Timelines for development projects can fall prey to many obstacles in the Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) region — supply chain issues and labor challenges, weather or equipment issues are a few things that can cause delays and put your project behind schedule and over budget. If not handled correctly, the installation of site power can also delay your project.

The good news is that there are ways to avoid issues with power installation in the RMP region. Here are several steps developers can take to expedite power installation and ensure that the process with RMP runs smoothly from start to finish.

  1.     Contact RMP early in the development process. Treating power installation as an afterthought is a critical mistake that can cost you time and money. Bringing RMP into the loop early on allows them to get your project in the queue, work through issues, order equipment and prevent delays when it’s time for installation. Waiting until after wet utilities and roads are in is too late! Contact RMP as soon as your plat is drawn so that they’re ready for you and can start the design process as early on as possible

 

  1.     Employ an expert — someone that has solid experience and an intimate understanding of RMP’s requirements and processes. Take advantage of a company like CATO Line Construction. As a developer you have your plate full, power lines don’t have to add to it. We have years of experience and expertise in coordinating and installing power conduit and Underground Residential Distribution systems.

 

  1.   Don’t let material issues slow you down. Make sure you purchase proper materials that meet RMP standards and specifications. With the ongoing supply chain issues, accounting for long lead times is essential and a miscalculation or omission may cause significant delays to your project. Not to mention, ordering incorrect material can harm your timeline, finding out it’s wrong after it’s been installed… can kill it… and your budget.

 

  1.     Keep in close contact with RMP estimators. It’s important to stay in touch with your estimator throughout the planning process to be sure the project is moving forward. You need to monitor each step of the process to ensure that the project is getting designed, there are no conflicts with the plans, contracts get completed, inspectors are scheduled, RMP crews get scheduled, etc, etc, etc. Don’t wait to check in until it’s too late!

 

  1.     Include a power expert on your team. Have someone on your team who knows the ins and outs of conduit installation to ensure that all facilities will be installed in the right locations and at the right depths to meet RMP requirements. An experienced excavator should review and compare the power company’s design to the rest of the development plan to prevent conflicts between power, wet utilities, storm drains, building foundations and areas that have a significant change in grade, sidewalks, etc. 

 

  1.   Communication is the key. Internet, telecommunication and sometimes even gas providers can share the dry utilities trench. It’s important to coordinate with all parties in your joint trenching plans to make sure all their requirements and timelines are accounted for. 

 

  1.     Coordinate with RMP inspectors. Stay in contact with RMP’s inspectors to coordinate inspections and ensure your contractors provide proper installation.

 

  1.   Don’t let damage get you down. Keep an eye on other contractors on site to prevent damage to conduit. A run of conduit that’s been dug up will send the power company crews packing and send your project to the back of the line.

 

  1.     Make sure you have full payment ready. RMP requires payment in full prior to scheduling any project. You will not be considered for the installation schedule until they’ve been paid in full and the conduit is completely installed and inspected

 

  1. Don’t forget about meters. Even though the main infrastructure has been installed you won’t have access to the power unless you have meter bases (temp or permanent) in and inspected by your municipality. Get the request for service into RMP early so you’re not waiting for a hook up.

 

Put the power in your hands

When it comes to installing power to your new development in the Rocky Mountain Power region, you have options. You can manage the RMP process yourself, follow the steps above and hope it goes well or you can team up with CATO to power your development.

We have the knowledge and expertise to eliminate costly problems and unnecessary delays.

CATO can provide an advantage with dry utilities excavation but we can save you even more time and money through the Rocky Mountain Power Applicant Built Line extension program. The ABL program allows you, the applicant/developer, to arrange for the installation of the electric infrastructure at your project sites through experienced, private contractors like CATO Line Construction.

Partnering with CATO to install the electrical infrastructure for your subdivision through the ABL program puts an expert on your team and gives you greater control and flexibility over your project while trimming weeks off your timeline and saving you money—as much as 15% or more!

 

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