Primary conductor (before transformer) requires minimum trench depth of 36 inches and installation of CVEC provided continuous conduit. Member/member’s contractor is responsible for pickup and return of reel from determined CVEC warehouse location.
Secondary conductor (after the transformer) requires minimum trench depth of 30 inches and member is to provide and install 3 inches schedule 40 electrically rated conduit for the entire length of route.
Exception: VDOT mandates underground state road crossings be installed by method of directional boring. Boring will be provided by CVEC bonded contractor at member’s expense.
All services must be inspected by county building inspections office unless deemed an agricultural exemption. For services deemed exempt, member is responsible for completing CVEC’s Ag exempt release form before installation can be scheduled.
For overhead services greater than 10 feet from CVEC pole:
Round pressure-treated poles (green), being 20 feet long and 6 inches diameter at minimum Must be used.
For overhead services 10 feet or less from CVEC pole:
Pressure-treated 4-inch x 4-inch x 16 foot post may be used.
For underground services of any length:
(2) 4-inch x 4-inch x 10 foot post connected by sheathing material to form an “H-structure” is required. Structure needs to be large enough to handle required metering equipment and disconnect(s)
Note: All poles/post must be embedded 4 feet in ground. Member is responsible for supply and installation of these structures.
Sources of poles:
30 feet poles can be purchased at any of the 3 division offices. (Approximately $200)
Cove Creek Industry, Rt 29 North of Colleen Office ((434) 293-6774)
6” x 6” x 16’ post may be purchased from any building supply location.
As part of the design process a staking technician will conduct a site visit. During the site visit, Staking Tech will layout proposed design in field and gather GPS data for mapping purposes. Locations of proposed structures will be marked with wooden stakes wrapped with white surveying ribbon. Underground conductor route will be marked with white pin flags. Note: Pre-scheduled appointments with Staking Tech are available.
Prior to scheduling site visit:
Building envelope should be cleared, 4 corners of proposed structure should be marked in field, and construction entrance installed. If site is found to be unsuitable for design a $200 re-engineering fee will be required before return trip is made.
Upon completion of site survey:
Member will be issued a cost letter outlining all aide to construction to be paid by the member, a sketch of the proposed route, necessary easement documentation, and any other job-specific documentation required (i.e. large power contract, ag exempt form). Once paperwork has been signed and sent back to CVEC any member requested changes requiring an additional site visit will be accessed a $200 re-engineering fee.
CVEC allots initial 1,400 feet of line extension with no direct facilities charge to member. Facilities beyond 1,400 feet allotment will be installed at a cost to member of $8.17 per foot. Allotment and facilities charges apply to overhead and underground line extensions. All new services will require member pay a new account fee of $25.
To receive 1,400 foot allotment, the member must provide the following:
Copy of approved residential building permit
Copy of deed (Deed of Gift/ Deed of Bargain and Sale) showing applicant as Grantee
Copy of plat
Copy of current well & septic permit with permanent meter base location marked
If underground, member is responsible for trench meeting CVEC specifications.
Right-of-Way Only
Right of Way Only is an option for members who have purchased land or are in the process of purchasing land and want to attempt to secure easement for electrical facilities prior to building. This work order carries an engineering fee of $200. A staking technician will make a site visit and work with adjoining property owners to exhaust all possible options to secure right-of-way. CVEC will record the obtained easements with the respective county. The engineering fee is refundable if construction is started on the home within 180 days.
Overhead to Underground
If no upgrade to current electrical service is needed, but the member wants to bury overhead electrical lines on their property, then it is a total cost job to member at $8.17 per foot for single phase lines. Construction cost for three-phase facilities will be calculated at standard unit cost. The member is responsible for opening and closing the ditch.
Relocation of Meter
If member wants to relocate the meter, it is a total cost job to member at $8.17 per foot from transformer/pedestal to proposed meter location. Note: For underground services, CVEC does not splice into existing underground service cable for the purposes of extending/relocating facilities.
Upgrades
There is no charge for upgrades. If it is an overhead service and wire size is not sufficient for upgrade, service can be put underground at no charge. Opening and closing of the ditch is the member’s responsibility.
