Chapter 13.16 ELECTRICITY*

A. The definitions set forth herein shall apply throughout this title, unless expressly stated otherwise. Any definition contained in any other chapter or section of this title shall apply to all chapters and sections of this title, unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

B. A “line extension” means a customer request for electrical service from the city where existing power does not currently exist and where extension of said power is not currently part of the city’s adopted capital improvement plan.

C. “Takeover” or “cut over” means the transfer of electric service of one or more customers to the city which shall occur when a separate electrical utility provider completes a transfer of facilities and/or operating rights to the city or the city takes over a separate electrical utility provider’s customers and/or service area as allowed by law.

D. “Takeover customer” means a customer with a preexisting service connection from a different electrical utility that becomes a city customer solely by virtue of the city takeover of a separate electrical utility provider’s customers and/or service area.

E. “High density load” shall mean any customer or user with a load in excess of 600 amps and includes all server farms, cryptocurrency mining or other activities that use a significant, continuous amount of power. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2875 § 2, 2016)

13.16.010 Application for service.

A. Application for electric energy shall be made to and upon forms furnished by the city. Every such application shall be made by the owner, or by his legally authorized agent, hereinafter known as “customer,” and shall give the location of the premises to be served and the schedule applicable to the applications. Upon acceptance by the city, it shall constitute a contract by and between the city and the customer to accept electric energy as specified under the terms and conditions as prescribed by this chapter. All accounts for electricity shall be kept in the name of the owner. The customer, or his legally authorized agent, shall be held responsible for electrical charges.

B. No promise, agreement or representation of any employee or agent of the city with reference to the furnishing of electric energy shall be binding on the city unless it is in writing, signed by an authorized agent of the city as provided by this chapter and approved by the city council.

C. All applications for electrical service shall be connected only if the served structure complies with the Model Conservation Standards as contained in Chapter 15.24 BMC, Northwest Energy Code, now and as the same may be amended and modified from time to time. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2518 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1878 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1775 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1696 § 1, 1983; Ord. 1079 § 1, 1954; prior code § 3-201)

13.16.015 Takeover of existing customers or service area of other electric utilities.

A. From time to time the city may take over existing customers or service areas of other electric utilities by agreement with the other electrical utility or as may be provided by law. This section is intended to provide some definition and process for such takeovers. Specifically, it is the intent of the city to distinguish a customer that was taken over from an existing electrical utility service from a new customer that is making the first connection of electrical service to the subject property, and to provide that when a customer is taken over from the existing electrical utility that such customer shall not be required to pay a connection fee and neither the takeover customer nor the city shall be obligated to underground the new or taken over customer’s electrical service connections.

B. A takeover customer within the city limits shall not be required to pay a connection fee set forth in BMC 13.16.160 or 13.16.200.

C. In the event of a takeover within the city limits, the service to a takeover customer shall not be considered a change, increase or alteration of capacity of an existing service as set forth in BMC 13.16.220.

D. In the event of a takeover, neither the city nor the takeover customer shall be required to install underground utilities to serve the takeover customer. Provided, however, should the takeover customer seek to install underground power connection from the city, the takeover customer may install an underground connection at its sole cost in a manner approved by the city public works department and in accordance with city standards and procedures.

E. In the event of a takeover, the takeover customer shall be required to provide the city with the same information required of a new connection.

F. In the event of a takeover, the takeover customer shall be subject to all rules and regulations promulgated by the city contained in the city code or the policies of the city public works department applicable to electrical service customers unless as provided for herein. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2875 § 5, 2016)

13.16.020 Space heating electrically.

A. Space heating may be permitted after application has been made in writing to the city upon forms furnished by the city public works department, by the owner of the property to be benefited, or by some person duly authorized, setting forth the name of the applicant and location and load to be connected. Availability of service shall be determined by the city public works department. All installations must meet the city’s minimum requirements for building insulation.

B. All electric space heating installations other than 120-volt plug-in heaters shall be connected with not less than 208 volts.

C. Individual space-heating units over 1,500 watts capacity must be controlled by individual thermostat. No single thermostat shall control more than 7,000 watts.

D. Furnace-type space heaters shall be controlled by one or more thermostats and the control shall be so arranged that the heating units can be thermostatically or manually connected in increments not exceeding six kilowatts per step. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1696 § 2, 1983; Ord. 1131 § 1, 1958; Ord. 1079 § 2, 1954; prior code § 3-202)

13.16.030 Addition of energy-using equipment.

It is unlawful to add any additional electrical equipment requiring electrical energy to the service installed as of original application without first obtaining permission from the city public works department. Any violation of this section is a misdemeanor. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1079 § 3, 1954; prior code § 3-203)

13.16.040 Rate schedule applicability.

A. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter.

B. Service under the residential rate shall apply only to electric service in a single private dwelling and its appurtenances or for a general farm service, provided it is not used for resale or furnished to others. Private dwellings in which space is occasionally used for the conduct of businesses residing therein will be served under the residential rate. Where a portion of the dwelling is used regularly for the conduct of business, the electricity used in that portion so used will be separately metered and billed under the commercial rate. If separate circuits are not provided by the customer, the entire premises shall be classified as nonresidential and billed accordingly. The residential rate shall not apply to institutions such as clubs, fraternities, schools or other public buildings not primarily used for gainful purposes. Apartments that are individually metered will be considered as residences.

C. The rate schedules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 are based upon the supply of service to the entire premises through a single delivery and metering point and at a single voltage and phase, except where it is advantageous to the city to deliver at more than one point and more than one meter.

D. When a customer desires to use electricity for purposes classified under different rates, separate meters must be installed to measure current, and the electricity registered to each meter must be charged for at the specified rate schedule and shall be computed and billed for each separate meter.

E. “Summer” and “winter” demand charge periods will coincide with the periods set by the Bonneville Power Administration. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1699 § 1, 1983; Ord. 1499 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1131 § 2, 1958; Ord. 1079 § 4, 1954; prior code § 3-204)

13.16.050 Schedule 1 – Residential.

A. Schedule 1, residential single-phase, 120/240 volts or three-phase 120/208 volts, 60-cycle, alternating current will be furnished by the city public works department.

B. This service is for general lighting, electric ranges, dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators, water heaters, and small motors of individual single-phase demand of five horsepower or less.

C. No single heating unit in any water heater shall have a rated capacity greater than four and one-half kilowatts except when approved in advance and in writing by the city public works department. In installments equipped with two heating units, a lower or base unit shall be placed so as to heat not more than the upper one-third of the tank. Each heating unit is to be controlled by an individual thermostat. The total connected load of all heating elements in any tank shall not exceed four and one-half kilowatts, except when approved in advance and in writing by the city public works department. The maximum number of water heaters on a residential service shall be two. All electric heaters larger than 1,500 watts installed after the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title shall be designed and connected for operations at not less than 208 volts. Water tanks shall be provided with an efficient insulation.

D. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 1, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 1, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 1, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1699 § 2, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 1, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 2, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 1, 1974; Ord. 1241 § 2, 1967; Ord. 1131 § 4, 1958; Ord. 1100 § 1, 1956; Ord. 1079 § 4(Schedule 2), 1954; prior code § 3-205)

13.16.051 Senior and/or disabled discount.

See BMC 13.18.010(D). (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2750 § 11, 2009; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 2, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 2, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 2, 1994; Ord. 2059 § 1, 1991)

13.16.060 Rates – Schedule 2 – Small commercial.

A. Single-phase or three-phase 60-cycle alternating current will be furnished at 120/240 volts, 240/480 volts, 120/208 volts or 277/480 volts at the option of the city public works department, depending on the voltage class available.

B. All the types of load enumerated in subsection (A) of this section shall be permitted under this schedule on one meter, except that single-phase motor loads shall not exceed individual motors of over 10 horsepower. Single-phase service shall not exceed 100 kilowatts of connected load except at the option of the city public works department.

C. The total customer load on this schedule shall not be less than 90 percent average monthly power factor as determined and metered by the city. When the power factor is determined to be going below 90 percent, the power factor charge shall apply at the option of the city public works department. In order to qualify for the small commercial rate, the customer’s demand reading must remain below 50 kilowatts at all times.

D. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 3, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 3, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 3, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 3, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 2, 1985; Ord. 1699 § 3, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 2, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 2, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 3, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 2, 1974; Ord. 1349 § 2, 1972; Ord. 1241 § 3, 1967; Ord. 1222 § 1, 1965; Ord. 1131 § 5, 1958; Ord. 1079 § 4(Schedule 3), 1954; prior code § 3-206)

13.16.070 Rates – Schedule 3 – Large commercial.

A. Single-phase or three-phase, 60-cycle alternating current will be furnished at 120/240 volts, 240/480 volts, 120/208 volts or 277/480 volts at the option of the city public works department, depending on the voltage class available.

B. All the types of electrical load set out in subsection (A) of this section shall be permitted under this schedule on one meter, except that single-phase motor loads shall not exceed individual motors of over 10 horsepower. Single-phase service shall not exceed 100 kilowatts of connected load except at the option of the city.

D. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 4, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 4, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 4, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 4, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 3, 1985; Ord. 1669 § 4, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 3, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 3, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 4, 1977; prior code § 3-207)

13.16.080 Rates – Schedule 4 – Public authority.

A. Service provided to public authority facilities such as schools and general service administration facilities shall be charged according to the rate schedule.

B. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2566 § 6, 2004; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2512 § 2, 2002; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 5, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 5, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 5, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 5, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 4, 1985; Ord. 1669 § 5, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 4, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 4, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 5, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 3, 1974; Ord. 1241 § 4, 1967; Ord. 1057 § 4(Schedule 4), 1954; prior code § 3-208)

13.16.090 Rates – Schedule 5 – Industrial.

A. Availability. This service shall be available to customers requiring load capacity of 400 kilowatts or larger.

B. Type of Service. Sixty-cycle, alternating current of such phase and voltage may be available, or can be readily made available at the customer’s option and expense. Service shall be through a single meter at one point of delivery, under one phase and voltage. Additional service at other points of consumption or at a different voltage or phase will be separately metered and billed.

C. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 6, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 6, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 6, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 6, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 5, 1985; Ord. 1721 § 1, 1984; Ord. 1699 § 6, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 5, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 5, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 6, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 4, 1974; Ord. 1241 § 5, 1967; Ord. 1131 § 7, 1958; Ord. 1057 § 4(Schedule 5), 1954; prior code § 3-209)

13.16.100 Rates – Schedule 6 – City utilities and facilities.

A. This schedule is for city utilities buildings, pumps and other services, and also City Hall and other city-owned facilities, and street, alley, and city-owned parking area lighting.

B. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 7, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 7, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 7, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 7, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 6, 1985; Ord. 1699 § 7, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 6, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 6, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 7, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 5, 1974; Ord. 1241 § 6, 1967; Ord. 1122 § 1, 1957; Ord. 1057 § 4(Schedule 6), 1954; prior code § 3-210)

13.16.110 Rates – Schedule 7 – Security lighting.

A. Availability. All security lighting planned for more than one year’s duration shall be served by underground circuits. This service shall be available to all consumers for dusk-to-dawn outdoor lighting, where service is available under existing line-extension policies.

B. Type of Services. Sixty-cycle alternating current of such phase and voltage as may be available in the immediate area of service.

D. Conditions of Service.

1. The city will furnish, install, operate and maintain the complete outdoor lighting installation, including wood pole, at a mutually agreeable location. The maintenance, including lamp replacements, will be done on request during the normal work week and at no additional charge to the consumer.

2. The complete lighting installation shall remain the property of the city.

3. The consumer will protect the lighting equipment from deliberate damage. The consumer must allow city personnel free access to his property to maintain and inspect the equipment at any reasonable time. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2053 § 8, 1991; Ord. 1699 § 8, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 7, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 7, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 8, 1977; Ord. 1482 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1390 § 6, 1974; Ord. 1241 § 7, 1967; prior code § 3-210A)

13.16.120 Rates – Schedule 8 – Submetered service.

A. This schedule is to fix a base rate on any customer’s service which has submeters owned and maintained by the customer for the purpose of resale.

B. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2499 § 2, 2001; Ord. 2278 § 8, 1996; Ord. 2205 § 8, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 8, 1994; Ord. 2119 § 1, 1993; Ord. 2053 § 9, 1991; Ord. 1759 § 7, 1985; Ord. 1699 § 9, 1983; Ord. 1662 § 8, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 8, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 9, 1977; Ord. 1349 § 1, 1972; prior code § 3-210B)

13.16.130 Rates – Schedule 9 – Unmetered service.

A. For electrical service to telephone booths or other facilities where power is needed only during the hours of darkness, the service may be unmetered.

B. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2548 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2145 § 10, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 10, 1991; Ord. 1915 § 1, 1988; Ord. 1699 § 10, 1983; Ord. 1673 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1662 § 9, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 9, 1981; Ord. 1571 § 1, 1980; Ord. 1499 § 10, 1977; Ord. 1349 § 1, 1972; prior code § 3-210C)

13.16.140 Demand metering.

A. It shall be the policy of the city to require demand metering of all customers using over 50 kilowatts of demand in any one month of the year. In order to determine which customers may be required to pay a demand charge, the city may install a demand meter for testing over a period of at least three months. If the demand reading is consistently 50 kilowatts or over, the meter will be left connected.

B. It shall be understood that 50 kilowatts shall be subtracted from all demand meter readings before computing the bill. Demand readings shall be metered with 30-minute time-interval meters.

C. Because the city is billed by Bonneville Power Administration at different demand rates at various times of the year, the city shall bill its customers the winter rate to correspond with BPA’s high demand charge and bill the summer rate to correspond to BPA’s lower demand charge. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1662 § 10, 1982; Ord. 1605 § 10, 1981; prior code § 3-210D)

13.16.150 Minimum bills – Meter ownership.

A. The customer charge shall be the minimum charge for all schedules. The applicable minimum shall be charged for each meter whenever a service is energized, except that there shall not be more than one minimum charge on the same meter in any one billing period.

B. Unless otherwise specified, all meters or metering devices are the property of the city. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1605 § 11, 1981; prior code § 3-210E)

13.16.160 Connection, disconnection, service calls or meter testing.

A. Any property owner requesting connection or disconnection of service, or requesting service for other reasons, shall notify the city finance department at least 24 hours in advance. Any property owner requesting temporary power or permanent power shall notify the city public works department at least 24 hours in advance.

B. The reconnection fee shall be set pursuant to the unified fee schedule.

C. Any user of metered electricity who claims that the electric meter through which the user is obtaining electricity is not registering correctly may make application to have the meter tested. If the meter is found to be registering correctly, the user will be charged the actual cost of removal, testing and replacement of the electric meter. If the meter is found to be registering incorrectly, no charge shall be made and the current electric bill will be adjusted accordingly.

D. For the purposes of this section, a “property owner requesting connection” or “requesting service” shall not include a property owner obtaining a connection from the city of Blaine upon the city’s takeover of an existing electrical service area or system when such customer had a preexisting service connection. Such existing service connections shall not be required to pay a connection fee or install a meter upon the city of Blaine takeover of such service area.

E. In addition to any other requirement in this chapter, the city public works director may impose additional requirements on a connection to protect the safety and reliability of the city’s electrical utility, including, for example, but not limited to, a soft start control mechanism for equipment that has a temporary initial high load demand. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2875 § 3, 2016; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2203 § 1, 1995; Ord. 2145 § 11, 1994; Ord. 2053 § 11, 1991; Ord. 1915 § 2, 1988; Ord. 1691 § 1, 1983; Ord. 1605 § 12, 1981; Ord. 1482 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1370 § 2, 1973; Ord. 1195 § 1, 1963; Ord. 1079 § 5, 1954; prior code § 3-211)

13.16.161 Reserved.

(Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018)

13.16.162 Interference with system.

It is unlawful for any person to tamper with or injure any meter in the city electrical system, or break any seal connected to any city meter except by specific permission of the public works director or his/her designee. Such actions shall be a civil infraction and subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 13.22 BMC. Further, in the event of such violation, the utility service may be shut off and only reinstated after payment of all reconnection fees, plus fines and penalties. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1915 § 3, 1988)

13.16.170 Delinquent accounts.

The property owner shall pay when due all penalties and interest for past due or delinquent accounts, returned check or other nonpayment for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and/or as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018)

13.16.180 Deposits.

The property owner shall pay when due all deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018)

13.16.190 Interruption of service – Meter failure.

The city shall not be liable for interruption of service for any reason. In case any meter fails to register, the monthly consumption shall be estimated by the city finance department on the basis of one-third of the sum of the preceding three months’ consumption. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1079 § 8, 1954; prior code § 3-214)

13.16.200 New overhead service.

A. For any new overhead service installed at any location not previously served, the total cost of such new installation shall be paid by the person requesting such service or the owner of the property served in advance of any work being done.

B. Rates. The owner will be provided an estimate of the total costs and will be reimbursed the difference if the actual installation cost is less.

C. For the purposes of this section, a “new overhead service” does not include a service connection existing within another provider’s electrical service area that is acquired by the city of Blaine. Such existing service connections within the city limits shall not be required to pay a connection fee or install a meter upon the city of Blaine takeover of such service area. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2875 § 4, 2016; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1482 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1376 § 1, 1973; Ord. 1079 § 9, 1954; prior code § 3-215)

13.16.210 Temporary service.

A. Temporary service shall be installed for a period not to exceed one year. The temporary service may be installed overhead if service is available. All fees shall be paid in advance of any work being done.

B. Rates. A normal overhead or underground construction temporary connection fee shall be as provided in the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2053 § 12, 1991; Ord. 1482 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1079 § 10, 1954; prior code § 3-216)

13.16.220 Changes to existing service.

A. Any changes, alterations or increase in capacity of an existing service, overhead or underground, made at the request of the customer or his agent shall be paid in full by such person in advance of any work being done.

B. Rates. The owner will be provided an estimate of the total costs and will be reimbursed the difference if the actual installation cost is less. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1376 § 2, 1973; Ord. 1079 § 11, 1954; prior code § 3-217)

13.16.230 Moving wires.

A. Whenever it becomes necessary for wires or other light department equipment to be removed, cut or taken down, when the same is not done in the normal operation of the light department, a charge shall be made by the department to the person or persons making the request.

13.16.240 Service equipment location and furnishing.

A. The type, size and location of metering equipment shall be at the designation and option of the city public works department. All meters and load-control devices shall be located on the outside of buildings and no future construction, vegetation or any other hazard or obstruction shall cover or obstruct the accessibility of such meters or devices. The area around meters and devices shall be kept open and clear of any hazards or any other obstructions. If it becomes necessary to move meters, control devices or services because of future construction or any other hazards or obstructions or at the customer’s request, it shall be at the customer’s expense, paid in advance of any work being done.

B. The customer shall provide a satisfactory location to attach the department’s service wires, for which the department shall furnish the service wire insulators and connectors as part of the service.

C. The city public works department shall furnish all meters, current or potential transformers and load-control devices. All other material attached to buildings or service poles, including meter sockets and instrument transformer enclosures, shall be furnished by the customer. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2525 § 1, 2002; Ord. 1079 § 13, 1954; prior code § 3-219)

13.16.250 Single-family, duplex and accessory dwelling unit residential service installation.

A. For new residential plats, the charge for installation of primary and secondary circuits shall be the actual cost of installing power. The owner will be provided an estimate of the total costs but will only be charged the actual installation costs. In addition, the customer shall furnish the trenching and backfill to city specifications.

B. For a new residence from an existing power source, the charge is as provided in the unified fee schedule. In addition, the customer shall furnish the trenching and backfill to city specifications.

C. For an accessory dwelling unit on a site with an existing single-family residence, a separate service must be provided unless approved otherwise by the public works director. The charge is as provided in the unified fee schedule.

D. For an underground service circuit to an existing residence or accessory dwelling unit, at the consumer’s request or where rewiring requires a new service, as determined by the city public works department, from an existing power source, the charge is as provided in the unified fee schedule. In addition, the customer shall furnish the trenching and backfill to city specifications.

E. For early installation of electrical conduit from the property line to a single-family residence, duplex or accessory dwelling unit, the service charge is as provided in the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2785 § 4, 2011; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2626 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2053 § 13, 1991; Ord. 1915 § 4, 1988; Ord. 1643 § 1, 1982; Ord. 1482 § 1, 1977; Ord. 1376 § 3, 1973; Ord. 1267 § 1, 1968; prior code § 3-221)

13.16.252 Multifamily residential service installation.

A. “Duplexes,” “multifamily residential services” or “condominium associations” shall be defined as a commercial service unless there is a zero lot line and owned by separate people where each would be considered a single-family residence.

B. All multifamily services shall be installed by consumer or contractor to the city service point.

C. The city shall make the final connection at the service point at actual cost, with a minimum charge as provided in the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2053 § 14, 1991)

13.16.260 Commercial service installation.

A. All commercial services shall normally be installed by the consumer or contractor. Installation shall conform to city standards and shall be inspected by the city. This shall include the installing of new or larger transformers required to support the new loads. The consumer or contractor shall reimburse the city for actual cost of inspection. Where it is mutually agreed by the city and the consumer/contractor, the city may purchase and install the new transformer, in which case the city will provide an estimate of the total costs, and will reimburse the consumer/contractor the difference if the actual installation cost is less than the estimate.

B. Rates. The property owner shall pay when due all rates, fees, charges, penalties, interest and deposits for electrical service and facilities as set forth in the unified fee schedule and as may be set forth in this chapter. Connection charge shall be actual cost to the city (including labor, equipment, and material) with minimum fees per meter for new single-phase and three-phase services as provided in the unified fee schedule. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 2053 § 15, 1991. Formerly 13.16.265)

13.16.265 High density load prohibition.

All high density loads users and/or service demands shall be prohibited unless first approved by the city council as a special service agreement that provides (A) that arrangements have been made and paid for by the user to secure the city’s electrical system and facilities so that the high density load shall not impact the remainder of the city system, (B) the user pays for any additional costs of power and service borne by or imposed upon the city related to the additional demand placed on the city for power that would not have existed but for the high density load user, (C) the user provides cash deposits, insurance and/or adequate bonding in a form and amounts approved by the city to provide assurance of the payment of rates and charges, financial security for any damage to the city system that could potentially be caused by the high density load user, and to cover other potential costs that could be imposed upon or incurred by the city, and any other terms and conditions deemed reasonably necessary by the city council to protect the city, and the public health, safety and welfare of the city and its residents. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018)

13.16.270 Undergrounding of new extensions.

Any extension within the city limits shall be installed underground. Extensions outside the city limits may only be installed overhead with the approval of the city council and only if they do not involve new short plats or long plats. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1903 § 2, 1988; Ord. 1482 § 2, 1977; prior code § 3-223)

13.16.280 Line-extension policy.

A. For all consumers, new primary or secondary voltage circuit extensions shall be paid for in full by the consumer or person requesting service, except as modified by subsection (D) of this section.

B. Route. Permanent overhead or underground line extensions will normally be built in the most direct route from the nearest source of supply.

C. Contract. Extensions which cost in excess of $1,000 may at the request of the applicant be covered by a contract which shall not exceed a 10-year term and which shall require the consumer to repay the cost of the line extension, with interest, in equal installments. Interest shall be charged at the rate of bank one-year term deposits effective the date of the agreement.

D. Any consumer or contractor who has paid the cost of primary or secondary voltage extensions shall be offered the opportunity to enter into a developer reimbursement agreement, sometimes referred to as a latecomer agreement, in accordance with Chapter 13.12 BMC. Additional customers will not be served from line extensions covered by a developer reimbursement agreement until they have contributed their fair share of the costs of the line extension as provided for under said agreement. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1903 § 3, 1988; Ord. 1482 § 3, 1977; prior code § 3-224)

13.16.285 Local facility fee (LFF) – Electrical.

Property owners seeking to establish a connection, directly or through branch line facilities, to local electrical system facilities to serve real property located within city-designated local service areas shall pay a local facility fee to ensure an equitable sharing in the costs of such facilities. The amount of the fee shall be calculated based on customer classifications within a local service area. Such classifications shall be rational and provide for equitable sharing of costs. Property owners that do not connect to the local system shall be exempt from the fee. The applicable LFF, including an interest charge, shall be set forth in the unified fee schedule.

When a developer uses private funds to construct improvements to the city’s electrical system facility, or portion thereof, to provide service within a city-designated service area that includes the developer’s development, if the city has a local facility fee that applies to such service area, a nontransferable LFF credit will be given to the developer for the value of such improvements as provided herein. The amount of credit shall be proportional to the additional capacity provided by the privately funded improvement that is not necessary to serve the development as determined by the city engineer. “Additional capacity” means the system capacity that can be used to serve an area beyond the developer’s development within the designated service area and that is not necessary to serve the developer’s development. Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring the city to accept any particular improvements for credit purposes and the decision whether or not to accept any particular improvements is vested in the city’s sole discretion. Credits provided under this section are not transferable except to an individual lot owner within the service area. (Ord. 2973 § 6, 2022)

13.16.290 Undergrounding of new, modified or relocated telephone, television or other similar communication service lines.

A. It shall be required that all new, modified or relocated residential, commercial, industrial or permanent electrical service connections, or rewired permanent electrical service connections of increased capacity, be installed underground of a size determined by the city public works department. Service shall be from the building service location to the closest city light pole or other available source of power for the voltage required by such service.

B. The party requesting electric service shall also arrange to have any required telephone, television or other communication circuits installed underground at his expense. Such circuits may be installed in the same trench with power or water service.

C. Television, telephone or other communication distribution services may not use city utility or similar poles, trenches or conduits without sharing in the construction or the construction cost.

D. All new, modified or relocated telephone, television or other similar communication service lines shall be installed underground at no expense to the city. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2626 § 2, 2005; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005; Ord. 1915 § 5, 1988; Ord. 1482 § 4, 1977; Ord. 1376 § 4, 1973; Ord. 1317 § 1, 1970; Ord. 1303, 1970; prior code § 3-225)

13.16.291 Streetlights.

Streetlights located on city of Blaine public streets are under the jurisdiction of the electric utility fund. Streetlights consist of all standards, pole brackets, transformers, regulators, switches, lamps, wire, ducts and miscellaneous equipment necessary to furnish this service. This includes installation of new lights to meet design standards as well as maintenance and replacement of existing equipment, and monthly power costs reimbursed by the street fund. (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018; Ord. 2746 § 6, 2009; Ord. 2620 § 1, 2005)

13.16.294 Violations, enforcement and penalties.

A. Violations of this chapter shall be enforced pursuant to Chapter 13.22 BMC, and shall be subject to the penalties set forth therein.

B. Civil Infraction/Misdemeanor. No utility service shall be established, expanded, constructed, altered, moved, maintained, or otherwise changed except in conformance with this title. As established in Chapter 7.80 RCW, a person or business that violates the requirements of this title shall be guilty of a civil infraction subject to enforcement as set forth in Chapter 13.22 BMC. Each and every day that such prohibited act continues shall be considered a separate violation. Each subsequent violation of this chapter shall be considered a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail per violation as set forth in Chapter 13.22 BMC, and in particular BMC 13.22.020(B). (Ord. 2909 § 8 (Att. G), 2018)