Energy provider requiring upgraded panel after inspection due to service shutoff

[dylansvalleyelectric]

I have a bid I did for safeguard properties, and this will be the last!
They are asking me to provide them with something in our nec codes that states that if energy provider requires and updated panel to reconnect service then thats cut and dry. Safeguard is not wanting to pay me and they are arguing the bid, because they want me to provide something that states legally the panel needs to be upgraded. I have submitted documentation from Tacoma Power stating that thats what they want. Please if someone can point me in the direction of where I can find code language that states that basically energy provider trumps anybody else, because they provide the energy!
Thanks so much

 

[suemarkp]

Usually the PoCo only cares about what the connect to. Are they connecting to a meter socket, a meter-main, or something else? They often also require that the service equipment have an inspection sticker. Whether they can mandate a current inspection sticker -vs- an older one I don't know. The PoCo may have other "outs" in their rules to disallow connections under certain circumstances, and maybe that's the card they will play.

Do you know what their beef is with the panel (why they want it replaced)?
Is there an inspection sticker on that panel?
Was the service in any way altered (before you decided to change the panel), or just disconnected and now reconnected?

This is a public utility issue and each has its own set of rules. Start with their website and see what is in the requirements manual for connecting power. If you find appropriate language, but Safeguard says that isn't enough, then you'll need to see how much discretion the utilities' tariff gives them for demanding things at connect time.

Kind of sucks in the end for you. You could have spent a bunch of time on the phone arguing with the utility trying to get out of a panel change, or just change the panel. Depending on the hours involved with the first, the cost could come out the same assuming you win and can bill that time to your customer. If you lose, then the customer is out the arguing time and the cost of a panel change.

 

[mjf]

I have a bid I did for safeguard properties, and this will be the last!
They are asking me to provide them with something in our nec codes that states that if energy provider requires and updated panel to reconnect service then thats cut and dry. Safeguard is not wanting to pay me and they are arguing the bid, because they want me to provide something that states legally the panel needs to be upgraded. I have submitted documentation from Tacoma Power stating that thats what they want. Please if someone can point me in the direction of where I can find code language that states that basically energy provider trumps anybody else, because they provide the energy!
Thanks so much

You won't find it in the NEC codes. You already said you provided documentation from the POCO. Maybe a letter from the AHJ would help.

 

[growler]

They are asking me to provide them with something in our nec codes that states that if energy provider requires an updated panel to reconnect service then thats cut and dry.

You say they require an updated panel to "reconnect" service so why was the service disconnected in the first place?

What was it about the existing panel that was in violation of the NEC and needed to be upgraded, specifically?

Was the work you did approved before you did it ( by safeguard)? Signed contract or job order or anything in writing or even an E-mail?

 

[mgookin]

I have a bid I did for safeguard properties, and this will be the last!
They are asking me to provide them with something in our nec codes that states that if energy provider requires and updated panel to reconnect service then thats cut and dry. Safeguard is not wanting to pay me and they are arguing the bid, because they want me to provide something that states legally the panel needs to be upgraded. I have submitted documentation from Tacoma Power stating that thats what they want. Please if someone can point me in the direction of where I can find code language that states that basically energy provider trumps anybody else, because they provide the energy!
Thanks so much

You gave them a bid, then they asked you to do the work, and now they don't want to pay because they don't think it was necessary?

 

[GoldDigger]

Or does this involve a chance order needed to get the reconnect approved?

 

[Sierrasparky]

You say Bid, Does this mean that they accepted the bid and you provided the work spelled out on the bid. If so then their beef is too late.
They need to pay up.