) The utility will furnish and install the following where applicable:

(1) Necessary service wires from utility’s nearest distribution facilities to the point of attachment on customer’s structure or metering pole in one direct span. Any additional poles required and additional spans of service wires needed shall be paid for by the customer based on the city’s estimate of cost, prior to installation of the service.

(2) Necessary attachment brackets or fittings for attaching utility’s service wires to customer’s building, service entrance fixture or mast pipe or similar facility. Utility’s supply lines will be terminated on the exterior of the building or mast pipe. Service entrance location shall be designated by the utility. Customer shall provide suitable facilities for mounting the attachment brackets in the case of buildings having other than wood exterior and in the case of new construction of such structures the customer’s contractor shall mount such brackets during the course of construction.

(3) Connection to customer’s service loop; install and maintain the meter on customer’s premises. The customer shall furnish the meter socket (base) and it shall be installed by the customer’s licensed electrician at customer’s expense, along with other connections and wiring on customer’s premises shall also be made at the customer’s expense.

(4) If, in the opinion of the utility, the customer’s load requires a centrally located meter and/or transformer pole, the utility will furnish and install same at its expense when service is initially provided at a new location. Extra poles requested by the customer shall be installed at the complete expense of the customer. If requested by the utility, customer shall install and maintain an approved weatherproof disconnect switch to utility’s specification.

(5) Delivery of energy to customer’s premises at customer’s request at a point or in a manner different from that specified by the utility shall cause a charge to be made to the customer for any additional cost as estimated by the utility.

(6) All meters, instruments and transformers shall be owned, installed and maintained by the utility. If the utility requests it, the customer shall furnish and maintain an approved steel cabinet to house utility’s metering transformers and accessories. Same shall be sealed by the utility. Utility may seal all meter entrance switches, service entrance boxes and metering instrument cabinets regardless of ownership.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.022 UNUSUAL SERVICE EXTENSIONS.

(A) The utility, in special and unusual cases, when requested to extend its lines or increase the size of its circuits or other facilities (including furnishing three-phase service) reserves the right not to make such extensions and enlargements where the probable or actual revenue is deemed insufficient in relationship to the cost of the investment. In such cases, the increased extension of enlargement will be provided on a basis where the financing of the improvement is partially or wholly financed by the customer applicant.

(B) In reaching a decision regarding unusual service extension, the utility will consider the extent of the enlargement and its cost, the length of contract, properly secured, which the customer applicant will agree to make and possible supplemental benefit of the proposed improvement to the total system.

(C) Underground service shall come under this heading. Overhead service shall be the normal. In the case of a request for an underground service, the utility will furnish, install, own and maintain the underground service conductors which are not longer than 200 feet from the most suitable and most practicable point on utility’s distribution system to the point of attachment of customer’s building. Specifications for an underground service are provided in the City Engineer’s office. The customer will be required to provide all trenching and install all conduit necessary. Exception to this is for the large power customers with services that are single-phase greater than or equal to 400 amps or three-phase greater than or equal to 200 amps. In these cases the customer will also provide all secondary conductors.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.023 TEMPORARY AND SEASONAL SERVICE.

(A) “Temporary service” is defined herein as service rendered for a continuous period of less than 12 months of service that is supplied to structures which, in the opinion of the utility, are of a nonpermanent nature. Any service which extends past the 12-month period is then subject to discontinuation of service.

(B) Seasonal service shall be supplied in accordance with the applicable rate schedule and other charges as are set forth in § 50.013 (Summary of Charges and Deposits, Etc.).

(C) An application from customer for temporary, special, emergency or seasonal services shall be made in writing and shall state the period of service, type of service, extra charges for construction and removal of the required service connections, transformers, meter and all related equipment, material, labor and other incidental expenses. A suitable deposit shall be made to provide security for the energy used and the costs that will be incurred in disconnection or discontinuation of the service.

(D) The customer will be required to furnish, at his own expense, a temporary service. The temporary service must receive permission from the utility prior to installation.

(E) It will be the determination of the utility for the location and placement of the temporary equipment.

(F) Application for service and deposits may be waived for certain community functions as set forth by the City Council.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.024 TREE TRIMMING.

(A) The Rensselaer Municipal Electric Utility believes that reliable electric service is essential. Trees and tree limbs are a major cause of outages. However, the utility is not a tree trimming service. Our personnel is limited and therefore only trees posing the greatest threat to a large number of customers will be cut or trimmed.

(B) Cutting trees that are not in our electrical lines is infringing upon the services provided by tree trimming and removal services of private enterprises.

(1) The utility reserves the right to remove any trees or limbs that are either in or pose a threat to our primary or secondary voltage lines.

(2) Any trees planted in or near a utility easement are subject to trimming or removal, if deemed necessary.

(3) The utility will temporarily remove a customer’s service drops if needed so that a customer can cut a tree or limb on his property. The secondary line being removed is to be done on a regularly scheduled work day.

(4) All trees on a customer’s property are considered the property owner’s responsibility; this includes the area between the sidewalk and the curb.

(5) Unless directed by the Mayor and/or the City Council, it will be the decision of the City Engineer as to which trees the utility will cut or trim.

(6) When a person calls in reference to trees, they should be transferred to the Engineer’s office and either the Engineer or his designee will look at the tree or limb in question and respond to the customer.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.025 UTILITY POLES.

(A) No foreign materials may be attached to any electrical utility pole without prior approval from the Mayor or City Engineer. This includes such things as garage sale signs, political posters, etc.

(B) Any such materials attached to poles may be removed and disposed of by the utility.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

CUSTOMER’S SERVICE

50.030 CUSTOMER’S LIABILITY.

(A) Customer shall be solely responsible for the wiring installation in his premises.

(B) Customer shall be responsible for all electricity used on the premises occupied by him and/or under his service contract or application until the required notice has been given the utility of his request for discontinuance of service, which shall not remove the obligation of the minimum charge and other payment of all bills for electrical service used on the premises under the service contract or application.

(C) Customer shall not tamper with or break the meter seals, meters or metering equipment or any other utility equipment on customer’s premises and for any such act customer shall be accountable. Customer shall also be legally liable and responsible for any illegal diversion of electrical energy from the electric service on his premises.

(D) Customer shall not permit anyone except an employee of the the utility to inspect or make any internal or external adjustment of the meter or other equipment, which is the property of the utility.

(E) Residential customers must give at least one week and commercial and large power customers at least 90 days’ notice to the utility before making any substantial increase in the electrical load placed on the utility. A substantial increase would be 25% for residential and 10% increase for commercial and large power.

(F) Customer shall provide and maintain suitable protective devices on his equipment to prevent loss or damage resulting from single-phasing or any other fluctuation or irregularity in the supply of energy.

(G) Any individual, with the exception of a city employee in the course of his duties, that damages or removes a seal may be fined a fine not to exceed $2,500 as determined by the Rensselaer Board of Public Works, after notice of such violation has been given to the responsible party. Upon a second violation, service may be terminated until appropriate bond or cash has been posted.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.031 CUSTOMER’S INSTALLATION.

(A) If customer’s installation does not conform to these rules, regulation, terms and conditions or to the cognizant electric inspection standards and authorities or the utility or laws of the state or the National Electric Code, the utility shall have the right to refuse service.

(B) The customer shall furnish, and/or install, and maintain and conform to the following:

(1) A meter location deemed suitable by the utility. Meters will normally be enclosed outdoor and of socket type. Sockets shall be installed not less than five nor more than six feet above ground or floor level.

(2) Install meter socket.

(3) All enclosure conduit wiring from the point of attachment (where utility’s service wires connect to customer’s building or meter pole) to the meter and on through customer’s service entrance switch and customer’s wiring installation.

(4) If customer’s building is one story and will not permit utility’s service lines to be attached at a minimum height of 12 feet above grade, customer shall furnish and install at his expense an approved service entrance pipe mast to provide at least the minimum ground clearance. Service entrance pipe mast shall extend above the roofline a sufficient distance so that service wires will be at least three feet above roofline. The service entrance wires shall extend from utility’s service wires to utility’s meter enclosure and shall be furnished and installed by the customer. The connection shall conform to the utility’s instructions. Specifications are provided at the City Engineer’s office.

(5) If more than one meter is required for a building (such as a multiple type dwelling), all meter enclosures shall be located in one specified area, individually numbered and properly identified by apartment number.

(6) When buildings are remodeled, if any change is made in the wiring, the customer shall install an outdoor meter enclosure and an approved entrance switch, if not already installed, for a 100 ampere service, or larger, if required.

(7) New service entrance installations shall be three wire sized according to customer’s anticipated load. Utility will grant exception to the 100 ampere capacity requirement in the case of small houses having less than 400 square feet first floor area, trailers and other small loads such as signs, billboards, barns and isolated pumps and isolated buildings. The properties must also have less than six branch feeders and less than 10 kVA of computed load (Section 230-79 NEC).

Permission for exception to this requirement shall be obtained prior to installation from the utility.

(8) Indoor, single-phase meter locations will be permitted only if an outdoor location is not practicable, same to be determined by the utility. Service entrance switch and cabinet shall be installed as near the point of entrance as practicable. If a yard pole is installed, utility may request and customer shall furnish and install an approved weatherproof service disconnect switch as specified by the utility.

(9) If more than one type of service is provided to a building, all meters shall be in the same general location.

(10) Customer shall provide an approved meter loop for all indoor installations requiring metering transformers. Any cabinets required for housing utility owned metering transformers shall be furnished and installed by the customer at his expense but shall be sealed by the utility.

(11) When it is necessary to install three-phase meters outside and if metering transformers are required, the customer shall furnish and install an approved metal weatherproof cabinet to house the utility’s transformers. Same shall have a suitable glass window for viewing the meter registration. The cabinet shall be under the control of and shall be sealed by the utility.

(12) Customer shall install only such motors and starting devices or other apparatus as is satisfactory for operation on the type or class of service being supplied by the utility. All installations of customer’s equipment, appliances or devices which cause frequent and objectionable or abnormal fluctuations in voltage or loads such as electric welder, electric furnaces or large motors shall be designed and/or equipped with suitable devices, controls and corrective equipment to maintain a power factor of not less than 90% at the time of maximum demand. If required by the utility, customer shall furnish and install at his expense such control switching devices as may be deemed necessary to prevent excessive and/or objectionable voltage variations on the utility’s system. If the customer neglects or fails to provide the facilities, devices and controls to preclude interference with the service of other customers or to prevent objectionable and/or excessive voltage fluctuations on the system, the utility shall have the right to provide same at the expense of the customer or stop service to the customer. Any separate transformers supplied by the utility to serve highly fluctuating loads shall be metered and billed separately. The minimum charge shall be based on the kVA size and as defined in § 50.013.

(13) All neon, fluorescent or other similar low power factor lighting shall be equipped with devices which will provide regular operation at a lagging power factor of not less than 90%.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.032 ILLEGAL DIVERSION OF ELECTRICITY.

(A) The right to discontinue service without notice to the customer is reserved by the utility in cases of illegal diversion of electricity by the customer. Any one of the following conditions, observations, or reasons are hereby agreed as sufficient grounds for disconnecting the service without notice:

(1) Connection of electricity consuming devices ahead of utility’s meter and/or metering equipment or connections or devices which would prevent the normal functioning of the meter are found installed on customer’s premises.

(2) If upon inspection by the utility it is found that the meter, wires, seals, conduit or metering equipment have been broken, tampered with or made inoperative or unable to operate normally.

(B) After service has been disconnected, for one or all of the foregoing reasons without notice, the following procedure shall be followed:

(1) The utility shall estimate, calculate and determine, by whatever reasonable means are available, the amount of electricity that has been illegally deserted. In the process of estimating and calculating the amount of illegally diverted energy the utility shall have the right to inspect the customer’s premises to make an accurate count of the customer’s connected load, including all lights, heaters and any other appliances or devices.

(2) Utility shall file an invoice with the customer which shall be paid in full before service is reconnected. The invoice shall include the following charges:

(a) The amount (kWh) and normal billing price of all illegally diverted energy.

(b) The amount and normal billing price of all regularly metered energy not previously paid for up to the time service was discontinued.

(d) The estimated cost of any changes to be provided in the meter installation including moving same to a new location to prevent future illegal diversions.

(e) The special reconnection fee which is stated in § 50.045, charge which is made to partially compensate the utility for the expense of investigation, disconnection and reconnection.

(3) The foregoing procedure and charges are not intended to in any way waive or modify any rights the utility shall have against the offending customer under the laws and criminal code of this state pertaining to the offense of illegal diversion. A customer may be fined by a fine not to exceed the sum of $2,500.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.033 VOLTAGE COMPLAINTS.

(A) The utility strives to maintain the best quality service possible. However, due to weather and other forces beyond the utility’s control, certain fluctuations such as sags, surges, outages and spikes may occur.

(B) The utility does however, make every effort to keep a constant and even voltage level. If a customer at any time feels that their voltage is either high or low, then they should contact the utility immediately. The utility will dispatch an employee, as soon as possible, to investigate the complaint and, if it is a utility problem, fix the problem. A customer may request a voltage recording device be placed at their location. This will be done by the utility at no cost to the customer.

(C) If the customer feels the situation is not resolved to their satisfaction, the customer should call the City Engineer and explain the situation to them personally.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.034 CITY ELECTRICAL LICENSING AND TESTING.

(A) Examination.

(1) This is an open book examination. However, only the National Electrical Code book will be allowed (no notes or other materials are allowed).

(2) The person taking the test must score 80% or above to pass.

(3) If the person fails the test the first time, he or she must wait 14 days before retaking the test. If the same person does not pass the test again, he must wait an additional 30 days from the last test date until it can be taken again. Failure to pass on the third try will mean the person must wait a full year before taking the test again; this will be considered his first try and the rules shall be administered as such.

(4) An individual must wait seven days after taking one test before he will be eligible to take the test for a different type of license. (Example: must wait seven days after taking residential before he can take the commercial test.)

(5) The individual may choose to take either test and will have three hours in which to complete the examination.

(6) The examinations are subject to change periodically without notification and will be updated annually.

(7) Exceptions can only be made by special consent of the City Engineer.

(8) Only individual electricians may be licensed. No licenses may be given to companies.

(B) Licensing. There are two types of licenses which may be obtained:

(1) Residential licenses. Ability to wire only residential services less than or equal to 400 amps.

(2) Commercial licenses. Ability to wire both residential and commercial services.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

RATES, CHARGES, AND DEPOSITS

50.040 RESIDENTIAL RATES AND CHARGES.

(A) Availability. Available to single-family dwellings, which are being used strictly as a residence, who regularly use the utility’s service throughout the year and who are located on the utility’s distribution lines suitable and adequate for supplying the service requested per electric utility rules and regulations.

(B) Character of service. Alternating current, 60 hertz, single-phase, at a voltage of approximately 120 volts two-wire, or 120/240 volts three-wire.

Consumer Charge	$5.40 per month
Energy Charge
First 1,000 kWh	$0.1112 per kWh
Over 1,000 kWh	$0.1083 per kWh

(D) Minimum monthly charge. The customer’s minimum monthly payment under this rate shall be the consumer charge or $1.32 per kVA of required transformer capacity for all service requiring transformer capacity in excess of 15 kVA.

(E) Rate adjustment. The above rates are subject to an energy cost adjustment (ECA) factor, in accordance with the Order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2. The ECA factor stated in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified herein is applicable hereto and is issued and effective at the dates shown in Appendix A.

(Ord. 26-92, passed 12-28-92; Am. Ord. 12-96, passed 9-23-96; Am. Res. 14-96, passed 10-1-96; Am. Res. 16-96, passed 1-1-97; Am Res. 3-97, passed 4-1-97; Am. Res. 10-97, passed 10-1-97; Am. Res. 15-97, passed 1-1-98; Am. Res. 4-98, passed 4-1-98; Am. Res. 18-98, passed 10-1-98; Am. Res. 22-98, passed 1-1-99; Am. Res. 3-99, passed 4-1-99; Am. Res. 6-99, passed 7-1-99; Am. Res. 9-99, passed 10-1-99; Am. Res. 13-99, passed 1-1-00; Am. Res. 04-00, passed 4-1-00; Am. Ord. 4-00, passed 6-12-00; Am. Res. 05-00, passed 7-1-00; Am. Res. 08-00, passed 10-1-00; Am. Res. 14-00, passed 1-1-01; Am. Ord. 12-07, passed 2-27-07; Am. Res. 5-2009, passed 3-23-09; Am. Res. 11-2009, passed 6-8-09; Am. Res. 20-2009, passed 9-14-09; Am. Res. 33-2009, passed 12-14-09; Am. Ord. 08-2010, passed 5-24-10; Am. Ord. 15-2010, passed 8-9-10; Am. Ord. 25-2016, passed 1-9-2017; Am. Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

50.041 COMMERCIAL RATES AND CHARGES.

(A) Availability. Available to any building or home in which a business is operated from or has multiple occupants fed from the same meter who regularly use the utility’s service throughout the year and who are located on the utility’s distribution lines suitable and adequate for supplying service requested.

(B) Character of service. Alternating current, 60 hertz, at approximately 120/240 volts or 120/208 volts four-wire three-phase voltage in the area, or single-phase service at a voltage of approximately 120 volts two-wire, or 120/240 volts three-wire.

(1) Rates charged for service rendered under this schedule are based upon the measurement of the electrical energy at a voltage supplied to the customer on the secondary side of the transformers furnished by the utility.

(2) The rates for electrical energy supplied hereunder shall be as follows:

Consumer Charge – Single-phase	$10.30 per month
Consumer Charge – Two-phase	$18.40 per month
Consumer Charge – Three-phase	$26.55 per month
Energy Charge:
First 1,000 kWh	$0.1288 per kWh
Over 1,000 kWh	$0.1131 per kWh

(D) Minimum monthly charge. The minimum payment for service shall be the consumer charge. The minimum charge shall not be less than $1.32 per kVA of required transformer capacity for all service requiring transformer capacity in excess of 15 kVA.

(E) Conditions of service.

(1) Service shall be provided based upon the utility’s rules and regulations.

(2) The utility will supply service from its electrical supply lines at only such frequency, phase, regulation and primary voltage as it has available in the location where service is required, and if transformation of voltage is desired by the customer, will transform its primary voltage to one standard secondary voltage as hereinabove set forth. Any applicant requiring service differing from that to be supplied by the utility as herein provided shall provide proper converting, transforming, regulating, or other equipment upon his or her own premises and at his or her own expense.

(3) All motors or apparatuses with a starting current in excess of 200 amps at 240 volts shall require approval.

(4) The utility may require corrective measures to be taken by the customer for any motor or other apparatus that in the opinion of the utility will cause or is causing unacceptable voltage fluctuation to other customers. Unless otherwise determined by the utility, the maximum primary voltage fluctuation will not exceed 3%.

(5) Voltage and current limits as defined within IEEE Standard 519 shall be considered acceptable for utility distribution facilities.

(G) Rate adjustment. The above rates are subject to an energy cost adjustment (ECA) factor, in accordance with the Order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2. The ECA factor stated in Appendix A attached to the ordinance codified herein is applicable hereto and is issued and effective at the dates shown in Appendix A.

(Ord. 26-92, passed 12-28-92; Am. Ord. 12-96, passed 9-23-96; Am. Res. 14-96, passed 10-1-96; Am. Ord. 18-96, passed 12-23-96; Am. Res. 16-96, passed 1-1-97; Am Res. 3-97, passed 4-1-97; Am. Res. 10-97, passed 10-1-97; Am. Res. 15-97, passed 1-1-98; Am. Res. 4-98, passed 4-1-98; Am. Res. 18-98, passed 10-1-98; Am. Res. 22-98, passed 1-1-99; Am. Res. 3-99, passed 4-1-99, Am. Res. 6-99, passed 7-1-99; Am. Res. 9-99, passed 10-1-99; Am. Res. 13-99, passed 1-1-00; Am. Res. 04-00, passed 4-1-00; Am. Ord. 4-00, passed 6-12-00; Am. Res. 05-00, passed 7-1-00; Am. Res. 08-00, passed 10-1-00; Am. Res. 14-00, passed 1-1-01; Am. Ord. 12-07, passed 2-27-07; Am. Ord. 08-2010, passed 5-24-10; Am. Ord. 15-2010, passed 8-9-10; Am. Ord. 25-2016, passed 1-9-2017; Am. Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

50.042 MUNICIPAL RATES AND CHARGES.

(A) Availability. Available to the city for municipal services such as water utility, sewage works, City Hall, fire station, parks, etc.

(B) Monthly rates.

(1) The rate for street lighting shall be $0.1148 per kilowatt hour for HPS fixtures.

(2) The rate for street lighting shall be $0.2000 per kilowatt hour for LED fixtures

(3) The rate for other municipal services shall be $0.1125 per kilowatt hour.

(C) Rate adjustment. The above rates are subject to an energy cost adjustment (ECA) factor, in accordance with the Order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2. The ECA factor stated in Appendix A is applicable hereto and is issued and effective at the dates shown in Appendix A.

(Ord. 26-92, passed 12-28-92; Am. Ord. 12-96, passed 9-23-96; Am. Res. 14-96, passed 10-1-96; Am. Res. 16-96, passed 1-1-97; Am Res. 3-97, passed 4-1-97; Am. Res. 10-97, passed 10-1-97; Am. Res. 15-97, passed 1-1-98; Am. Res. 4-98, passed 4-1-98; Am. Res. 18-98, passed 10-1-98; Am. Res. 22-98, passed 1-1-99; Am. Res. 3-99, passed 4-1-99: Am Res. 6-99, passed 7-1-99; Am. Res. 9-99, passed 10-1-99; Am. Res. 13-99, passed 1-1-00; Am. Res. 04-00, passed 4-1-00; Am. Res. 05-00, passed 7-1-00; Am. Ord. 12-07, passed 2-27-07; Am. Ord. 08-2010, passed 5-24-10; Am. Ord. 15-2010, passed 8-9-10; Am. Ord. 25-2016, passed 1-9-17; Am. Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

50.043 LARGE POWER RATES AND CHARGES.

(A) Availability. Available to three-phase commercial customers who are located on the utility’s distribution lines suitable and adequate for supplying the service requested. Service under this schedule is provided on a yearly, nonseasonal basis and is not available as standby power.

This rate is applicable to any three-phase commercial customer whose billing demand requirements are in excess of 100 kW.

(B) Character of service. Three-phase alternating current 60 hertz service at approximately 120/208 volts, four-wire; 120/240 volts, four-wire; 277/480 volts, four-wire; 480 volts, three-wire; or other voltages as may be mutually agreeable.

(C) Monthly rates. Rates charged for service rendered under this schedule are based upon the measurement of the electrical energy at the voltage supply to the customer on the primary side of the transformers.

Consumer Charge – Per month	$71.50
Demand Charge – Per kVA of billing maximum demand	$13.75
Energy Charge – Per kWh	$0.0782

(D) Monthly minimum charge. The monthly minimum payment shall be the greater of the three-part billing, contract amount or:

(1) $1.32 per kVA of required connected transformer capacity.

(2) For the first five years of service, one-sixtieth of the cost of special facilities such as substations, meters, transformers, services, distribution lines, and other special or additional equipment to service applicant.

(E) Determination of amount of electrical service supplied. The electrical service to be supplied under this rate shall be measured as to maximum demand, energy consumption, and power factor, by suitable meters to be installed by the utility.

(F) Determination of maximum demand. The maximum demand shall be determined as follows:

(1) The maximum demand shall be determined from the readings or indications of suitable demand measuring instruments.

(2) The maximum demand shall be taken as the highest average load in kilowatts occurring during any 15 consecutive minutes of the month; provided, however, that if such load shall be less than 50% of the maximum momentary demand in kilowatts, then the maximum demand shall be taken at 50% of such maximum momentary demand; provided, further, that the maximum demand shall not be less than 80% of the product of the actual voltage multiplied by the maximum amperes in any phase multiplied by 1.73.

(G) Determination of lagging power factor. The lagging power factor for the month shall be determined by computation from the registration of a watt-hour meter, and a reactive volt-ampere-hour meter, by dividing the registration of the watt-hour meter by the square root of the sum of the square of the registration of the reactive volt-ampere-hour meter and kWh meter.

(H) Power factor correction. The service supplied by the utility should be taken by the customer preferably at a power factor of not less than 95% lagging. If the service is taken at a power factor of other than 95% lagging, the maximum demand, for billing purposes, shall be corrected in accordance with the following formula:

Billing Demand =	Maximum Demand x 95%
	Lagging Power Factor (%)

(I) Secondary metering correction. If the service is metered at the utility’s secondary supply line, 1% of the kilowatt hours so metered will be added before computing the energy payment.

(J) Conditions of service.

(1) Service shall be supplied in connection with this schedule and with the general rules and regulations of the electric utility.

(2) The consumer shall be required to enter into a written agreement stating the character and amount of load for a minimum contract period of five years with minimum monthly charges, and any other applicable charges.

(3) Three-phase motors with a starting current in excess of 250 amps at 240 volts shall require city approval.

(4) The utility may require corrective measures or devices for any motor or apparatus that in the opinion of the utility will cause voltage fluctuation to other customers. Unless otherwise permitted, the maximum primary voltage fluctuation will be 3%.

(5) Voltage and current limits as defined within IEEE Standard 519 shall be considered acceptable for utility distribution facilities.

(6) The utility will supply service from its electrical supply lines at only such frequency, phase, regulation and voltage as it has available in the location where service is required, and will transform its primary voltage to one standard secondary voltage. Any applicant requiring service differing from that to be supplied as herein provided shall provide proper converting, transforming, regulating, or other equipment upon his or her own premises and at his own expense.

(K) Rate adjustment. The above rates are subject to an energy cost adjustment (ECA) factor, in accordance with the Order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2. The ECA factor stated in Appendix A is applicable hereto and is issued and effective at the dates shown in Appendix A.

(Ord. 26-92, passed 12-28-92; Am. Ord. 12-96, passed 9-23-96; Am. Res. 14-96, passed 10-1-96; Am. Res. 16-96, passed 1-1-97; Am Res. 3-97, passed 4-1-97; Am. Res. 10-97, passed 10-1-97; Am. Res. 15-97, passed 1-1-98; Am. Res. 4-98, passed 4-1-98; Am. Res. 18-98, passed 10-1-98; Am. Res. 22-98, passed 1-1-99; Am. Res. 3-99, passed 4-1-99; Am. Res. 6-99, passed 7-1-99; Am. Res. 9-99, passed 10-1-99; Am. Res. 13-99, passed 1-1-00; Am. Res. 04-00, passed 4-1-00; Am. Ord. 4-00, passed 6-12-00; Am. Res. 05-00, passed 7-1-00; Am. Res. 08-00, passed 10-1-00; Am. Res. 14-00, passed 1-1-01; Am. Ord. 12-07, passed 2-27-07; Am. Ord. 08-2010, passed 5-24-10; Am. Ord. 15-2010, passed 8-9-10; Am. Ord. 25-2016, passed 1-9-2017; Am. Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

50.044 RATES FOR SECURITY LIGHTING.

(A) Availability. Available for dusk to dawn outdoor lighting for entrances, driveways, and other private areas to customers who are located on the utility’s electric supply lines suitable and adequate for supplying the service requested.

(B) Character of service. The utility will install, own and maintain a bracket mounted suburban type lighting fixture including photoelectric control.

(1) Where the lighting fixture can be installed on an existing distribution type wood pole or other supporting device and served from existing secondary facilities, with not more than one span of secondary, the rate shall be as follows:

LED Lights:

$6.40 per 4,000 lumens

$10.40 per 8,000 lumens

$11.05 per 13,000 lumens

$19.25 per 22,000 lumens

High Pressure Sodium Lights:

$12.55 per light for 150 watt lamp

$17.15 per light for 250 watt lamp

$24.30 per light for 400 watt lamp

(2) If additional facilities are required to furnish services hereunder, the utility will install, operate and maintain such facilities. The labor, materials, overhead cost of installation and maintenance expense of such additional facilities shall be at the customer’s expense.

(D) Terms and conditions of service. Any customer requesting service under this rate shall make written application for such service for an initial period of one year, and such service shall continue from year to year thereafter unless canceled by either party.

The utility shall adjust the automatic control on each installation to provide lighting service from dusk to dawn. Lamp replacements and repairs will be made within a reasonable period of time, during regular working hours, after customer’s notification of the need for such maintenance.

The facilities installed by the utility shall remain the property of the utility and may be removed by the utility if service is discontinued.

(Ord. 26-92, passed 12-28-92; Am. Ord. 12-96, passed 9-23-96; Am. Ord. 4-00, passed 6-12-00; Am. Ord. 12-07, passed 2-27-07; Am. Ord. 08-2010, passed 5-24-10; Am. Ord. 15-2010, passed 8-9-10; Am. Ord. 17-2014, passed 8-11-14; Am. Ord. 25-2016, passed 1-9-2017; Am. Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

50.045 UNMETERED TEMPORARY CONNECTION.

(A) Availability. Where available based on location and following approval by the city, the utility may provide temporary electrical service for festivals or other community events.

(B) Charges. To offset the cost of making the connection and providing power throughout the event, the utility shall charge a flat fee of $100.

(Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

APPENDIX A

Rate Adjustment:

Applicable to Rates R, C, M, and LP

The rate adjustment shall be on the basis of an energy cost factor, occasioned solely by changes in the cost of purchased power, in accordance with the order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana, approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2 as follows:

The rate adjustment applicable to the above-listed rate schedule shall be $0.000000 per kWh used per month.

To be applied for service provided January 1, 2023, through March 31, 2023.

(Ord. 21-2022, passed 12-19-2022)

MISCELLANEOUS/COMMUNITY SERVICES

50.050 STREET LIGHTS.

(A) Street lights in the city are placed, at the discretion of the City Council, on the utility poles that are nearest the street. They are placed on approximately every third utility pole and are sized appropriately.

(1) If a citizen or citizens of the city feel that a street light is needed, then that person(s) should bring this to the attention of the City Council. The Council will then investigate the situation and decide if the street light would be prudent.

(2) If it is decided by the City Council that a street light is necessary, then the light will be hung on a new or existing wooden utility pole.

(3) If the property owners feel that, for decorative reasons, they don’t want the wooden utility poles and desire a decorative streetlight pole then the property owners are required to pay the difference for material and labor between the wooden and decorative poles before the poles and materials are ordered. The poles selected must be one of the decorative poles currently used by the utility. Any other decorative poles will need the consent of the City Engineer.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.051 HANGING BANNERS.

(A) The Electric Department will hang banners for local nonprofit organizations upon request.

(B) The party requesting the banner to be hung must have obtained permission from the State Highway Department. They must also have the dates the state gave them permission to have the banner hung and date it is to be removed.

(C) The banners will only be hung in the areas that are set aside especially for banners. They are Washington and Cullen and College and Washington Streets.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.052 CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS.

(A) The Electric Department will hang certain Christmas decorations which have been approved by the City Council.

(B) These decorations will be hung no earlier than November 20 and will be taken down promptly after the first of the year.

(D) The city also reserves the right to limit the amount of decorations hung or time spent by city personnel if in the city’s opinion it becomes excessive.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

50.053 HANGING FLAGS ON UTILITY POLES.

(A) Flags may only be mounted on utility poles after having received the consent of the Mayor or City Engineer. (Use of telephone poles will need to be discussed with local phone company.)

(B) The highest point on the flagpole cannot be above 15 feet from the base of the utility pole.

(D) Flags must conform to all city laws and ordinances.

(E) Brackets may be left on poles year round, however flagpoles may only be hung for a period not to exceed one month per year.

(F) City Engineer reserves the right to disallow the use of new or existing poles if he deems necessary.

(G) Prior notification must be given to the City Engineer and the street by department superintendent each time flags are to be hung.

(Ord. 01-2021, passed 3-22-2021)

CASH RESERVE FUND

50.080 CREATION.

Pursuant to I.C. 8-1.5-3-11 there is hereby created a cash reserve fund for the city electric utility.

(Ord. 17-90, passed 12-10-90)

50.081 MONTHLY TRANSFER OF SURPLUS FUNDS.

Whereas a depreciation fund of at least 3% or more of cash revenues has been established as required for the utility, it is ordered that on the first day of each month, there shall be transferred to the cash reserve fund, out of any surplus cash earnings of the utility, as defined in the act, the amount of such surplus for the use of the general fund of the city and for such other purposes as are permitted by the act.

(Ord. 17-90, passed 12-10-90)

50.082 INITIAL FUNDING.

The initial funding for the cash reserve fund shall not exceed the sum of $500,000 from surplus earnings accumulated prior to December 1, 1990.

(Ord. 17-90, passed 12-10-90)

50.083 LOANS TO OTHER UTILITIES.

The cash reserve fund may be used to make loans to another city utility for periods not to exceed five years, at any interest rate. The repayment of the loan and interest shall be returned to the cash reserve fund.

(Ord. 17-90, passed 12-10-90)

PEAK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

50.090 PEAK MANAGEMENT CREDITS.

(A) Availability. Peak management credits are available to any residential or commercial customer of the municipally-owned electric utility of the city with single phase electric service, with an Indiana Municipal Power Agency-owned Peak Management switch installed on a central air conditioner and/or electric water heater. Rules and provisions for participation in the Peak Management program are available at the city’s Utility Office located at 122 S. Van Rensselaer Street, Rensselaer, Indiana.

(B) Credits.

(1) The credits for participation in the peak management program will be as follows:

(a) Electric water heater: $1 per switch per month - January through December

(b) Central air conditioner: $2 per switch per month - June through September

(2) These credits will be included on participating customer’s monthly bills. Each customer can receive credit for a maximum of two water heaters and/or two air conditioners. A customer participating in the program may withdraw at any time upon notifying the Rensselaer Utility Office. Credits will stop with the first bill following customer withdrawal from the peak management program, the termination of the utility’s participation in the program or the program’s termination by IMPA.

(C) All other terms and conditions of the utility’s applicable residential or commercial service rate and user schedules apply to this attachment.

(Ord. 4-95, passed 1-9-95; Am. Ord. 7-96, passed 4-22-96)

ELECTRICIANS’ LICENSING PROCEDURE

50.100 ELECTRICAL WIRING.

(A) All wiring in the Rensselaer municipal electric utility territory:

(1) Must conform to the requirements of the current National Electric Code;

(2) Must be done by a city-licensed electrician or be done by a homeowner who currently owns and resides in the house that is being wired; or

(3) May be done by city personnel on city property.

(B) The City Engineer or his designee(s) may, but is not required, to inspect electrical wiring before energizing the service.

(C) The person who does the wiring (electrician or homeowner) is solely responsible for liabilities caused by the electrical wiring.

(Ord. 17-91, passed 12-9-91)

50.101 LICENSING.

(A) City licensing consists of two levels:

(1) Residential. Ability to wire only residential services less than or equal to 400 amps.

(2) Commercial. Ability to wire both residential and commercial services.

(B) A state or national license would be considered equal to passing the commercial electrician’s test. A commercial electrician’s license would be awarded upon proof of state or national license and payment of licensing fees.

(C) Licenses must be renewed before January 1st of each year. A renewal fee, as constituted by the Common Council, is all that is required for renewal of a current license. A one month grace period, until February 1st of the current year, would be given in which a license could be renewed without taking the appropriate test.

(D) If an electrician’s license and grace period expires, the appropriate licensing test must be taken and a new license issued.

(E) All electricians possessing a current license may obtain a commercial electrician’s license by simply paying the renewal fee. They will not be required to take the commercial electrician’s test. This must be done before February 1, 1992.

(F) Only individuals may be licensed. No licenses may be given to companies as a blanket license.

(G) The licensing fee shall be $15 and the renewal fee is $15.

(H) The City Engineer shall formulate testing procedures applicable hereto. It shall be the duty and responsibility of the City Engineer to formulate the examination for either a residential or commercial license. Any such examinations may change periodically to take into consideration new technology, changes in federal, state or local codes and any other relevant matters for which perspective electricians should be knowledgeable.

(Ord. 17-91, passed 12-9-91)

INTERRUPTIBLE SERVICE

50.115 APPLICABILITY.

Interruptible Service is available to any retail customer capable of meeting the terms and conditions listed below. The retail customer shall enter into a contract with the Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) and Rensselaer Municipal Utilities (Utility) for an interruptible load of at least 500 kW. The customer shall be billed according to the terms and conditions of the applicable retail service schedule and this subchapter shall be applied as a credit to the bill determined under that schedule.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.116 TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.

(A) The customer shall enter into a contract with IMPA and the Utility for a specific amount of firm load and an additional amount of interruptible load greater than or equal to 500 kW.

(B) IMPA reserves the right to request interruption of the customer’s interruptible load at any time at its own discretion subject to the limitations listed below.

(C) The number of interruptions shall not exceed one per day, and the total hours of interruption shall not exceed eight hours per occurrence or 250 hour per year.

(D) IMPA and/or the Utility will attempt to provide as much notice as possible of pending interruptions, however, the customer shall interrupt service within 30 minutes if requested to do so.

(E) The customer shall enter into a contract with IMPA and the Utility specifying the firm load, the interruptible load and the terms and conditions of service. The initial contract shall be for a term of three years.

(F) Neither IMPA nor the Utility are responsible for any loss or damage to the customer’s products or equipment as a result of an interruption under this schedule.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.117 MONTHLY CAPACITY CREDIT.

(A) During months when the customer’s interruptible load is interrupted during the hour of the Utility’s Billing Demand, IMPA will credit to the Utility and the Utility will credit to the customer an amount equal to $2.50 per kW times the Interruptible Billing Demand. The Interruptible Billing Demand is the four hour average of the customer’s 60 minute demands prior to the hour of interruption minus the greater of the customer’s contracted firm load or the customer’s actual metered load during the hour of the Utility’s Billing Demand.

(B) During months when there is no interruption during the hour of the Utility’s Billing Demand, IMPA will credit to the Utility and the Utility will credit to the customer an amount equal to $2.50 per kW times the customer’s 60 minute demand minus the customer’s contracted firm load during the hour of the Utility’s Billing Demand.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.118 FAILURE TO FULLY INTERRUPT.

(A) During any month, if the customer fails to reduce its total load to no more than its contracted firm load plus 10% of its contracted interruptible load when requested to do so, the customer will incur a penalty for such failure. Such penalty will be in addition to the regular charges payable under the Utility’s applicable rate schedule.

(B) The penalty will be an additional fee per kW applicable to the customer’s metered kW during the hour of the Utility’s Billing Demand less the sum of the customer’s contracted firm load and 10% of the customer’s contracted interruptible load. During any 12 consecutive months, this additional fee will be $2.50 per kW for the first month, $5.00 per kW for the second month and $15 per kW for all subsequent months of such failure to interrupt. This additional fee will be billed by IMPA to the Utility and by the Utility to the Customer.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.119 REQUEST FOR/ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF INTERRUPTION.

Requests for interruption and permission to terminate interruption will be made, at IMPA’s option, by telephone or by electronic signal at the customer’s premises. Specific procedures for requests for interruptions and acknowledgment of such requests shall be included in the customer’s contract with IMPA and the Utility.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.120 METERING.

The customer will provide space, facilities and cost reimbursement to the Utility for a Utility provided recording demand meter to measure the customer’s 60 minute integrated demand. IMPA and the Utility shall have the right to obtain meter readings and inspect and test meters at all times.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

50.121 OTHER.

All other provisions of the Utility’s applicable retail rate schedule apply to this attachment.

(Ord. 14-96, passed 10-28-96)

ELECTRIC ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RIDER

50.130 QUALIFYING CUSTOMER.

(A) Availability. This rider is available to a qualifying customer (as defined herein) to encourage large power users to expand or create new operations within the utility’s service territory.

(B) Qualifications. A QUALIFYING CUSTOMER is a new or existing nonresidential customer in the utility’s service territory that is establishing new operations or expanding existing operations such that the new or expanded operations will result in new or additional demand of at least one MW (1,000 kW) at one delivery point (the “qualifying demand”) and the new or expanded operations has involved a capital investment of at least $1,000,000 within the utility’s service territory.

For a qualifying customer that is expanding operations, qualifying demand is measured from the average monthly peak demand for the 12 months immediately preceding the incentive period’s effective date. For a qualifying customer that is establishing new operations, qualifying demand is measured from zero.

A qualifying customer is not a customer:

(1) With “new” demand that results from a change in ownership of an existing establishment without qualifying new load;

(2) Renewing service following interruptions such as equipment failure, temporary plant shutdown, strike, economic conditions, or natural disaster; or

(3) That has shifted its load from one operation or customer to another within the utility’s service territory. The utility may determine exclusively, without recourse by the customer, whether an event has occurred that would prevent a customer from being a qualifying customer.

(C) Rate incentive. Beginning with the incentive period’s effective date, utility will receive a credit on its wholesale bill for the qualifying new load. The incentive amount received by utility from the Indiana Municipal Power Agency for such load will be passed in full to qualifying customers. For reference purposes, the discount to the qualifying customer’s wholesale cost for qualifying new load will be calculated according to the following schedule:

Months 1 – 12	20%
Months 13 – 24	15%
Months 25 – 36	10%
Months 37 – 48	10%
Months 49 – 60	5%

INCENTIVE PERIOD means months one through 60, as designated above. The INCENTIVE PERIOD’S EFFECTIVE DATE means the first calendar day of the first month in which the customer receives the incentive. If the incentive period’s effective date is after December 31, 2023, the total incentive that the qualifying customer may receive in each 12-month period shall be limited to the incentive amount approved in the Indiana Municipal Power Agency’s Schedule B in effect as of the incentive period’s effective date.

The qualifying customer must meet the minimum qualifying demand during each month of the incentive period. Failure to meet the minimum qualifying demand in a particular month will result in 0% reduction for that month.

(D) Terms and conditions. The qualifying customer must submit a service application to the utility specifying:

(1) A description of the amount and nature of the new load;

(2) The basis on which the qualifying customer meets the requirements of this rider;

(3) The qualifying customer’s desired effective date.

This rider will terminate on the same date that IMPA’s economic development rider terminates, except that any qualifying customer receiving the rate incentive at the time of the rider’s termination may continue receiving the incentive for the remainder of the applicable incentive period, as long as it continues to meet the rider’s requirements.

(E) Applicable rate schedules. This rider is applicable to the following rate schedule: large power service rate.

(Ord. 06-2017, passed 4-24-2017; Am. Ord. 10-2023, passed 4-24-2023)

50.131 LARGE POWER SERVICE – RATE LP.

(A) Determination of maximum demand. The maximum demand shall be determined as follows:

(1) The maximum demand shall be determined from the readings or indications of suitable demand-measuring instruments.

(2) The maximum demand shall be taken as the highest average load in kilowatts occurring during any 15 consecutive minutes of the month; provided, however, that if such load shall be less than 50% of the maximum monetary demand in kilowatts, then the maximum demand shall be taken at 50% of such maximum momentary demand: provided, further, that the maximum demand shall not be less than 80% of the product of the actual voltage multiplied by the maximum amperes in any phase multiplied by 1.73.

(B) Determination of lagging power factor. The lagging power factor for the month shall be determined by computation from the registration of a watt-hour meter and a reactive volt-ampere-hour meter, by dividing the registration of the watt-hour meter by the square root of the sum of the square of the registration of the reactive volt-ampere-hour meter and watt-hour meter.

(C) Power factor correction. The service supplied by the utility should be taken by the customer preferably at a power factor of not less than 95% lagging. If the service is taken at a power factor of other than 95% lagging, the maximum demand, for billing purposes, shall be corrected in accordance with the following formula:

	Maximum Demand x 95%
Billing Demand =	Lagging Power Factor (in percent)

(D) Secondary metering correction. If the service is metered at the utility’s secondary supply line, 1% of the kilowatt hours so metered will be added before computing the energy payment.

(E) Conditions of service.

(1) Service shall be supplied in connection with this schedule and with the general rules and regulations of the electric utility.

(3) Three-phase motors with a starting current in excess of 250 amps at 240 volts shall require city approval.

(5) Voltage and current limits as defined within IEEE Standard 519 shall be considered acceptable for utility distribution facilities.

(F) Reconnect charge. Whenever the service is turned off for nonpayment of bill, or whenever for any reason beyond the control of the utility a reestablishment of service is required, a charge of $20 during normal business hours and $100 after normal business hours will be made by the utility to cover a part of the cost of discontinuance and reestablishment of service.

(G) Rate adjustment. The above rates are subject to an energy cost adjustment (ECA) factor, in accordance with the Order of the Public Service Commission of Indiana approved May 2, 1984, in Cause No. 36836-S2. The ECA factor stated in Appendix “A” is applicable hereto and is issued and effective at the dates shown on Appendix “A.”

(Ord. 06-2017, passed 4-24-2017)

GREEN POWER RIDER

50.135 QUALIFYING CUSTOMER.

(A) Availability. Service under the green power rider (“rider”) is available to all customers currently served by Rensselaer Municipal Electric Utility (“utility”). Customer participation in the green power program is completely voluntary.

(B) Character of service. Green power is electricity generated from renewable and/or environmentally friendly sources including, without limitation, solar and wind, and may include the purchase of renewable energy certificates from the above described sources. This rider shall provide customers with the option to specify and designate that their energy consumption be associated with green power. Customers using this rider will pay a surcharge as set forth below for energy consumption associated with renewable energy sources. All of the provisions and charges of the current applicable rate, including rate tracker, will apply to the customer’s total energy usage.

(C) Green power rate. Customers opting to purchase green power energy will pay an additional $0.001 per kWh plus the Indiana Municipal Power Agency’s rate in effect at the time of billing for green power energy per kWh, per month. Pricing under this rider is in addition to the charges billed for service on the customer’s regular tariff for service.

(D) Terms and conditions.

(1) The customer shall complete an application requesting to be billed under the green power rate.

(2) Service under this rider may be limited at the utility’s sole discretion, based on the expected amount of renewable energy available, average monthly energy usage of the customer, bill payment and collection history.

(3) The customer may sign up for the purchase of green power at any time and service will become effective at the beginning of the next full billing period, at which time the customer will be charged for the total amount of green power purchased.

(4) The customer may cancel service under this rider at any time; however, any change in service will only become effective at the beginning of the next full billing period. The charge for green power will not be prorated in the billing period in which the customer cancels the agreement.

(5) The utility reserves the right to terminate the rider, revise the rate per kWh per month or make other changes to the rider upon obtaining the necessary governmental approvals.

(Ord. 11-2023, passed 4-24-2023)

INTERCONNECTION OF RENEWABLE GENERATION FACILITIES

50.140 APPLICATION.

(A) A customer desiring to interconnect renewable generation facilities with the utility’s grid shall complete an interconnection application and submit the application to the utility for review. After receipt of the application, the utility shall conduct such further inspection of the renewable generation facilities as the utility deems necessary and approve or deny the application. If the application is denied, the utility shall provide a written response to the customer explaining why the application was denied. The utility is hereby authorized to charge a reasonable application fee to offset costs involved with reviewing the application, inspecting the renewable generation facilities, and otherwise ensuring compliance with this subchapter.

(B) If the interconnection application is approved, then the customer agrees that no changes shall be made to the configuration of the renewable generation facilities, as that configuration is described in the application, and no relay or control or protection settings specified in the application shall be set, reset, adjusted or tampered with, except to the extent necessary to verify that the renewable generation facilities comply with the utility’s approved settings.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

50.141 COMPLIANCE.

In addition to such other requirements as the utility deems necessary, any renewable generation facility allowed to interconnect to the utility’s grid must comply with: (A) the National Electrical Code and the National Electrical Safety Code, as each may be revised from time to time; (B) the utility’s rules and regulations and the utility’s general terms and conditions for electric service, each as contained in the utility’s electric tariff and each as may be revised from time to time; and (C) all other applicable local, state, and federal codes and laws, as the same may be in effect from time to time.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

50.142 OPERATION.

(A) For any approved renewable generation facilities interconnected to the utility’s grid, the customer shall install, operate, and maintain, at the customer’s sole cost and expense, the renewable generation facilities in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ applicable Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems, as it may be amended from time to time. The customer shall be responsible for protecting, at the customer’s sole cost and expense, the renewable generation facilities from any condition or disturbance on the utility’s electric system, including, but not limited to, voltage sags or swells, system faults, outages, loss of a single phase of supply, equipment failures, and lightning or switching surges.

(B) The customer shall operate any interconnected renewable generation facilities in such a manner as not to cause undue fluctuations in voltage, intermittent load characteristics or otherwise interfere with the operation of the utility’s electric system. At all times when the renewable generation facilities are being operated in parallel with the utility’s electric system, the customer shall operate the renewable generation facilities in a manner that no disturbances will be produced to the service rendered by the utility to any of its other customers or to any electric system interconnected with the utility’s system. The customer’s control equipment for the renewable generation facilities shall immediately, completely, and automatically disconnect and isolate the renewable generation facilities from the utility’s electric system

in the event of a fault on the utility’s electric system, a fault on the customer’s renewable generation facilities, or loss of a source or sources on the utility’s electric system. The automatic disconnecting device included in such control equipment shall not be capable of reclosing until after service is restored on the utility’s electric system. Additionally, if the fault is with the customer’s renewable generation facilities, such automatic disconnecting device shall not be reclosed until after the fault is isolated from the customer’s renewable generation facilities.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

50.143 INSPECTIONS BY UTILITY.

Upon reasonable advance notice to the customer, the utility shall have access to any interconnected renewable generation facilities to perform on-site inspections to verify that the installation and operation of the renewable generation facilities comply with the requirements of this subchapter and to verify the proper installation and continuing safe operation of the renewable generation facilities. The utility shall also have at all times immediate access to breakers or any other equipment that will isolate the renewable generation facilities from the utility’s electric system. The utility shall not be responsible for any costs the customer may incur as a result of such inspection(s). The utility shall have the right and authority to isolate approved interconnected renewable generation facilities at the utility’s sole discretion if the utility believes that: (A) continued interconnection and parallel operation of the renewable generation facilities with the utility’s electric system create or contribute (or will create or contribute) to a system emergency on either the utility’s or the customer’s electric facilities; (B) the renewable generation facilities are not in compliance with the requirements of this subchapter; or (C) the renewable generation facilities interfere with the operation of the utility’s electric system. In nonemergency situations, the utility shall give the customer reasonable notice prior to isolating the renewable generation facilities.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

50.144 INSURANCE.

Customer shall procure and keep in force during all periods of parallel operation of the renewable generation facilities with the utility’s electric system, homeowners, commercial, or other insurance to protect the interests of the utility, with insurance carriers acceptable to the utility, and in amounts not less than those reasonably determined by the utility to be necessary taking into consideration the nameplate capacity, configuration and type of the renewable generation facilities. The customer shall indemnify and hold harmless the utility, the City of Rensselaer, its employees, representatives, agents and subcontractors from and against all claims, liability, damages and expenses, including attorneys’ fees, based on any injury to any person, including the loss of life, or damage to any property, including the loss of use thereof, arising out of, resulting from, or connected with, or that may be alleged to have risen out of, resulted from, or connected with, an act or omission by the customer, its employees, agents, representatives, successors or assigns in the construction, ownership, operation or maintenance of the customer’s renewable generation facilities. If the utility is required to bring an action to enforce its rights under this section, either as a separate action or in connection with another action, and said rights are upheld, the customer shall reimburse the utility for all expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in connection with such action.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

50.145 UNLAWFUL CONNECTION; PENALTIES.

It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to connect or maintain the connection of a renewable generating facility to the utility’s grid without obtaining the utility’s approval of an interconnection application. At the utility’s sole discretion, property where a renewable generating facility is unlawfully connected to the utility’s grid may be disconnected from the utility’s grid until an interconnection application is approved.

(Ord. 06-2018, passed 4-23-2018)

WIND-GENERATED ELECTRICITY FACILITIES

50.150 CITY JURISDICTION.

The city maintains jurisdiction of zoning and development up to two miles outside the city limits known as the “buffer zone.”

(Ord. 10-2018, passed 5-29-2018)

50.151 APPLICABILITY.

The applicability of this subchapter shall be to all wind energy projects that use or require wind turbines that generate electricity to be sold wholesale or retail to energy or electric markets.

(Ord. 10-2018, passed 5-29-2018)

50.152 WIND TURBINES PROHIBITED.

The City Council, in considering the best interest of the City of Rensselaer, as well as its citizens, and by considering their police powers under I.C. 36-8-2-4 and the Indiana Home Rule Law, I.C. 36-1-3, the city hereby declares that no person or entity shall construct or operate a wind turbine used to generate electricity for wholesale or retail energy markets in the City of Rensselaer or within two miles of the city limits in the area commonly referred to as the “buffer zone.”

(Ord. 10-2018, passed 5-29-2018)