Frequently Asked Questions

Underground Service

Q.  When will I get my pad sketch?
A.  Directions for the installation of concrete pads are distributed with all other contractor requirements during the pre-construction meeting.  Very general pad sketches can be found in the Guidelines for New Electric Service. These
sketches provide a general idea of the space and materials needed.  Construction of the pad should not begin until the final pad sketch is presented during the pre-construction meeting.

Q.  Am I responsible for digging the ditch for underground service?
A.  Yes.  You are responsible for excavation and the conduit.

Q.  Can phone, cable TV and power go in the same secondary ditch to the house?
A.  There must be a one foot vertical and horizontal spacing between NES cables and the other utility cables.

Q.  Why can’t the transformer go inside an electric room?
A.  The main issue is accessibility for repairs and maintenance of the electric service. Special situations will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Q.  Can I put a condenser over my underground service?
A.  No. NES requires that the lines not be located under any planned permanent structure to ensure timely maintenance and repairs.

Q.  Who owns the conduit?
A.  NES owns and maintains the primary conduit and cable.  The customer owns the residential service conduit whether it is from a pad-mounted transformer or a pole-type transformer.  NES owns the cable.  The customer owns, maintains and locates the service cable and conduit of commercial services from pad mounted transformers.  The customer owns the commercial service conduit from a pole-type transformer while NES owns the conductor.