Idaho § 55-2403 - Activity in close proximity to lines - Clearance arrangements with public utility - Payment

§ 55-2403. Activity in close proximity to lines - Clearance arrangements with public utility - Payment

(1) If any contractor desires to temporarily carry on any function, activity, work or operation in closer proximity to any high voltage overhead line than permitted in this chapter, or in such proximity that the function, activity, work or operation could possibly come within closer proximity than permitted in this chapter, the contractor responsible for performing the work shall promptly notify the public utility owning or operating the high voltage overhead line in writing. The contractor may perform the work only after making mutually agreeable arrangements with the public utility owning or operating the line, including coordination of work and construction schedules. Arrangements may include placement of temporary mechanical barriers to separate and prevent contact between material, equipment or persons and the high voltage overhead lines, temporary deenergization and grounding, or temporary relocation or raising of the high voltage overhead lines. A written agreement identifying the arrangements and the payment to be made therefor, if any, as provided in subsection (2) of this section shall be executed by the parties.

(2) The public utility may, in conformance with its then current practice, require the contractor responsible for performing the work in the vicinity of the high voltage overhead lines to pay any actual expenses of the public utility in providing arrangements for work in close proximity to the overhead lines. The public utility is not required to provide the arrangements for work in close proximity to the overhead lines until a written agreement for payment has been made. The public utility may require payment in advance. Any surplus amounts paid to the utility shall be refunded.

(3) The public utility shall make arrangements to accommodate activity in proximity to overhead lines in accordance with the agreement of the parties. Where a date certain for completion of the clearance arrangements is not otherwise specified in the agreement, the arrangements must be completed within a reasonable time with consideration to all existing circumstances. However, any delay in completing the arrangement shall not excuse nor authorize the person, contractor or subcontractor to undertake to perform work in closer proximity to high voltage overhead lines than is provided herein, until such time as the arrangements have been completed.

(4) The public utility may deny any request for clearances which in the judgment of the utility may jeopardize the performance, integrity, reliability or stability of the utility’s electrical system or any electrical system with which it is interconnected.

[55-2403, added 1992, ch. 177, sec. 1, p. 560; am. 2000, ch. 319, sec. 2, p. 1077.]