38.5.1002    UNDERGROUNDING OF ELECTRIC DISTRIBUTION LINES IN NEW SUBDIVISIONS

(1) Section 69-4-102 , MCA, requires a public utility furnishing electricity to install underground distribution lines in new subdivisions of five or more consumer units when undergrounding is technically and economically feasible.

(2) As used in this rule, "technically feasible" means that the trench through which the underground lines would run could be excavated by a conventional backhoe or trencher, with no blasting and minimal use of jackhammers or like equipment required, and the consumer unit is situated on a lot or parcel not larger than five acres.

(3) As used in this section, "economically feasible" means:

(a) If underground installation cost/unit does not exceed twice overhead installation cost/unit, underground installation is feasible and shall be constructed at the expense of the utility and the developer or the customer in accordance with the applicable rate schedule on file with the commission; and

(b) If underground installation cost/unit is more than twice overhead installation cost/unit, underground installation is economically infeasible within the meaning of 69-4-102 , MCA, and underground installation is not required in such cases.

(4) As used in the preceding subsection, "unit" means a residence or commercial structure in a new subdivision, as defined in 69-4-102 , MCA, and "distribution lines" mean all electrical lines in the subdivision used for the conveyance of electricity from a bulk power source to the consumer.

History: 69-4-102(3), MCA; IMP, 69-4-102, MCA; NEW, Eff. 12/6/76.