Terms & Conditions for Supplying Electric Service

A. Membership Application

All prospective Members shall be required to become a Member of the Cooperative by completing a formal application for electric service on the Cooperative’s standard form. The application for electric service shall constitute a binding contract between the applicant and the Cooperative in conformance to these Terms and Conditions for Supplying Electric Service, and the applicable rate schedule.

B. Enrollment Fee

Each Member shall be required to pay a non-refundable membership set up fee . No enrollment fee shall be charged to establish a membership of a surviving spouse of a deceased Member or to relocate an existing service.

C. Security Deposit

The Cooperative reserves the right to require a security deposit for a residential, commercial or industrial account.

D. Rate Schedule

The Cooperative shall make the determination of the appropriate rate schedule.

E. Lease & Affidavit

Members requesting service for disconnected services for nonpayment and/or delinquent services may be required to provide

1. Notarized lease document showing name of lessee, address, landlord with contact info, list of all occupants, and start date of the lease
2. Signed affidavit stating that the person whose name the service was previously in no longer lives at the location and will not be living there in the future

A. General Service Requirements:

A pre-construction meeting with a URE representative is required for any new electric service or line extension. The purpose of the meeting is to determine the location of distribution facilities including metering equipment and establish any applicable amount of Contribution in Aid of Construction(CIAC). A driveway must be established, and property pins must be installed and identified prior to the pre-construction meeting. Line extensions will normally be located along lot lines when appropriate. The Cooperative shall have sole discretion as to the location of all distribution facilities. Variance to Cooperative recommended location of distribution facilities may result in an additional CIAC charge to recover any additional expense to the Cooperative. If any property damage occurs as a result of the deviation, repairs are at the member’s expense.

The prospective Member, Builder or Developer requesting service shall provide an accurate site map indicating the proposed or existing structures, driveways, parking lot, leach field and any other underground facilities to assist with the engineering of the electric service and easement.

The Member, Builder, or Developer shall furnish and install the meter base in the manner and location specified by the Cooperative. The meter base shall be kept sealed, under control of the Cooperative and maintained by the Member. In those instances where electric service is supplied to a low-profile structure or meter pole separate and apart from the electric consuming facility, then the member or developer shall install a fused disconnect or breaker on the low-profile structure or meter pole on the member’s side of the meter base.

The point of service may be referred to as a point of delivery, the point of attachment, or the line of demarcation. The Cooperative shall extend its facilities to the point of attachment designated by the Cooperative on the Member’s pole, building or other suitable structure.

All electric facilities installed by the Cooperative shall remain its property unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

The Cooperative reserves the right to require adequate protective posts or barriers at the expense of the Member where electric facilities are installed in areas of vehicular traffic.

The Member shall provide an unobstructed path at the Cooperative’s specified width for overhead or underground line extensions. For underground line extensions the path must be within six inches (6″) of final grade. The Member shall be responsible for the installation of conduit raceway as required by the Cooperative, Including, but not limited to, paved driveways and parking lot crossings in accordance with Cooperative specifications for underground installations. The Cooperative is not responsible for excavation settlement after construction. No electric facilities will be installed until paths are cleared, required conduits are in place and the grade slip has been submitted to the Cooperative.

The Cooperative reserves the right to assess the Member a trip charge for any additional trips to the job site caused by issues attributable to the member. Additionally, the Cooperative reserves the right to de-energize any of its facilities if the grade is not to its safety standards or if additional hazards are present that could compromise the safety of personnel, equipment or the public.

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B. Utility Easement Agreement

At the discretion of the Cooperative, an easement may be required for electric facilities.
Easement(s) must be executed by the property owner(s) on the Cooperative’s standard utility easement agreement. If the Member is not the owner of the property to be supplied with electric service or utility easement must be obtained from any adjoining property owners, the Member shall be ultimately responsible to obtain all necessary utility easements from any and all property owners necessary to furnish said electric service.

The member shall grant to the Cooperative and the Cooperative will maintain easement(s) and/or road right-of-way according to its specifications with the right to cut, trim and control the growth of vegetation using mechanical or chemical methods within the easement and/or road right -of-way or that may interfere with or threaten to endanger the operation or maintenance of the Cooperative’s electric facilities.

No fence, guardrail, wall, rocks, or other obstruction shall be placed near pad-mounted equipment (e.g., transformers, handholes, pedestals, or switchgear) that would limit the Cooperative from performing operation, maintenance, or repair of the equipment. This includes any tree, shrub, bush, or other vegetation that would have to be removed to operate, maintain, or replace equipment. The minimum clearance is three (3) feet from the back and sides, and ten (10) feet from the front of all pad-mounted equipment or any side with an access door. Additionally, a member shall not cover (even partially) any of these devices with plants, mulch, dirt, rocks, artificial rocks, or other landscaping as this prevents them from being quickly located, safely operated, as well as accelerating their corrosion. The Cooperative shall not be responsible for replacing shrubs, plants, fences, wall screenings, or other obstructions that need to be removed for maintenance or
restoration work.

The minimum easement width, which may include road right of way, shall be as follows:

*Any deviation from these parameters must be mutually agreed upon by the member and the Cooperative. All easements must be properly documented and recorded with the appropriate County Agency.

The member shall be responsible for providing a clear unobstructed path free of vegetation and debris 6 inches from final grade prior to the installation of electric facilities. Permanent service shall not be energized until all applicable permits and/or easement(s) are received and all fees and/or CIAC (contribution in-aid to construction) are paid.

The Cooperative reserves the right to require adequate protective posts or barriers at the expense of the Member where electric facilities are installed in areas of vehicular traffic.

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C. INSPECTIONS AND PERMITTING

Proof of Authority to Energize or Electrical Inspection pass ticket from government authority shall be required prior to energizing permanent electric services, non-cooperative temporary electric or electric service upgrades. All other activities shall require proof of permitting where a permit is required.

If no governmental authority has jurisdiction over the wiring owned by the Member, said
Member wiring shall be installed in accordance with the current edition of the National Electrical code and the specifications and regulations of the Cooperative.

When the Cooperative deems that a potentially hazardous condition exists, it may refuse to energize the Member’s service until the Member remedies any deficiencies.

Service Restoration – Fire or Flood: If the meter or service entrance equipment has been subjected to fire or flood conditions, an inspection from the above referenced authorities, and a release, when applicable, from a Fire Marshall or equivalent authority is required before service will be restored.

D. Single-Phase Service

1. Single-Family Residence:

A permanent single-family residence is defined as a habitable structure used year-round with a permanent foundation, its own water and sewage system and requiring a supply voltage limited to 120/240 volts.

The Cooperative shall extend up to five spans of single-phase primary electric distribution facilities to a permanent single-family residence at no cost to the Member constructed along and immediately adjacent to any existing road right of way limits having been legally dedicated for public use by a governmental authority.

The Cooperative will supply and install the service conductors from the transformer to the point of service. Residential Service exceeding 320 Amps in size will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The measurement to calculate the CIAC shall begin from the nearest existing electrical distribution facilities from which the line extension is to be constructed, or from the nearest public road right -of way when existing facilities are installed on the opposite side of the roadway. The measurement shall follow the proposed path as determined by the Cooperative and will normally be located along property lines when practical.

Additional charges may apply if the original path of the line extension changes at the request of or caused by the Member/builder or for reasons deemed appropriate by URE.

Payment of the CIAC must be made in full prior to a permanent service being energized.

The Cooperative has authority granted by the Board of Trustees to use its discretion to waive a portion or all of the CIAC when the owner/builder has choice of the electric supplier due to territorial lot split.

2. Single-Phase Commercial:

A commercial service is defined as an electric service provided to a property where, as determined by the Cooperative, the elements of a business operation exist, this includes offices, retail stores, warehouses, factories, schools, churches, and other non-residential facilities, where supply voltages are limited to 120/240, 240/480 volts, and where electric service is normally used on a year-round basis.

The Cooperative will extend single-phase electric distribution facilities to the designated point of service and provide the necessary CTs, PTs, meter base and meter for services of 400 amps and above. The Member is responsible for providing and installing meter bases, CT/PT cabinets, disconnect switches, concrete transformer pads, grounding grid, underground conduits, transformer protection posts and cable trenching required for the secondary service. The member will provide and install service conductors and transformer connection lugs.

All 480-volt services must have a lockable disconnect switch, capable of isolating all conductors, installed ahead of the meter base.

All meter bases, CT/PT cabinets or service disconnect switches mounted in a location exposed to vehicular traffic or delivery docks must be shielded from contact with protection posts or railing. These protection devices should not interfere with the ability to remove meters or opening of the utility equipment doors. Overhead service to a commercial building will be at the discretion of the Cooperative.

The Member or builder shall be required to pay a contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) equal to 100% of the actual cost of all electric distribution facilities necessary to provide electric service from the point of attachment of existing distribution facilities to the point of service. This includes any line extensions constructed along a public road right-of-way. The CIAC amount may be reduced if the projected revenue is sufficient to justify the investment and operating expenses as determined by the Cooperative.

3. Other Temporary, Permanent, or Seasonal Single-Phase Services:

The Cooperative shall extend single-phase electric distribution facilities to a member, for uses that do not qualify as a single-phase residential or single phase commercial service, as defined by the Cooperative, provided the required supply voltage is 120/240, 240/480. Such services include, but are not limited to, a barn, garage, pump, grain dryer, cabin, trailer, billboard, etc.

The Member or builder shall be required to pay a contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) equal to 100% of the actual cost for all electric distribution facilities necessary to provide electric service from the point of service to existing distribution facilities. This includes any line extensions constructed along a public road right-of-way.

The Cooperative encourages Members or prospective Members to provide electric service to these types of loads from the existing service panel if possible. When this is not practical, the Cooperative will provide the engineering services for one (1) cost estimate upon receipt of a non-refundable Engineering Fee, which will be credited toward the completion of the project. Members or prospective Members may be charged a trip fee for each additional field visit requested beyond the initial site visit required for re-engineering or revised cost estimates.

A. REFUND ELIGIBILITY FOR SUBSEQUENT SINGLE PHASE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE

If a member initially installs a permanent, or seasonal single-phase service and        subsequently connects a single family residential service to the same facilities, the member may be eligible for a partial refund, provided the following is met:

1. The residential service is served from the existing permanent, or seasonal single-phase facilities and has received an inspection for permanent electric service within 36 months of the date in which the original permanent single-phase service was energized.

The amount of the refund shall be determined at the discretion of the Cooperative.

Reconnection of a temporary, permanent or seasonal service having been disconnected at the request of the Member shall be charged a connect fee in addition to a sum equal to the monthly base charge specified in the applicable rate schedule for each month the service was disconnected.

4. SINGLE-PHASE MULTI-UNIT RESIDENCE:

A multiple unit residence is defined as a single property or structure that contains two or more separate dwelling units intended for independent occupancy, such as apartment buildings, duplexes, or similar residential complexes, typically sharing common walls, utilities, or access areas and require a supply voltage limited to 120/240 volts.

The Cooperative reserves the right to require multiple-unit residence to be separately metered. The Member or owner of an apartment house or a single-family house which is converted or constructed for separate and individual living quarters or dwelling units for more than one family, shall, at the owners expense, install separate wiring so that each dwelling unit can be individually metered and billed.

The Member or owner shall also be responsible for providing and installing gang meter bases that are used to separate services. The meter bases shall be subject to the approval of the Cooperative.

All multi-unit buildings, that receive electric service from a single transformer are required to provide a lockable load break disconnect switch so that service to individual tenants may be interrupted for maintenance purposes.

Members with services exceeding 400 amps will be required to provide and install service
conductors and transformer connection lugs. Any conduit crossings for services will be provided and installed by the Member.

All gang meter bases shall have each service location labeled with a permanent identification tag to correctly identify which meter corresponds to a particular dwelling, in accordance with the current edition of the National Electric Code.

5. SINGLE-PHASE TEMPORARY RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICE (PER SERVICE):

A temporary construction service is defined as a short-term electrical service installed to supply power during the construction phase of a project. It shall not exceed a 12-month duration unless the extended temporary service costs outlined below are paid.

A Member or the Member’s contractor may request temporary construction power during construction, remodeling, maintenance, repair, or demolition. The Cooperative may install a temporary service structure at no charge, or the Member may install his/her own temporary service structure in accordance with Cooperative specifications. Modification or damage to URE’s temporary service will result in additional charges.

• Single-phase Member owned temporary structure: $0.00
• URE supplied single-phase temporary structure: $0.00 first year
• URE supplied single-phase temporary structure/year: $300 per year after first year

6. SINGLE-PHASE TEMPORARY COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICE (PER SERVICE):

A single-phase temporary commercial construction service is defined as an electric service provided for a limited duration to supply power for construction-related activities at a commercial site prior to the installation of permanent electric service with a supply voltage limited to 120/240 volts.

The Cooperative may provide single-phase temporary commercial construction service upon request. The member or their contractor shall be responsible for 100% of the costs associated with the construction and retirement of the temporary facilities, as a contribution in aid of construction. All CIAC charges must be paid in full prior to the commencement of any construction activities by the Cooperative.

Any electric facilities required to be installed for the purpose of providing the temporary service shall fall under the appropriate line extension guidelines for determining CIAC.

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E. RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS

Residential Developments (subdivisions) are defined as single family homes or condominiums that meet the following criteria:

• The development is recorded and platted by the Developer with all required electric and other utility easements clearly defined.
• Lots are served by dedicated public roadways maintained by a governmental authority.

In addition, residential developments must also meet 2 or more of the following criteria:

• Average density of no less than two single family residences per acre.
• Street and building lot layouts that allow the Cooperative to serve a minimum average of two homes per transformer.
• Provides 15 building lots or more.

Lots served by dedicated public roadways maintained by a governmental authority Residential plats (subdivisions) must also meet 2 or more of the following criteria:

• Average density of no less than two single family residence per acre
• Street and building lot layouts that allow the Cooperative to serve a minimum average of two homes per transformer
• Provides 15 building lots or more

The Developer and the Cooperative shall execute a written Developer Agreement outlining payment requirements and other terms of construction and service prior to facilities being installed.

The following costs are based on the Cooperative’s standard installation practices and assume that residential services will generally be limited to 200 amps. Services exceeding 200 amps will be permitted subject to Cooperative review and payment of appropriate CIAC.

• Front lot $1500 per lot
• Rear lot $2100 per lot

The Cooperative reserves the right to require the developer to install conduit raceway for all or portions of the cables to be installed in the development.

For developments that do not meet the criteria of a residential plat, the Cooperative shall determine the requirements for installation of its primary facilities and, at its sole discretion, may require a contribution in aid of construction. Any required CIAC shall be paid in full prior to the installation of the Cooperative’s primary facilities.

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F. Commercial Developments

Commercial Developments shall be defined as a large tract of land developed for the express purpose of locating multiple businesses and industries. The Cooperative shall locate and install primary distribution facilities within platted and recorded easements designated for electric utilities. The Developer will be required to pay a contribution-in-aid of construction for the installation of Cooperative facilities –to be determined through an economic analysis of the proposed business revenues and cost to serve. Individual businesses or industries may be required to provide additional CIAC for their services which is beyond the primary distribution provided to the development.

The location of primary distribution facilities for any type development shall be based on sound engineering standards and least cost approach to the Cooperative. Any variance to the location of the distribution facilities by the Developer or other controlling authorities may result in additional contribution in aid of construction assessed to the Developer to recover any additional expense to the Cooperative.

The Developer must sign an Agreement for Electric Facilities.

The Cooperative reserves the right to require the developer to install conduit raceway for all or portions of the cables to be installed in the development.

The Cooperative shall have sole discretion of charging a CIAC based on a percentage of a minimum of 40% up to 100% of the total estimated cost to install electric facilities. The amount of the CIAC shall be determined at the sole discretion of the Cooperative. The CIAC must be paid in advance of installation of electric primary facilities.

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G. Outdoor Lighting

1. Private Lighting

Any Member may request lighting from the Cooperative to provide lighting to private property available in post-top, flood and mast arm units. A contribution in aid of construction shall be required prior to the installation of any private light. The Member shall be responsible for 100% of the associated work order cost, less the cost of the light fixture.

2. Public Street Lighting

Street lighting services are available to governmental bodies and developers to provide roadway lighting on public roads. The services will be provided under contract to governmental agencies and under standard tariffs to commercial and industrial Members. A contribution in aid of construction equal to 100% of the associated work order cost shall be required prior to the installation of street light facilities installed by the Cooperative.

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H. Three-Phase Service

1. Individual Three-Phase Services

An individual three-phase service is defined as an electric service supplied to a single location. The service is not shared with other members or units, includes its own metering, service conductors, disconnecting means and requires a supply voltage of 120/208, or 277/480.

For all three-phase services the Member shall be responsible for the installation of any concrete transformer pads, grounding grid, switchgear pads, secondary cabinets, transformer pad grounding, transformer protection posts, secondary service cables, service cable connection lugs and conduit raceways as specified by the Cooperative in accordance with Cooperative standards and the latest edition of the National Electric Code.

• • Three-phase services less than 400 amps:

The member shall be responsible for installing a three-phase meter base. The Cooperative will
provide the meter base and meter for the member’s facility.

• • Three-phase services 400 amps but less than 1000 amps:

The Member shall provide and install a CT/PT cabinet. The member is responsible for providing Polaris style connections in the CT/PT cabinet. The Cooperative will provide the necessary CT/PT metering devices, meter base, and meter.

• • Three-phase services 1000 amps or larger:

A Cooperative-specific metering cabinet is required. This cabinet will be provided by the Cooperative but paid for and installed by the Member. The Cooperative will supply the CT/PT metering devices, meter base, and meter.

All 480-volt services up to 600 Amps, must have a lockable disconnect switch before the CT/PT cabinet, or, if no CT/PT cabinet is required, ahead of the meter base.

The Member shall be responsible for providing adequate access to the transformer including a road base to the transformer sufficient for the Cooperative’s utility vehicles.

The Member may be required to pay a contribution in aid of construction (CIAC). This includes any line extensions along a public road right-of-way. The CIAC amount shall be calculated based on the projected revenue as determined by the Cooperative.

2. Three-Phase Multiple Tenant Service

A three-phase multi-tenant service is defined as an electric service in which three-phase power is supplied from a common three-phase source to a building or facility containing multiple individual services. The service is shared among two or more tenants and consists of a single three-phase service entrance, a supply voltage of 120/208 or 277/480, with individual meter bases, meters, and disconnects, to separately measure usage and control power for each tenant.

For all three-phase services the Member shall be responsible for the installation of any concrete transformer pads, grounding grid, switchgear pads, secondary cabinets, transformer pad grounding, transformer protection posts, secondary service cables, service cable connection lugs and conduit raceways as specified by the Cooperative in accordance with Cooperative standards.

• • Three-phase services less than 400 amps:

    The member shall be responsible for installing a three-phase meter base. The Cooperative will provide the meter base and meter for the member’s facility.

  • Three-phase services 400 amps but less than 1000 amps:

    The Member shall provide and install a CT/PT cabinet. The member is responsible for providing Polaris style connections in the CT/PT cabinet. The Cooperative will provide the necessary CT/PT metering devices, meter base, and meter.

  • Three-phase services 1000 amps or larger:

    A Cooperative-specific metering cabinet is required. This cabinet will be provided by the Cooperative but paid for and installed by the Member. The Cooperative will supply the CT/PT metering devices, meter base, and meter.

All multi-tenant buildings that receive electric service from a single transformer are required to provide a lockable load break disconnect switch before each meter base or CT/PT cabinet for each tenant service so that service to individual tenants may be interrupted for maintenance purposes.

All gang meter bases shall have each service location labeled with a permanent identification tag to correctly identify which meter corresponds to a particular dwelling, in accordance with the current edition of the National Electric Code.

The Member may be required to pay a contribution in aid of construction (CIAC). This includes any line extensions along a public road right-of-way. The CIAC amount shall be calculated based on the projected revenue as determined by the Cooperative.

3. Temporary Three-Phase Service

A temporary three-phase service is defined as an electric service supplied on a temporary basis to a single location for construction, maintenance, testing, or similar short-term purposes. The service is not shared with other Members or units and includes its own metering, service conductors, and disconnecting means. Temporary three-phase service is intended for limited duration use and shall be installed in accordance with Cooperative requirements and applicable codes. Approved supply voltages include 120/208 or 277/480.

The Cooperative may provide temporary three-phase service upon request. The member or their contractor shall be responsible for 100% of the costs associated with the construction and retirement of the temporary facilities, as a contribution in aid of construction. All CIAC charges must be paid in full prior to the commencement of any construction activities by the Cooperative.

A. Use of Electric & Power Conditioning

The electricity supplied by the Cooperative is for the exclusive use of the Member on the premises to which such energy is delivered by the Cooperative. Service shall not be shared with another, sold to another or transmitted off the premises unless approved by the Cooperative. If this restriction is violated, the Cooperative reserves the right to discontinue electric service without notice.

The Member’s electrical equipment shall be operated and controlled so as not to cause electrical disturbances on the Cooperative’s system or to be detrimental to the service furnished by other Members of the Cooperative.

The Cooperative reserves the right to require the Commercial or Industrial Member to install at the Member’s expense such power factor corrective equipment to achieve a minimum of 92.5% power factor; and to require any necessary equipment to prevent undue voltage fluctuations so that it is not necessary for the Cooperative to supply excess capacity and facilities. The Cooperative reserves the right to require the Member to install such controls that are necessary to prevent voltage or other disturbances on the Cooperative’s system that would be detrimental to service furnished to other Members.

Where the Member installs equipment/appliances with sensitive electronic components such as computer microprocessors and other devices containing programmable controllers, it is understood that the Cooperative cannot guarantee to provide the special voltage and power needs required by sensitive electronic equipment at all times. It shall be the responsibility of the Member to install, own, operate and maintain appropriate “power conditioning equipment” in order to protect such devices from damage due to power line noise, voltage fluctuations, power interruptions, spikes, transient surges, harmonic distortions or other types of power disturbances which may be construed
as being less than suitable to such sensitive electronic components.

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B. Member Responsibility

The point at which service is delivered by the Cooperative to the Member, to be known as a “point of delivery,” shall be the point at which the Member’s facilities are connected to the Cooperative’s facilities. The Cooperative’s responsibility and liability terminates at the point where the Cooperative’s service drop conductors first contact Member’s building structure, mast pipe or other such service terminating structures or facilities.

All such terminating facilities shall be approved by the Cooperative but shall be owned, operated and maintained by the Member. If the meter base needs to be inspected or worked on, the Member needs to contact the office to set up a date and time so the service can be disconnected.

The Cooperative reserves the right, but shall not have the duty, to determine the suitability of apparatus or electrical facilities to be connected to its lines, to determine whether the operation of such shall be detrimental to its general supply of electricity, and further reserves the right to refuse to supply, or to discontinue the supply of electricity until such time as the Member shall conform to the Cooperative’s regulations. The Cooperative reserves the right to disconnect the service and remove its facilities, without notice, when it determines that the Member’s terminating structure or facilities are inadequate or present a safety concern to the member, personnel, the public, or the
electric system.

1. ELECTRICAL DESIGN AND CODE COMPLIANCE
   The Member shall use reasonable care in designing the electric wiring and circuits. The Member’s electric loads shall be connected to Member’s circuits so that the loads on the individual phases, legs and circuits of the Cooperative’s service conductors are properly balanced. The electrical facilities must conform to the latest edition of National Electric Code, that the County Inspection Agency has adopted. In no event shall the Cooperative be under any obligation to inspect the electrical facilities of the Member, but where the Cooperative has a reason to believe that the electrical facilities of the Member do not comply with recognized requirements, the Cooperative may refuse to supply electricity to the Member.

2. LOAD CHANGES AND UNUSUAL EQUIPMENT
   The Member shall be responsible for notifying the Cooperative of any plans for adding electrical facilities that might overload or impair the electrical service or the facilities of the Cooperative. The Cooperative will upgrade its facilities at no charge to the Member if, as determined by the Cooperative, the probable additional revenue is sufficient to justify the investment and operating expenses involved or a CIAC will be charged. The Member shall also notify the Cooperative of unusual electrical facilities to be added and obtain the consent of the Cooperative for the use thereof.

3. EXCAVATION AND ONE-CALL REQUIREMENTS
   By state law, before any excavation begins, Members or their Contractors are required to follow the State’s one-call procedure. Members/Contractors can familiarize themselves with the requirements of the procedure by contacting Ohio 811/OUPS at 1-800-362-2764 or the www.OUPS.org website.

   To simplify the “Call Before You Dig” calling process, Members/Contractors can call 8-1-1 to route their call to Ohio811/OUPS or enter a ticket on-line via the OUPS.org website. By law, excavators must contact OUPS at least 48 hours prior to excavation. Be aware that private member owned private lines will not be marked as a result of contacting 811. Members need to make arrangements to have their own facilities marked by a contractor of their choice.

4. PROTECTION OF COOPERATIVE PROPERTY
   The Member shall be responsible at all times for the safekeeping of all Cooperative property installed on the Member’s premises and to that end shall give no one, except authorized Cooperative employees, access to such property.

   The Member shall be liable for the cost of repairs or damage to the Cooperative’s property on the Member’s premises resulting from the negligence of, or misuse by the member or any party other than Cooperative employees. In the event of damage to the Cooperative’s property on the Member’s premises, the Cooperative may require a reasonable security deposit to insure payment for repairs in the event of future damage.

5. CONSTRUCTION, OBSTRUCTIONS, AND CLEARANCES FROM COOPERATIVE FACILITIES
   Members shall not construct, install, or permit the construction or installation of any building, structure, enclosure, fence, wall, deck, landscaping, or other improvement that encloses, obstructs, restricts access to, or otherwise interferes with Cooperative owned equipment, including but not limited to meters, meter bases, transformer cabinets, pedestals, switchgear, pad-mounted equipment, poles, guy wires, or underground facilities and wire. Cooperative equipment must remain fully accessible at all times for operation, inspection, maintenance, repair, replacement, and emergency response.

   Any enclosure or construction installed without the prior written approval of the Cooperative shall be subject to removal or modification at the Member’s sole expense. The Cooperative reserves the right to require the relocation of Cooperative facilities or the Member’s facilities, at the Member’s expense, if access is restricted or if the installation creates a safety concern. The Cooperative may disconnect service without notice if such construction or enclosure presents a hazard to Cooperative personnel, the Member, the public, or the electric system.

   Members shall not install or construct buildings, structures, signs, flagpoles, light standards, antennas, aerials, or similar items under, over, or near the Cooperative’s electric lines in a manner that could cause them to contact, be raised into, or fall onto such lines. All installations must allow for safe maintenance of the lines in accordance with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and other applicable safety standards. The Member is responsible for ensuring that their structures do not interfere with or endanger Cooperative facilities.

6. TAMPERING, ACCESS, AND RIGHT OF ENTRY
   Members will be held responsible for tampering with, interfering with, or breaking of seals of meters, or other Cooperative equipment installed on the Member’s premises. The member hereby agrees that no one except the employees of the Cooperative shall be allowed to make any internal or external adjustments of any meter or any other piece of apparatus which is the property of the cooperative.

   The Cooperative shall have the right during regular working hours and in emergencies to enter the premises of the consumer for the purpose of installing, reading, removing, testing, replacing or otherwise disposing of the apparatus and property, and the right of entire removal of the cooperative’s property in the event of the termination of the contract for any cause. The Member will keep the area where the Cooperative’s apparatus and property are located free from obstruction, danger and/or safety hazards. The Cooperative maintains the right to request the relocation of the members’ service at the expense of the Member. The Cooperative’s agent will, upon request, show credentials and state the reasons for requiring access.
   

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
   The Cooperative shall not in any event be liable for loss injury or damage to any person or property whatsoever, resulting directly or indirectly from the Member’s use, misuse, equipment, or presence of the said electricity on the Member’s premises or elsewhere, after it passes the Cooperative’s metering equipment or other point of delivery; or for any loss or damage resulting from the presence, character or condition of the wires or electrical facilities of the Member. The Cooperative retains all responsibility only with respect to the actions of its employees in connection with property owned by the Cooperative.

8. PROHIBITED ATTACHMENTS AND OBSTRUCTIONS
   For safety reasons, nothing other than Cooperative owned equipment whether temporary or permanent may be attached, leaned against or generally blocking access to Cooperative owned electric facilities at any time. Any member-owned property including, but not limited to, signs, basketball equipment, security lights, etc. found to be attached, leaned against or generally blocking access to Cooperative owned facilities, will be immediately removed by the Cooperative. This provision does not apply to meter poles owned by the Cooperative with member-owned service wires and meter bases attached. The Cooperative does not allow painting of Cooperative owned equipment by the Member.

9. SWIMMING POOLS AND WATER FEATURES
   The Cooperative does not allow placing a swimming pool, spa, hot tub, or associated equipment under or within the minimum clearance distances specified by applicable electrical codes from existing overhead or underground electrical conductors. Overhead and underground conductors, including service drops, must meet minimum clearance requirements of the current edition of the NEC and any additional clearances required by the NESC or local building codes.

10. WORK NEAR COOPERATIVE FACILITIES
    Members or contractors must provide reasonable advance notice to the Cooperative before performing any work in close proximity to the Cooperative’s electric facilities where such work could present a safety hazard or result in noncompliance with applicable federal, state, or industry safety regulations, including but not limited to OSHA or the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC).

    Upon request, and at the Cooperative’s discretion, the Cooperative may arrange to cover, de-energize, relocate, or otherwise protect its facilities within the work area as deemed necessary to maintain safety and regulatory compliance.

    The Cooperative may charge the notifying Member or contractor for all costs incurred in connection with such protective measures, including labor, equipment, materials, and administrative expenses.
    

11. MEMBER-OWNED EQUIPMENT ISSUES
    If an outage call is requested and the issue is determined to be caused by wiring, equipment, breakers, or other conditions on the member’s side of the meter, a service charge may be assessed in accordance with the Cooperative’s current Schedule of Fees and Charges.

    Before requesting service, members are encouraged to check interior breakers, fuses, and other privately owned equipment.

12. CONSTRUCTION CREW TRIP CHARGE
    When a Member requests a service installation and confirms that the site is ready for the Cooperative to perform the work, but a construction crew is dispatched and is unable to proceed because the site is not ready, inaccessible, unsafe, or otherwise not prepared in accordance with Cooperative requirements, the Member may be assessed a Construction Crew Trip Charge.

    Conditions that may result in this charge include, but are not limited to:

    • Member facilities or equipment are incomplete or not compliant with Cooperative standards.
    • Required conduit, meter bases, or other Member-installed equipment are not installed or are improperly installed.
    • Access to the service location is restricted, including locked gates or blocked work areas.
    • The service location is not clearly identified or marked.
    • The work site is unsafe for crew access or operation.

    This Charge is intended to recover costs associated with mobilizing personnel, vehicles, and equipment. The applicable charge will be assessed in accordance with the Cooperative’s Schedule of Fees and Charges in effect at the time of the trip.

13. AFTER-HOURS NON-EMERGENCY CALL-OUT
    When a Member requests service outside the Cooperative’s normal business hours for a matter that is determined to be non-emergency in nature, and the Cooperative dispatches personnel to respond, the Member may be assessed an After-Hours Non-Emergency Call-Out charge.

    Non-emergency situations include, but are not limited to, service disconnects and reconnects, requests that do not involve an immediate threat to public safety, damage to Cooperative facilities, or an active outage affecting electric service to multiple Members.

    This charge is intended to recover the additional costs associated with overtime labor, travel time, vehicle and equipment use, required to respond outside of normal working hours. The applicable fee shall be assessed in accordance with the Cooperative’s Schedule of Fees and Charges in effect at the time of service.

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C. Meter Accuracy

The Cooperative will maintain an accuracy of its meters of plus or minus two percent in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. The Cooperative, by employees or its agents, may visit the service and visually read the meter as deemed necessary by the Cooperative.

If a meter fails to register correctly, the meter will be replaced with a calibrated meter. Each new meter is tested and calibrated to plus or minus two percent accuracy before being placed in service at a given location. The arithmetic average of light load and full load tests will be used to determine overall accuracy of the meter.

Upon request by a Member, the Cooperative shall test the meter provided that such tests are not made more frequently than once in 24 months. If tests of meters are required by the Member to be made more frequently than once in 24 months, the Cooperative shall require a meter test fee. The fee will be refunded if the meter tests faster than 102 percent or slower than 98 percent.

If the meter is found to be in error greater than two percent, an adjustment will be made on the Member’s electric bill per section VI – Billing and Payment for Service. In the event the metering equipment installed by the Cooperative fails to properly register the energy during any period, the consumption for such period will be estimated upon all known facts and billed accordingly, or at the option of the Cooperative, shall be estimated from the amount of energy used during a period in which the Member operated under conditions similar to those existing during the period in which the metering equipment failed to properly register energy consumed.

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D. Estimated Bills

On occasion, the Cooperative will have a need to estimate member bills. Estimates for a service will be based on past use or the most appropriate use information available to the Cooperative.

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E. Idle Services

Any service that has been disconnected for a period longer than one year will be classified as abandoned and is considered an Idle Service. The Cooperative will attempt to contact the property owner to determine the future need for electric service when services have been disconnected and left idle. The Cooperative, at its discretion, may remove the idle electric facilities. If an idle service is removed and service is requested in the future at that location, the request will be treated as a new service. All costs associated with a new service installation will be calculated in accordance with the
line extension policy in effect at the time of the request. The Cooperative requires services that have been idle for more than 12 months to be inspected by the governmental authority prior to reconnect.

F. High Demand Equipment

If interested in using high demand electrical equipment such as Electric Vehicle Chargers, on demand electric water heaters or other such equipment, it is recommended to contact the Cooperative to understand the impact of these installations. At times, a contribution in aid of construction may be required.

The quality of electric service supplied by the Cooperative shall be in accordance with the accepted industry standards. The Cooperative shall maintain adequate facilities and trained personnel for maintaining quality electric service. The Cooperative’s nominal standard voltage for standard lighting and other domestic uses shall be 120/240 volts, 60 cycles, single-phase alternating current. Other voltages may be furnished by special arrangements with the Cooperative and at the option of the Cooperative. The Cooperative will endeavor to maintain the voltage within 5.0 percent of the standard voltage.

The Cooperative will use reasonable diligence in furnishing a regular and uninterrupted supply of electric power and energy, but does not guarantee uninterrupted service. The Cooperative shall not be liable for damages in case such supply should be interrupted or fail by reason of an act of God, the public enemy, accidents, labor disputes, orders or acts of civil or military authority, loss of power supply beyond its control, breakdowns or injury to the machinery, transmission lines, distribution lines or other facilities of the Cooperative, extraordinary repairs, or any other cause beyond its control.

Vegetation management in or near the electric distribution facilities shall be performed by the Cooperative or it’s representatives on a schedule that conforms with best practices for vegetation growth, and some faster growing varieties may require more frequent cutting. Minimum clearance must meet all applicable codes.

The Cooperative shall be prompt and diligent in reenergizing its facilities and restoring its service as soon as it believes that in the exercise of reasonable care for the protection of the public and the employees of the Cooperative such action can be taken with reasonable safety.

When Cooperative personnel are dispatched to restore an outage and the problem is determined to be on the Member’s side of the service, the Cooperative may charge the Member a service fee.

In the event of an adverse condition or disturbance on the system of the Cooperative, or any other system directly or indirectly interconnected with it which requires automatic or manual interruption of the supply of electricity to some Members in order to limit the extent or duration of the adverse condition or disturbance, or to prevent damage to generating or transmission facilities, or to expedite restoration of service, the Cooperative may, without incurring liability, take such action as appears reasonably necessary.

A. Conversion from Overhead to Underground Service

Any request to convert overhead facilities to underground may require a contribution in aid of construction equal to 100% of the work order cost.

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B. Conversion from Overhead to Underground – Public Authority

The Cooperative shall not be required to construct general distribution lines underground unless the cost of such special construction for general distribution lines and/or the cost of any change of existing overhead general distribution lines to underground which is required or specified by a municipality or other public authority (to the extent that such cost exceeds the cost of construction of the Company’s standard facilities) shall be paid for by that municipality or public authority. The “cost of any change” as used herein, shall be the cost to the Company of such change. The “cost of
special construction” as used herein, shall be the actual cost to the Company in excess of the cost of standard construction. When a charge is to be based on the excess cost, the Company and the municipality or other public authority shall negotiate the amount thereof.

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C. Relocation of Electric Facilities

The Cooperative reserves the right to deny any request, temporary or permanent, to relocate electric distribution facilities owned by the Cooperative for any reason. If the Cooperative agrees to relocate its electric facilities and a suitable relocation exists, the Member shall be charged 100% of the actual cost in advance of said relocation.

If in the opinion of management that it is in the best interest of the Cooperative and the member, management may direct electric facilities to be moved at the expense of the Cooperative particularly if facilities in question constitute a safety hazard to the public.

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D. Service Upgrade

Service upgrades may be charged a CIAC at the discretion of the Cooperative using the line extension guidelines contained herein for new construction based on single-family, commercial or other types of service.

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E. Excess Facilities

If the Member requests facilities in excess of those normally furnished and the Cooperative agrees to furnish excess facilities, the Member shall pay a contribution in aid of construction equal to the increased cost to the Cooperative.

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F. Pole Top Switch Installation

The Cooperative will no longer support the installation of a new pole top switch. It has been and shall continue to be the policy of the Cooperative that these devices are Member owned and are to be Member maintained.

All work performed by the Cooperative on a pole top switch shall be billed to the Member at 100% of actual costs. The Cooperative encourages its Members with pole top switches to replace the switches with a standard 200 amp or 320 class meter base instead of repairing or installing a new switch.

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G. Emergency Generation

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Where the member installs their own electric generation equipment, it is absolutely necessary that every precaution be taken to prevent back-feeding of Member’s electricity into the Cooperative’s distribution system. Occurrence of back feeding could result in loss of equipment, serious injury or death to Cooperative personnel or the public. The Cooperative permits the use of emergency generating equipment for operation only in the event the Cooperative’s electric power supply is interrupted. Periodic testing is permitted. Where the Member has emergency generating equipment installed, the Member shall install and maintain all necessary double throw switching and protective devices so that it will be impossible for the Member to operate his generating equipment in parallel with the Cooperative’s electric system.

Members may purchase a Generlink from URE that will be installed in the member’s meter base that will allow the interconnection of a portable generator to the member’s system. URE has 30-amp and 40-amp Generlinks in stock. All generating equipment, wiring and switching installation shall be in conformance with the latest edition of the National Electric Code. Proof of permitting from governing authorities is required.

The commercial and industrial Member will use lockout/tagout procedures in accordance to OSHA standards. The Cooperative reserves the right to discontinue its service without notice, if the Member’s installation does not at all times comply with these provisions and requirements. All Member equipment shall be installed beyond the metering point.

Residential, Agricultural and Commercial Members that are equipped with an emergency generator are requested to notify the Cooperative in writing or by telephone. This information will be noted on the Member’s account to ensure during electric restoration efforts Cooperative employees are aware of this power source.

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H. Distributed Generation (Net Metering)

The Cooperative will comply with requirements of Sections 201 and 210 of the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 and all governmental regulations lawfully promulgated thereunder (PURPA). The Cooperative will interconnect with and operate in parallel with any qualifying facility which meets all Cooperative’s rules and regulations for single phase or three phase services. Any member wishing to interconnect a generating system of 100 KW to the cooperative system will be covered by the net metering rate N. The member must sign the net metering agreements and pay an engineering fee to submit their generating facilities plans for review.

Any generating facility exceeding these capacity thresholds, or otherwise not qualifying for Net Metering Rate N, shall require a separate Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Buckeye Power, subject to applicable terms, conditions, and approvals. AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF ACCOUNT FROM RENTER TO PROPERTY OWNER.

Members who own a residence or business but rent it to other Members periodically may have the account automatically revert to their name without disconnection at the request of the renter by completing the appropriate form available at the Cooperative’s office.

The Cooperative has a monthly cycle billing format. The Cooperative will send the bill to the address furnished by the Member. Failure to receive the bill does not relieve the Member of the responsibility for timely payment.

Payments for electric service may be made at the Cooperative’s office at 15461 U.S. Highway 36 Marysville, OH 43040, during regular business hours. A night depository is provided for the convenience of the Members. Payments received in the Cooperative’s night depository are considered as a payment made on the following business day. Payments can be made electronically at www.ure.com, or by using the mobile app, SmartHub. Account registration and password are required. Payment settling times may vary, please contact the office with questions.

Bills not paid by the close of business on the penalty date printed on the electric bill shall
forfeit the five percent (5%) discount.

Personal checks, money orders, credit cards (Visa & MasterCard, or American Express only), bank draft and electronic checks are acceptable forms of payment. Payments can be made using the automated pay-by phone service by calling (855)968-3021. The account number and Personal Identification number (PIN) is required to use this service. The Cooperative does not accept cash payments . Two party checks will not be accepted. All checks are electronically processed at receipt. Members who have had two or more checks returned for insufficient funds shall be required to make future payments by credit card, debit card, or money order. The Cooperative may charge the Member a fee for all checks returned for insufficient funds.

In the event of an accounting/billing error, an adjustment shall be made retroactive to the date of highest confidence to account for and correct the error. If the Member owes the Cooperative, payment arrangements may be made with mutually agreed terms. If the Cooperative owes the Member, the Member’s account shall be credited the amount of the error within one year from the discovery of the error, by means of twelve equal payments, unless an accelerated payment arrangement is determined acceptable by URE.

A. Termination of Service for Nonpayment

Accounts which are delinquent more than 30 days are subject to having electric service
disconnected. The Cooperative, prior to disconnecting said delinquent service, shall issue a balance forward on the monthly bill indicating the delinquent amount, which shall serve as the delinquent notice at least 10 days prior to the date for disconnection. Failure of the Member to receive the bill/notice does not relieve the Member of responsibility for timely payment.

If the delinquent amount of the account is not fully paid prior to the disconnect date indicated on the delinquent notice, the electric service may be terminated without any further notice to the Member.

To comply with the federal Red Flag Rules regarding identity theft and for employee safety, payments will not be accepted in the field.

The Cooperative will only disconnect electric service for nonpayment during normal business hours. The Cooperative will not disconnect for nonpayment after 12:30 PM on days preceding holidays or on Fridays.

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B. Payment Arrangements

The Cooperative reserves the right to offer payment arrangements for delinquent accounts .

Members failing to meet the commitments on any payment arrangement are in default of their payment arrangement and shall be subject to immediate termination of electric service.

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C. Reconnection of Electric Service Disconnected for Nonpayment

Accounts, which have been disconnected for nonpayment, shall be reconnected following payment in full of the delinquent amount, the current billing, a security deposit and any applicable fees. A reconnect fee shall be assessed for any service disconnected for non-payment according to the Schedule of Fees and Charges if a crew is dispatched.

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D. 30 Day Medical Certificate

Any Member subject to termination of their electric service for non-payment with a medical condition dependent upon electric service that without electric service would be “Especially Dangerous or Life Threatening” to the health of the Member, family Member residing in the home or individual under the care of the Member, is required to have a licensed physician or local Board of Health physician complete a 30 Day Medical Certificate. Provided the 30 Day Medical Certificate is completed by a licensed physician or local Board of Health physician and returned to the Cooperative office within seven days of the Member’s request for special consideration, electric service shall not be terminated for non-payment during the term of the certificate. The 30 Day Medical Certificate is renewable three consecutive times for a maximum of 90 days.

A. Cause for Termination

Service may be disconnected at the Cooperative’s discretion under the following conditions:

1. At the request of the Member;
2.  In event that it is a prudent matter of safety to disconnect electric service to perform construction or maintenance or special monitoring service;
3. To a Member who is using electricity in a manner which is detrimental to the electric service of other Members;
4. To a Member in conflict or incompatible with the laws of the State of Ohio or the Federal Government and/or any of its agencies;
5. To a service location that has been vacated;
6. When supplying electricity creates a dangerous condition on the Member’s premises or where because of conditions beyond the Member’s premises, termination of the supply of electricity is reasonably necessary;
7. In the event the Member uses fraudulent practice in obtaining electricity or is the beneficiary of such fraudulent practice;
8. By order of public authority

A. Security Deposit

The Cooperative reserves the right to require a security deposit from a Member. The security deposit shall be according to the Ohio Revised Code. Security deposits shall be required for, but not limited to, the following:

1. An unsatisfactory credit score/report by the Cooperative’s third party credit service
2. Intentional or unintentional damage to Cooperative property
3. Disconnection of electric service for non-payment
4. Filing protection under bankruptcy laws
5. Theft of electricity
6. Two returned checks for insufficient funds within a 12 consecutive month period

A security deposit shall be refunded provided the Member maintains payment of their current monthly bill for twelve consecutive months. If the Member discontinues service and moves off the Cooperative’s system, the security deposit, with interest, shall be applied to the Member’s final bill.

Simple interest at 3% shall accrue on deposits held by the Cooperative.

The Cooperative reserves the right at any time to re-evaluate the adequacy of a deposit and/or credit worthiness of the member and adjust the deposit accordingly.

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B. Commercial / Industrial Security

1. The Cooperative reserves the right to require a security deposit from a Member according to the Ohio Revised Code .
2. A surety bond may be furnished in lieu of a cash deposit for commercial and industrial members and if requested and if the member is qualified as acceptable by reputable insurance underwriters. A guaranteed arrangement for keeping the surety bond in force must be agreed upon and the minimum amount of the surety bond must be no less than twice the anticipated or current billing. The surety bond shall be subject to the approval of the Cooperative in its sole discretion and the bond shall be in the form as approved by the Cooperative, and shall specifically provide that it shall not be cancelled or otherwise rendered ineffective by principal thereof or the surety except upon sixty (60) days prior notice thereof given in writing to the Cooperative. Failure to have a valid bond in force and effect shall be considered a breach of contract for the furnishing of electric service to the member and the Cooperative shall, in its discretion, be entitled to any remedy as otherwise
   provided, but specifically including the right to terminate electric service.

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C. Termination of Service

1. Upon termination of electric service to any member for any reason, the security deposit is applied to any unpaid amount owed the Cooperative before refunding any remaining balance of the deposit to the member.

Members may elect to participate in the load management programs as offered by the Cooperative, thereby receiving the incentives offered in the programs, provided they adhere to program guidelines. Failure by the Member to adhere to the program guidelines shall result in forfeiture of any future incentives and/or the Member refunding all or part of program incentives issued to him.

The Cooperative may at its discretion offer new load management programs or withdraw existing load management programs.

Enrollment Fee: $10

Return Check: $35

Trip Charge During Business Hours – NON-PAYMENT

• Collection/Reconnect/Service: $100
• Three-Phase Reconnect Fee: $175

Trip Charge After Business Hours – NON-PAYMENT

• Collection/Reconnect/Service: $200
• Three-Phase Reconnect Fee: $350

Trip Charge After Business Hours – NON-EMERGENCY

• Single-Phase Disconnect/Reconnect: $200
• Three-Phase Disconnect/Reconnect: $325

Outage Call-out for Member Owned Equipment

• Regular Business Hours: $200
• After Business Hours: $325

Construction Crew Trip Charge: $250

Net Meter Engineering Fee: $500

Engineering Fee: $100

Meter Locking Ring Fee: $35

Meter Test: $25