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I live next to a transmission/substation, what are the health risks? |
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Contact the Planning Department and we can send you information on EMF. |
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What are the system voltages? |
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The Association has transmission lines at 115kV and 69kV. The voltage at sub-transmission is 44kV. The Association's main distribution voltage is 12.47kV; however, there is some distribution at 34.5kV. |
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If I have underground electric cables in my yard, how often will they need to be replaced? |
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There are typically two types of underground cables in most residential applications: a high voltage (primary) cable, which feeds the transformers; and a low voltage (secondary) line, which feeds the secondary equipment from the transformers.
Generally, the high voltage cables - installed by the Association in the mid 1970's to late 1980's - have a life span of 20 to 25 years before they need replacement. The cables that were installed from the late 1980's to the present have a life span of 40+ years. For the low voltage cables we are seeing a life span of over 30 years.
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When the cables need to be replaced, what type of equipment and manpower is required to be on my property? |
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The Association will do as much as possible to minimize the equipment and disturbance in your yard. We are using the latest directional boring equipment and will often hand dig difficult areas. In most cases we do not use large digging equipment, such as backhoes and trenchers, inside residential yards. |
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Will I be notified - and how will I be notified - if the cable in my yard needs to be replaced? |
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When a cable replacement project is scheduled for construction, a letter will be mailed out to all customers affected by this project. The letter details the construction start date, estimated durations of the project, and other general information.
Later, if the Association's crews require access to your property, the project inspector assigned to the job will contact you to go over details required on your property.
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Does replacing the cable in my yard require a power outage? |
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Most cable replacement projects will require some type of outage. The majority of these outages is less than 30 minutes and are scheduled with the affected homeowners one to three days ahead of time. The Association's project inspector will contact the homeowner to discuss outage times. |
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Will my yard be restored back to its original condition after a cable replacement is complete? |
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Because we are using directional boring equipment on most of the cable replacement projects, you will not notice any disturbance in your yard on a large percentage of the project. When disturbance of existing landscaping is required, the project inspector will meet with you prior to construction to discuss options and replacement. |
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How do I receive more than 200 amps of power from the meter pedestal? |
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The electrician needs to install a second breaker and contact Engineering Services to request a double breaker kit. Our service personnel will install the double breaker kit at no additional charge. |
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How do I verify that IREA serves my property? |
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Contact our Engineering Services staff with the full legal description of your property and notify us if the property is currently being annexed into a city. |
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Does Engineering Services have a direct fax line? |
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Yes, 303.660.8906. |
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Can I combine my metered accounts into one billing? |
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Unfortunately, IREA cannot combine accounts as the meter is the account. |
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I'd like to have a pole, transformer, pedestal, etc. relocated on my property, what should I do? |
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Contact Engineering Services to initiate a work order. An engineer will meet with you on site to determine the possibilities and provide you with an estimated cost. |
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If an easement is required in order to extend electric, who is responsible for obtaining it? |
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The customer is responsible for obtaining the easement from his/her neighbor. However, IREA will provide a General Right-of-Way Easement form and our engineer will gladly speak with your neighbor to answer any questions. |
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How do I determine where and how deep any electrical lines are located on my property? |
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Contact the UNCC @ 1-800-922-1987 for locates. They will locate all utilities including phone and cable. Our primary lines are installed at four to six feet and secondary lines are located at approximately three feet. However, grade changes made after our facilities have been installed can vary these depths so always use care when digging near locates. |
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Is IREA responsible for my entire service to my house? |
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IREA is responsible for service up to the meter. All facilities from the meter to the house are the responsibility of the homeowner. Commercial services are responsible for the secondary runs from the transformer to the meter(s). |
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Can I pay for the line extension with a credit card? |
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IREA does not accept any credit card payments at this time. Beginning in March of 2008 Visa and MasterCard payments will be accepted on residential accounts. Commercial accounts may still enjoy the convenience of payments online or by phone using funds transfer. A $2.95 fee will apply. Please see our billing web pages for more information on payment options. |
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Can I get a closed loop #? |
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No we do not allow a closed loop on our system. For more information, please contact Engineering Services. |
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Can I cut the seal on my meter? |
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No. Please contact Engineering Services for more information. |
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What if I need to work on my meter housing? |
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A meeting will need to be scheduled with one of our servicemen. They will disconnect the power at its source for your safety and return to reconnect the power when you have finished. Please contact Engineering Services to start this process. |
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What type of breakers fit in the meter pedestal? |
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There are a variety of meter pedestals within our system that require different breakers. Contact Engineering Services to acquire a list of approved breakers per each pedestal. |
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If power already exists on my property, what do I need to do in order to receive my meter? |
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The electrician needs to wire the service and call for an inspection with the county, city or state. Upon receipt of the meter release, IREA will install the meter within three to five business days. The owner needs to call Engineering Services to set up a billing account for the service. |
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