HomeMy WebLinkAboutID-2915
City of Palo Alto (ID # 2915)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Consent Calendar Meeting Date: 6/18/2012
June 18, 2012 Page 1 of 4
(ID # 2915)
Summary Title: Miscellaneous Utility Rule and Rate Schedule Changes
Title: Adoption of a Resolution Relating to Amendment to Utilities Rate
Schedule E-15 (Service Connections) and Rules and Regulations 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 26
and 27 (General Utility Service, Application for Service, Establishment of Credit,
Deposits, Billing Adjustments, Fiber Optics Regulations, and Generating Facilities
Interconnections)
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Utilities
Recommendation
Staff recommends that Council adopt a resolution relating to the amendment of Utilities Rule
and Regulation 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 26, and 27, and Utilities Rate Schedule E-15, as attached.
Executive Summary
Utilities Rate Schedules and Utilities Rules and Regulations are updated as required based on
rules and regulations governing the Utilities operations. Rate schedules may be updated as part
of the annual budget process to align utilities revenues with budgeted expenses. From time to
time, rate schedules are also revised to add new provisions, delete outdated sections or
schedules, update language for clarity, or to reflect changes to practices and procedures.
Background
Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of Utility Services) establishes the basis for providing utility
service, including a listing of available services, location of Points of Service, delivery capacity,
and load limitations, for the electric, fiber, water, gas, and wastewater utilities. In 1996, based
on 15 years of successful trials of pad-mounting equipment in Palo Alto, Council adopted a
resolution mandating the use of pad-mounted equipment for all new underground electric
facilities installed in Palo Alto. Since then, the successful migration from underground facilities
to pad-mounted facilities has encouraged the City to pad-mount additional facilities.
Rule and Regulation 4, 6, 7 and 11 are customer service-related requirements that are
periodically updated to keep operating conditions and requirements for providing service
current.
June 18, 2012 Page 2 of 4
(ID # 2915)
Rule and Regulation 26 (Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation) describes equipment and other
requirements for providing fiber optic services.
Rule and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnections) establishes the standards for connecting a
generator to the CPAU distribution system. It was adopted in 2006 to enable the power from
Local Ultra-Clean Generation Incentive (PLUG-In) program, which provides incentives for
installation of customer-sited distributed generation facilities. It was last updated in 2012
during adoption of the Palo Alto CLEAN (Clean Local Energy Accessible Now) program. Utility
Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connection Fees) lists the fees for connecting customer
facilities to the CPAU distribution system.
Discussion
Utilities Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of Services)
In the past 15 years since the adoption of the resolution in 1996, the electric utility has pad-
mounted most new equipment for capital improvement projects greater than 120 volt (V), 200
ampere equipment. This amendment formalizes that successful practice for aesthetic and
operational reasons. With the increased use of electrical power devices in homes and
businesses, the need to upsize and/or increase the quantity of overhead transformers in
general has been solved with pad-mount transformers. The pad-mounted solution provides an
opportunity for improved aesthetics by limiting the extent of the overhead utility canopy. Pad-
mounting also provides a more accessible means to operate equipment on the ground rather
than in the air and increases safety for linemen.
Specifying a Point of Delivery with the applicant has become necessary in practice to avoid
physical conflicts with operating equipment in the field. Formalizing that practice will limit
delays in repairs or service restoration during normal maintenance and operation of the electric
system, and will also limit delays during emergencies.
The proposed changes to Rule and Regulation 3 include corrections in the maximum demand
loads in section 7 to 3600 kilovolt-ampere (kVA) at 4,160 V and 11,000 kVA at 12,470 V.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 4 (Application for Service)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 4 (Application for Service) clarifies the
applicability of Unmetered Services, clarifies Fiber Optic installations to be completed within six
to eight weeks following the receipt of full payment and clarifies that a customer’s refusal to
provide a required identifier will warrant termination of the Application for Service process.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 6 (Establishment and Reestablishment of Credit)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 6 (Establishment and Reestablishment of
Credit) involves minor corrections and grammatical improvements.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits) involves clarification that the
addition of a new service address to an already existing business partner (commercial
June 18, 2012 Page 3 of 4
(ID # 2915)
customer) is not considered a new application for service and therefore no additional deposit is
required.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments and Payment of Bills)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments and Payment of Bills)
involves identifying additional bill payment methods such as online bill payment using “My
Utilities Account” and the “Revert to Owner” agreement option for property managers. The
changes also include increasing the retroactive bill adjustment period for over- or under-
charging of utility bills from one year to three years. This change will allow the City a longer
period of time to recover any erroneous undercharges and affords customers the opportunity
to receive reimbursement for any erroneous overcharges.
Utilities Rule and Regulation 26 (Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 26 (Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation)
consists of minor language edits.
Utilities Rules and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnections) and Utility Rate Schedule E-15
(Electric Service Connections)
The proposed amendment to Rule and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnection) is non-
substantive. Rule and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnections) establishes the technical
standards for connecting a customer-sited generator to the CPAU distribution system. It also
establishes a process for reviewing and acting on applications to connect a customer-sited
generator. The fees for that review are shown in the Rule and Regulation. The City’s preferred
practice is to establish fees in Rate Schedules, not Rules and Regulations. The proposed
amendments to Rule and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnections) move the fees for
reviewing generator interconnection applications to Utility Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service
Connection Fees). The fee amounts and applicability remain unchanged.
Resource Impact
Approval of changes to Utilities Rule and Regulation 3, 4, 6, 7, 11, 26 and 27 will not result in a
significant change in operating revenues or expenses. Approval of changes to Utility Rate
Schedule E-15 will not result in a change in revenues or expenses
Policy Implications
This recommendation does not represent a change to current City policies.
Environmental Review
These changes in Utility Rules and Regulations and Utility Rate Schedules are not subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to California Public Resources Code
Section 21080(b)(8) and Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Section 15273(a)(1)
and (3).
June 18, 2012 Page 4 of 4
(ID # 2915)
Attachments:
Attachment A: Resolution (PDF)
Attachment B: Utility Rule and Regulation 3 (PDF)
Attachment C: Utility Rule and Regulation 4 (PDF)
Attachment D: Utility Rule and Regulation 6 (PDF)
Attachment E: Utility Rule and Regulation 7 (PDF)
Attachment F: Utility Rule and Regulation 11 (PDF)
Attachment G: Utility Rule and Regulation 26 (PDF)
Attachment H: Utility Rule and Regulation 27 (PDF)
Attachment I: Utility Rate Schedule E-15 (PDF)
Prepared By: Ipek Connolly, Sr. Resource Planner
Department Head: Valerie Fong, Director
City Manager Approval: ____________________________________
James Keene, City Manager
*Not Yet Approved*
120605 dm 00710036
Resolution No. _________
Resolution of the Council of the City of Palo Alto Amending Utility
Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connections) And Approving
Amendments To Utilities Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of
Services), Utilities Rule And Regulation 4 (Application for Service),
Utilities Rule And Regulation 6 (Establish and Reestablishment of
Credit), Utilities Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits), Rule and
Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments and Payment of Bills), Utilities
Rule and Regulation 26 (Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation),
And Rule and Regulation 27 (Generator Interconnection)
The Council of the City of Palo Alto does hereby RESOLVE as follows:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utility
Rate Schedule E-15 (Electric Service Connections) is hereby amended as attached and
incorporated. Utility Rate Schedule E-15, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2012.
SECTION 2. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 3 (Description of Services) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated.
Utility Rule and Regulation 3, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2012.
SECTION 3. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 4 (Application for Service) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated.
Utility Rule and Regulation 4, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2012.
SECTION 4. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 6 (Establishment and Reestablishment of Credit) is hereby amended as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 6, as amended, shall become effective
July 1, 2012.
SECTION 5. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits) is hereby amended as attached and incorporated. Utility Rule
and Regulation 7, as amended, shall become effective July 1, 2012.
SECTION 6. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 11 (Billing, Adjustments and Payment of Bills) is hereby amended as
attached and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 11, as amended, shall become effective
July 1, 2012.
SECTION 7. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 26 (Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation) is hereby amended as attached
and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 26, as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2012.
*Not Yet Approved*
120605 dm 00710036
SECTION 8. Pursuant to Section 12.20.010 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code, Utilities
Rule and Regulation 27 (Generating Facility Interconnections) is hereby amended as attached
and incorporated. Utility Rule and Regulation 27, as amended, shall become effective July 1,
2012.
SECTION 9. The Council finds that the adoption of this Resolution does not constitute a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act, California Public Resources Code
Section 21080, subdivision (b)(8).
INTRODUCED AND PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTENTIONS:
ATTEST:
___________________________ ___________________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED:
___________________________ ___________________________
Senior Asst. City Attorney City Manager
___________________________
Director of Utilities
_____________________________
Director of Administrative Services
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 1
A. GENERAL
Rule and Regulation 3 describes Services that are offered within the jurisdictional boundaries of the
City of Palo Alto. For Rules specific to each type of Service, please refer to the following Rules and
Regulations:
Rule and Regulation 20 – Special Electric Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 21 – Special Water Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 22 – Special Gas Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 23 – Special Wastewater Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 24 – Special Refuse and Recycling Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 25 – Special Storm and Surface Water Drainage Utility Regulations
Rule and Regulation 26 – Special Fiber Optics Utility Regulations
B. ELECTRIC SERVICE
1. BASIS OF SERVICE
a. Unless otherwise provided in a Rate Schedule or contract, CPAU’s Electric rates are
based upon the furnishing of Electric Service to Customer Premises at a single Point
of Delivery at a single voltage and phase classification. Unless specified otherwise,
each Point of Delivery shall be metered and billed separately under the appropriate
Rate Schedule. Any additional Service supplied to the same Customer at other
Points of Delivery or at a different voltage or phase classification shall be separately
metered and billed.
b. The type of distribution Service (voltage, Secondary, Primary) available at any
particular location may be determined by inquiry at CPAU’s Engineering Office
located at 1007 Elwell Court or at the Development to a CPAU Engineering
representative.
Center at 285 Hamilton Avenue.
c. The Customer is responsible for all cost of providing Secondary or Primary Services,
at the request of the Customer or for his or her convenience, to a Point of Delivery
other than the normal Point of Delivery, as determined by CPAU
c. If the Customer, for his or her convenience, requests Secondary or Primary Services
at an alternate Point of Delivery other than the normal Point of Delivery as
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 2
determined by CPAU, the Customer is responsible for all cost of providing
Secondary or Primary Services at such alternate location.
d. CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe
operating condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream
of the Utility Meter.
e. See Rule and Regulation 20. "Special Electric Utility Regulations" regarding special
Service requirements.
2. LOCATION OF POINT OF SERVICE
a. SECONDARY SERVICE
1. OVERHEAD SERVICE AT SECONDARY VOLTAGES
The Point of Service for Overhead Service at secondary voltages will normally be
located at a power pole on the perimeter of the parcel to be served, which is, in
CPAU’s judgment, most conveniently located and in compliance with CPAU
standards and specifications and applicable building and electrical codes.
2. UNDERGROUND SERVICE AT SECONDARY VOLTAGE
The Point of Service for Underground Service at secondary voltages will normally be
located at the Secondary connectors of the transformer serving the Customer’s Load,
or in the Secondary hand hole, if available.
b. PRIMARY SERVICE
The Point of Service for Primary Service will normally be at the point near the
property line of the premises to be served which is, in CPAU’s judgment, most
conveniently located with respect to CPAU’s transmission or distribution facilities.
c. EXCEPTIONS
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 3
If several buildings are occupied and used by one Customer in a single business or
other activity, CPAU may, at its discretion, furnish Service for the entire group of
buildings through one Service connection at one Point of Service.
3. EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
All new underground equipment in underground areas required to provide electric service to
a Customer shall be pad-mounted.
All transformers and facilities required to provide Secondary Electric Service over 400 amps
will be pad-mounted.In addition, anyll Tthree-Phase electric services connection and any
electric service connection rated atequal to or greater thanover 400 Amps or greater which is
located either in an underground or overhead area must be served from a require a pad-
mounted transformer.
The Applicant, when requested by CPAU, shall provide a Public Utility Easement in
recordable form for installation of such facilities within the boundaries of the property. All
pad-mounted equipment will be subject to CPAU’s aesthetic guidelines.
The Utilities Director, or his/her designee, may authorize an exception to the above
provisions the installation of new submersible or vault installed facilities when, in his/her
opinion, a pad-mounted equipment installation in any particular instance would not be
feasible or practical. Such pad-mounted equipment installations will bemay be considered
“Special Facilities” as defined described in Rule and Regulation 20, and all costs associated
with such installation including such continuing ownership and additional maintenance shall
be borne by the Applicant. These costs will be calculated by CPAU based on the net present
value, and shall be paid in advance by the Applicantthe Applicant will be responsible for the
costs described such in the rule.
If the Applicant wants a Point of Delivery other than at the location determined by the
CPUACPAU, the CPAU will work with the Applicant to assist in the selection of the
alternate Point of Delivery location ofor the electric service equipment within the boundaries
of the Applicant’s property. When the Applicant chooses a Point of Delivery location other
than the location which has been determined by the CPAU, the Applicant must acknowledge
that such an alternate Point of Delivery location will cause CPAU personnel to incur delays
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 4
when performing repairs or service restoration during emergencies. In addition to being
responsible to pay for the initial cost of installation of such electric service equipment in an
alternate location, the Applicantproperty owner shall also be responsible to pay for any
future additional labor and materials costs incurred by the CPAU related to , or providing
sion ofany special equipment necessary to facilitate, the replacement, removeal, or
relocateion of any electric service equipment which has been installed placed in an alternate
Point of Delivery location inaccessible to CPAU equipment that is done at the Applicant’s or
Property Owner’s request. Equipment in inaccessible locations will cause delays in repairs
or service restoration during emergencies.
Any installation intended to assist in “screening” of electric service equipment by
landscaping or structures must be constructed in a manner which meets all meet of the
CPAU’s clearance standards. The plans for such screening must be approved by the City of
Palo Alto and CPAU prior to beginning work on the screening installation.
The Applicant, wWhen requested by CPAU, the Applicant shall provide a Public Utility
Easement in recordable form for installation of such facilities within the boundaries of the
property. All pad-mounted equipment will be subject to CPAU’s aesthetic guidelines.
34. EMERGENCY AND STANDBY SERVICES
CPAU may provide back up Emergency, and other Standby Service to Customers as Special
Facilities. See Rule and Regulation 20 "Special Electric Utility Regulations" regarding
special Service requirements.
45. SERVICE DELIVERY VOLTAGE
The following are the standard Service voltages normally available. Not all standard
Service voltages are available at each Point of Delivery. These Service voltages are
available in locations that already have this Service voltage and have sufficient capacity, as
determined by CPAU, to serve the new Load. Any equipment installed on 120/240, 3 wire or
240/120, 4-wire Services shall have the capability of converting to a 120/208, 3 wire or 208
Y/120, 4-Wire Service.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 5
a. DISTRIBUTION OF VOLTAGE
Alternating-current Service will be regularly supplied at a nominal frequency of
approximately 60-Hertz (cycles per second).
Single-Phase Three-Phase Three-Phase
Secondary Secondary Primary
120/240, 3 -wire 240/120, 4-wire* 12,470, 3-wire
120/208, 3-wire 240, 3-wire*
208 Y/120, 4-wire
480 Y/277, 4-wire
*Limited availability: maximum 400 ampere main, consult CPAUNot available for
new installationsOnly available in special conditions as determined by the Electric
Engineering Manager.
b. All voltages referred to in this Rule and appearing in some Rate Schedules are
nominal Service voltages at the Point of Delivery. CPAU’s facilities are designed
and operated to provide sustained Service voltage at the Point of Delivery, but the
voltage at a particular Point of Delivery will vary within satisfactory operating range
limits.
c. In areas where a certain standard Secondary voltage is being delivered to one or
more Customers, CPAU may require an Applicant for new Service in such areas to
receive the same standard voltage supplied to existing Customers.
d. CPAU may change the voltage at which Service is delivered, including converting
existing 4160 volt Primary Service to 12,470 volt Service. If CPAU notifies the
Customer that a Service voltage change is necessary, the Customer will be required
to provide Service equipment capable of accepting the new voltage and meeting
other CPAU requirements. Costs to provide suitable Customer’s Service entrance
equipment and any other associated equipment to receive Service at the new voltage
shall be borne by the Customer.
56. VOLTAGE AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 6
a. Under normal Load conditions, CPAU’s distribution circuits will be operated so as to
maintain Service voltage levels to Customers within plus or minus 5 percent of the
nominal Service voltage at the Point of Delivery. Subject to the limitations above,
CPAU will maintain the voltage balance between phases as close as practicable to
2.5% maximum deviation from the average voltage between the three phases.
b. Voltages may be outside the limits specified above when the variations:
1. arise from Service interruptions;
2. arise from temporary separation of parts of the system from the main system;
3. are minor momentary fluctuations and transient voltage excursions of short
duration which may occur in the normal operation of CPAU system;
4. are beyond CPAU’s control.
c. Due to conditions beyond the control of CPAU, the Customer, or both, there will be
infrequent and limited periods when voltages will occur outside of the nominal
Service voltage ranges. Utilization equipment may not operate satisfactorily under
these conditions, and protective devices in the equipment may operate to protect the
equipment.
d. Where the operation of the Customer’s equipment requires stable voltage regulation
or other stringent voltage control beyond that supplied by CPAU in the normal
operation of its system, the Customer, at its own expense, is responsible for
installing, owning, operating, and maintaining any special or auxiliary equipment on
the Load side of the Service delivery point as deemed necessary by the Customer.
e. The Customer shall be responsible for designing and operating its Service facilities
between the Point of Delivery and the utilization equipment to maintain proper
utilization voltage at the line terminals of the utilization equipment.
f. The Customer shall not impose a Load on CPAU’s system that will cause the voltage
limits in this section to be exceeded for an adjacent Service delivery point.
g. When there is reasonable indication of a problem, CPAU shall test for excessive
fluctuations at its own expense. Voltage checks requested by the Customer more
than once in any twelve month period shall be paid by the Customer, unless CPAU
determines that excessive voltage fluctuation exists.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 7
h. CPAU may institute measures to prevent the continuous operation of equipment
detrimental to Service to other Customers or may discontinue Electric Service to the
offending Customer. (See Rule and Regulation 20, Special Electric Utility
Regulations).
i. Customers are responsible for protecting their connected Loads, audio, video, and
electronic equipment, including computers, from sudden voltage or frequency
fluctuations outside nominal Service and frequency ranges. Such protection may
include, but is not limited to, surge protectors.
67. GENERAL LOAD LIMITATIONS
a. SINGLE-PHASE SERVICE
1. Single-phase Service normally will be 3-wire, 120/240 volts (or 3-wire,
120/208 volts at certain locations as now or hereafter established by CPAU)
where the size of any single motor does not exceed 7-1/2 horsepower (10
horsepower at the option of CPAU). For any single-phase Service, the
maximum Service size shall be 400 ampere. If the Load exceeds the
capability of a 400 ampere single phase Service the Service shall be three-
phase.
2. In locations where CPAU maintains a 120/208 volt secondary system, 3-wire
single-phase Service normally shall be limited to that which can be supplied
by a main switch or Service entrance rating of 200 amperes. Single-phase
Loads in these locations in excess of that which can be supplied by a 200
ampere main switch or Service entrance rating normally will be supplied with
a 208Y/120 volt, three-phase, 4-wire Service. b. THREE-PHASE SERVICE (480 VOLTS OR LESS) Minimum Load Maximum Demand Normal Voltage Requirements Load Permitted
240/120 5 hp, 3-phase connected 400 Amperes
240 5 hp, 3-phase connected 400 Amperes
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 8
208Y/120 Demand Load 75 kVA 500 kVA 480Y/277 Demand Load 112 kVA 2,500 kVA(See Note 1)
Note 1. Applicants or existing Customers with a planned or existing single or
multiple building development having a maximum Demand in excess of 2500 kVA,
as determined by CPAU, will be required to take delivery at the available primary
voltage and are required to provide their own primary switchgear and transformer(s).
Determination of maximum Demand and Service voltage will be made by CPAU and
the decision of the Electric Engineering Manager will be final.
1. Where three-phase Service is supplied, CPAU reserves the right to use single-
phase transformers, connected open-delta or closed-delta, or three-phase
transformers.
2. Three-phase Service will be supplied on request for installations aggregating
less than the minimum listed above, but not less than 3 horsepower (hp),
three-phase Service, where existing transformer capacity is available. If three-
phase Service is not readily available, or for Service to Loads less than 3 hp,
Service shall be provided in accordance with CPAU’s applicable Rule 20 on
Special Power Service requirements.
3. An Applicant or existing Customer requiring Service with a maximum
Demand in excess of 1000 kVA, as determined by CPAU, shall be served by
a padmount transformer. No submersible or vault-installed transformers in
excess of 1000 kVA will be installed by CPAU. Where an existing
underground Service must be upgraded beyond 1000 kVA, the Customer
shall be required to provide adequate space for installation of the padmount
transformer. In the event the Customer is unable to provide adequate space
for the padmount transformer, then the Customer shall make arrangements at
his or her expense to receive Service at primary voltage.
c. THREE-PHASE SERVICE (OVER 2,000 VOLTS)
The following three-phase primary voltage may be available as an isolated Service
for a single Applicant; and where that Applicant’s Demand Load justifies such
voltage. The determination will be made by CPAU.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 9
Minimum Demand Maximum Demand
Normal Voltage Bank Installed Load Permitted
4,160 500 kVA 15,0003,600 kVA
12,470 1,000 kVA 1511,000 kVA
Note: 4,160 volt Services will not be furnished for new Services.
78. TEMPORARY SERVICE
Temporary Service is Electric Service which, in CPAU’s opinion, is of an indefinite duration
at the same location, or for operations of a speculative character or of questionable
permanency, or any other Service which is estimated to last less than one year. CPAU will
furnish Temporary Service if the furnishing of such Service will not create undue hardship
for CPAU, or its Customers, and the following conditions are met:
a. The Applicant for such Temporary Service shall apply for Service on an Application
form provided by CPAU Engineering and shall pay to CPAU in advance the cost of
installing and removing any facilities necessary in connection with the furnishing of
such Service by CPAU.
b. Each Applicant for Temporary Service shall prepay a Temporary Service Fee in
accordance with Electric Service Connection Fees Rate Schedule E-15.
c. Nothing in this Rule and Regulation shall be construed as limiting or in any way
affecting the right of CPAU to collect from the Customer an additional sum of
money by reason of the Temporary Service furnished or to be furnished or removed
hereunder.
d. If the Temporary Service connection time exceeds one-year, the Applicant shall
apply for an extension of the Temporary Service. The Director of Utilities or his/her
designee will determine if the Service should be reclassified as a permanent Service.
89. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe operating
condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of the Utility
Meter.
C. FIBER OPTIC SERVICE
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 10
Fiber Optic Service includes the custom construction and licensing of single mode Fiber routes
between points within the City of Palo Alto. It is the Customer’s responsibility to establish all
electronic devices and networks required to pass data over their licensed CPAU Dark Fiber routes.
1. LICENSING SERVICES
All Dark Fiber routes are licensed in accordance with the currently approved Dark Fiber
Rate Schedules, and in compliance with the Utilities Rules and Regulations. See Rule and
Regulation 26, “Special Fiber Optic Utility Regulation,” regarding special Service
requirements. All CPAU fibers terminate within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of
Palo Alto.
2. OTHER SERVICES
CPAU offers custom Dark Fiber construction and ancillary Services such as Fiber Optic
cable splicing, engineering feasibility studies, and when specifically requested by the
Customer, multimode Fiber cable installations.
3. QUALITY
Dark Fiber routes in the City of Palo Alto comprised of single mode Fiber comply with
generally accepted industrial standards and specifications. All construction is done using
industry accepted techniques and procedures. All constructed routes are Performance
Tested to assure the industry quality standards are met.
D. WATER SERVICE
1. SOURCE OF SUPPLY
CPAU’s primary source of Water is the Hetch Hetchy aqueduct system, managed by the San
Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). CPAU wells also provide Emergency
supply. See Rule and Regulation 21, “Special Water Utility Regulation” regarding special
Service requirements.
2. QUALITY
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 11
Hardness generally varies between 1 and 4 grains per gallon depending on the source. An
analysis of the mineral content of the Water is available upon request from CPAU
Engineering.
3. PRESSURE
Water pressure varies from 30 to 125 pounds per square inch. CPAU maintains an average of
50 pounds per square inch, with the maximum and minimum pressures being experienced at
the lower and higher elevations of the Distribution System. CPAU assumes no responsibility
for loss or damage due to lack of Water pressure but agrees to furnish such pressures as are
available in its general Distribution System. If low Water pressure occurs due to additional
on-site development, it shall be the responsibility of the property owner to replace the
existing Water Service with a new Water Service designed for the current site. All costs of
the required new Service upgrade shall be borne by the property owner.
4. TREATMENT
CPAU currently does not treat Water supplied by the SFPUC. The pH of the Water supplied
is adjusted by the SFPUC to reduce its corrosive action.
5. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe operating
condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of the Utility
Meter.
E. GAS
1. TYPES OF SERVICES
CPAU offers two general types of Gas Service: Full Service and Gas Direct Access Service.
Full Service includes Gas supply, transport, and Distribution Services. Gas Direct Access
Service is an unbundled Service where CPAU provides Distribution Services and outside
Gas Service Providers supply Gas-commodity and transport. In order to initiate Gas Direct
Access Service, Customers must complete a Gas Direct Access Service Request form. Gas
Service Providers will be required to execute a Gas Service Provider Agreement (GSPA).
Operational requirements as well as delivery specifications, administrative fees, security
deposits, Metering requirements and other requirements will be addressed in the GSPA.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 12
2. KIND AND HEATING VALUE
CPAU purchases natural Gas from several/various natural Gas suppliers. The heating value
of natural Gas supplied varies depending upon the Gas fields being drawn upon. At times of
insufficient supply, some artificial Gas may be supplied or mixed with the natural Gas. The
average monthly heating value in British Thermal Units (Btu)-dry basis per cubic foot of the
natural Gas served may vary within the limits of 750 to 1150 Btu. This average heating
value is converted to a Therm factor for use as one of the factors used in calculating a
composite multiplier for billing purposes. The Therm factor will be based upon the heat
factor used by CPAU’s supplier of natural Gas for the preceding month.
Gas is supplied by CPAU either at standard “low pressure” or at “medium pressure”. Low
pressure Service is available at all points where Gas is supplied. Where available from
existing high pressure mains, at the option of CPAU, high pressure Service may be supplied.
However, CPAU reserves the right to lower the pressure or to discontinue the delivery of
Gas at high pressure.
The standard pressure for low pressure is seven inches of Water Column (WC), which is
approximately 1/4 pound per square inch (psi) above atmospheric pressure. In limited
circumstances, increased pressure may be provided for domestic use at 14” Water Column.
This increased pressure will only be provided for domestic use if the houseline size required
is greater than 2” diameter, or CPAU determines, based upon satisfactory information from
the manufacturer, provided by the Customer, that an appliance to be located in the residence
requires increased pressure at the inlet that cannot be obtained by resizing or relocating the
houseline. Increased pressure may be provided for commercial uses only if the use of the
houseline size required is greater than 4” diameter, or evidence as described above
establishes that equipment on the site requires increased pressure at the inlet that cannot be
obtained by resizing or relocating the houseline. For commercial uses, the available
pressures are 7” WC, 14” WC (approximately 1/2 psi), 1 psi, 2 psi and 5 psi.
All increased pressure above 7”WC requires review and approval of the Engineering
Manager, a plumbing permit and testing of the existing Gas piping with a building Inspector
present in accordance with the latest adopted version of the California Plumbing Code
See Rule and Regulation 22, “Special Gas Utility Regulations” regarding special Service
requirements.
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 13
3. DETERMINATION OF THERMS TO BE BILLED
The unit of measure for billing is the Therm which is defined as the quantity of Gas having a
heating value of 100,000 Btu. Gas Meters measure volume of Gas in ccf at ambient
temperature and pressure conditions. Therms are derived from the metered data by
subtracting the Meter reading for the previous reading cycle from the current reading. The
difference (uncorrected ccf) is multiplied by the pressure factor required to convert the
measured consumption volume to a standard volume (at standard temperature and pressure
conditions). This standard volume, in pressure-corrected ccf, is then multiplied by the
Therm factor (a variable determined by periodic analysis of CPAU’s Gas supply) to produce
the final number of Therms billed. The composite correction factor (the product of the
Therm factor and the pressure correction factor) is shown on bills under the heading
“multiplier.”
4. SERVICE DOWNSTREAM OF METER
CPAU assumes no duty or liability for inspecting, validating or approving the safe operating
condition of the Customer’s Service, appliances, or equipment downstream of the Utility
Meter.
F. WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND TREATMENT
1. COLLECTION
CPAU operates and maintains a Wastewater Collection System separate from the storm and
surface Water Collection System. A connection to the Wastewater Collection System is
required for all water users where wastewater service is available.
For the disposal of Wastewater from basements and floors below ground level, it will be
necessary for the Customer to provide pumps or ejectors for satisfactory drainage, as
approved by the Water-Gas-Wastewater Engineering Manager. If the elevation of the
basement floor is above the rim elevation of the next upstream manhole, Applicant shall
provide a survey by a licensed Civil Engineer indicating the elevations of the basement
floor and the rim elevation of the next upstream manhole. Submission of this survey and
approval by the Engineering Manager is required for exemption from the pump/ejector
requirement.
2. REGULATION
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 14
Chapter 16.09 of the Municipal Code regulates the discharge into the Wastewater Collection
System of substances other than domestic Wastewater. See Rule and Regulation 23, “Special
Wastewater Utility Regulations” regarding special Service requirements.
3. TREATMENT
The collection system transports the Wastewater to the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality
Control Plant for treatment. At this tertiary treatment plant, the City of Palo Alto processes
the Wastewater from Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Alto Hills, Stanford University, and
East Palo Alto Sanitary District, as well as its own. The treatment is performed in
accordance with the National Pollution Discharge Elimination Permit issued by the San
Francisco Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board before the treated water is
discharged into the San Francisco Bay Estuary.
4. LIMITATION OF SERVICE
CPAU reserves the right to limit the size of connection and the quantity of wastes disposed
and to prohibit the use of the sewer for disposal of toxic or hazardous wastes detrimental to
the Wastewater system or treatment plant.
G. REFUSE AND RECYCLING COLLECTION
1. REGULATION
All solid waste and Recyclable Materials are governed by Chapter 5.20 of the Palo Alto
Municipal Code, regulations promulgated by the City Manager pursuant to Chapter 5.20,
these Rules and Regulations and the contract between the City and the City’s Collector. See
Rule and Regulation 24, “Special Refuse and Recycling Regulations” regarding special
Service requirements.
2. REFUSE COLLECTION
The City’s Collector provides collection of solid waste, Recyclable Materials, compostables
and Yard Trimmings. A minimum of one collection per week of solid waste is required of all
occupied Premises. An occupied premise is one to which Water, Gas and/or Electric
Service is rendered.
The automatic solid waste Service level is one Standard Container for Residential Customers
and two Standard Containers for Commercial Customers The minimum Service for
Residential Premises is one twenty gallon can or wheeled cart provided by the City’s
DESCRIPTION OF UTILITY SERVICES
RULE AND REGULATION 3
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 15
Collector.
The City’s Collector will provide wheeled carts at Customer’s request for curbside solid
waste collection, which are subject to the same rate structure and volume capacity as the
Standard Container. Customers opting for a wheeled cart must use one provided by the
City’s Collector-to ensure compatibility with collection vehicles. Contents of wheeled carts
shall not exceed a weight of 200 pounds.
Each Customer shall receive collection Service on a City specified day of each week.
Solid waste in excess of the Service level subscribed by the Customer will be removed by
the City’s Collector, for an additional Charge, upon Customer request or notification.
Customers exceeding their subscribed Service level repeatedly are required to subscribe to
additional collection Service at the City-established rates.
H. STORM AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE
1. RESPONSIBILITY AND PURPOSE
The City of Palo Alto Public Works Department is responsible for all Drainage Facilities in
the street and public right of way that collect storm and surface Water and convey it to the
major channels and creeks within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Palo Alto.
Examples include curbs and gutters, catch basins, pipelines, culverts, street, channels and
pumping stations. The purpose of the Storm and Surface Water control facilities is to
improve the quality of control, or protect life or property from any storm, flood or surplus
waters. See Rule and Regulation 25, “Special Storm and Surface Water Drainage
Regulations,” regarding special Service requirements.
2. STORM DRAINAGE FEE
A Storm Drainage fee shall be payable to the City monthly by the owner or occupier of each
and every developed parcel in accordance with Rule and Regulation 25.
(END)
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 4
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 1
A. APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
1. These Rules for Application of Service apply to all Utility Services. Electric, Fiber Optics,
Water, Gas and Wastewater Collection Utility Services are provided by the City of Palo Alto
Utilities Department (CPAU), and Refuse & Recycling, and Storm & Surface Water
Drainage Services are provided by the City of Palo Alto Public Works Department.
Application for all Services is handled through CPAU.
Unmetered Services:
Utility services for Refuse & Recycling, Storm & Surface Water Drainage and Wastewater
Collection are unmetered services. These Utility Services are applied to existing utility
accounts when two of the three metered services including Electric, Gas and Water Service
are set up and established.
2. An Applicant’s request for Service does not bind the City to serve except under reasonable
conditions, nor does it bind the Customer to take Service for a longer period than the
minimum requirements of the applicable Service.
3. CPAU will require each prospective Customer to provide any information that may be
reasonably needed to furnish Service or administer the Account. This information may
include, but is not limited to, the following:
For Residential Customers:
a. Legal name(s) of Applicant.
b. Name of a spouse, domestic partner or other Person(s) identified as a responsible
party for the Account by the Applicant and authorized to access and manage the
Applicant’s Utilities Account. Without the addition of an authorized responsible
party, access and management of the Utilities Account will be restricted to the
Applicant/Customer.
c. A Customer’s surviving spouse, domestic partner or estate executor can be added to
the Account upon furnishing proof of the Customer’s death or incapacity. A
surviving sibling or other family member will be required to apply for a new Utility
Account.
For Commercial Customers:
d. Legal business name.
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 4
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 2
e. Responsible party for Utilities bill payment.
f. Address of Premises to be served.
For all Customers:
g. Effective date of Service.
h. Physical address to which bills or other communications are to be mailed or
delivered.
i. Whether Premises have been previously served. If the Applicant requires Service
upgrades, Fiber Optic installations, and/or new meter installs, Utility Services will be
installed between 30 and 45 days following receipt of full payment. Fiber Optic
facilities will be installedinstallations will be completed between within six to eight
weeks following the of receipt of documentation andfull payment.
j. Whether Applicant is the property owner, agent or tenant of Premises to be served.
k. Purpose for which Service is to be used for North American Industry Classification
System reporting purposes.
l. Rate Schedule desired if an optional rate is available.
m. Identifiers, unique to the Applicant or Customer, are required to establish credit with
CPAU to manage the security of the Account, maintain communication with the
Customer, and allow for collection action in the event of payment default. These
include:
1. Social Security Number
2. California Drivers License Number
3. Current Passport Number
4. Employer Name
5. Business Telephone
6. Primary Contact Telephone Number
7. Alternate Contact Telephone Number
8. Email Address (if Customer requests electronic communication)
Customer refusal to provide a required identifier will terminate the Application
for Service process.
4. Applicants for Commercial Service at more than one location shall be required to furnish
information and establish credit for each location in accordance with section A.3 and Rule
and Regulation 6 (Establishment and Re-establishment of Credit).
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 4
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 3
5. The Applicant and additional responsible parties on the same Application for Service or
established Account shall be jointly and severally liable for Utility Services supplied. Only
one bill will be rendered for such joint Service.
6. A tenant who opens an Account for a metered Service serving more than one dwelling will
be required to provide a letter in writing to CPAU that he or she understands that the
Meter(s) serves additional dwellings and that he or she is willing to accept responsibility for
all Charges on said Meter(s). Otherwise, the Account shall be in the name of the owner or
property manager.
B. CHANGE IN CUSTOMER’S EQUIPMENT OR OPERATION
1. Customers shall give CPAU written notice of any material changes in the size, character, or
extent of Utilities equipment or operations for which the City is supplying Utility Service
before making any such change.
2. Notwithstanding any Rule and Regulation herein to the contrary, no change or alteration of
any Utility Service, agreement, connection, or facility, including any installation or
reinstatement thereof, shall be made or permitted by CPAU where the purpose or effect
would be to serve, facilitate or make possible a use or occupancy of a structure or other
condition which is or would be in violation of the Zoning Ordinance, the Building Code or
any ordinance of the City of Palo Alto.
C. SERVICE WITHOUT PROPER APPLICATION
Anyone using Utility Services, without having first complied with the requirements for Service, will
be held liable from the date of the first Service as determined by the City. Failure to pay
accumulated Charges may result in discontinuance of Service without further notice.
D. RIGHTS OF WAY
The City shall not be required to connect with, or render Service to, an Applicant unless and until the
Applicant has obtained or been granted all necessary Utility operating rights, including rights-of-
way, easements, and permits.
APPLICATION FOR SERVICE
RULE AND REGULATION 4
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 4
E. RESALE PROHIBITED
1. Customer shall use Services only for the purposes specified at the time of application for
Service. Utility Services shall not be resold except as provided in this Rule.
2. Premises that are receiving Service in conflict with this Rule as of the effective date of this
Rule may continue to receive Service under such conditions if so authorized in writing by the
City.
3. Sub-metering shall be considered sufficient evidence that Utilities are being resold, with the
exception of Provision in Section F.1. “SUBMETERING”.
F. SUBMETERING
1. Property owners may bill the cost of providing Services to individual tenants. Under no
circumstances can the total costs of the Utility Services allocated to tenants exceed the costs
of the Utility Services billed to the property owner by the City. A property owner must
disclose all information used to determine a tenant’s Utilities bill to the tenant upon request,
including copies of past bills. Resolution of Utility bill disputes between property owners
and tenants can be mediated through the City of Palo Alto, Community Services Department,
Human Services Division’s Palo Alto Mediation Program’s Mandatory Response Program.
2. Those who license Fiber Optic Services may use Fiber Optics to serve themselves or third
parties; however, compliance with all Rules and Regulations, and payment of all fees is the
responsibility of the license holder.
(END)
ESTABLISHMENT AND
REESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT
RULE AND REGULATION 6
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 1
A. ESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT FOR RESIDENTIAL SERVICE
The Applicant’s credit with CPAU shall be established upon CPAU verification of either of the
following:
a) sufficient cash deposit as required by Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits); or,
b) two or fewer 10ten D-day Ppast Ddue notices within the last prior twelve12 consecutive
months of prior Utility sService, if the Applicant has been a Customer of CPAU for a
minimum of within the past two24 yearsmonths.
B. ESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICE
The Applicant’s credit with CPAU will be established upon CPAU verification of either of the
following:
a) sufficient cash deposit as required by Rule and Regulation 7 (Deposits); or,
b) a Certificate of Ddeposit drawn on a local bank or savings and loan association, or a surety
bond of equal or greater value than the cash deposit.
C. REESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT
1. An Applicant who has been a Utility Utilities Customer and whose sService has been
discontinued for any reason, including failure to pay Utility bills, may be required to
reestablish credit before sService is resumed, by making a cash deposit and by paying all
outstanding past due bills. Applicants for rResidential sService may not be denied sService
for failure to pay outstanding past due bills for commercial classes of sService.
2. A Customer who’s whose uUtility sService is terminated for non-payment will be required to
pay reconnection fees (Utility Rate Schedule C-1), all outstanding past due bills, and
provide a new cash deposit (Rule and Regulation 7, Deposits) prior to the reestablishment of
Service.
3. A Customer may be required to reestablish credit in accordance with this section if the
conditions of sService or basis on which credit was originally established have, in the
opinion of CPAU, materially changed.
4. If a Customer files for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13, the
ESTABLISHMENT AND
REESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT
RULE AND REGULATION 6
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 2
Customer shall be required to re-establish credit.
D. CUSTOMER CREDIT RATING SYSTEM
1. CPAU Creditworthiness Ratings are based on the Customer or responsible party’s payment
history. Adequate Creditworthiness is a requirement for sService for the Applicant or
responsible party for of the Account. The creditworthiness of an Applicant or responsible
party is established by the Applicant’s or Customer’s CPAU payment history and
determines when a security deposit is required to maintain the Account in good standing.
New Applicants begin sService with an “Excellent” Creditworthiness rating. Failure to pay
in full or late payments automatically results in erosion of Creditworthiness ratings.
Similarly, continued good payment history over time improves the rating. Creditworthiness
ratings are established and maintained by the City of Palo Alto for internal use only and are
not reported to external credit reporting agencies.
CREDITWORTHINESS RATING
Credit
Worthiness
Status
Maximum Points Allowed
Excellent 0 - 23
Good 24 - 43
Average 44 - 75
Below Average 76 - 999
2. Creditworthiness status isreports are updated in the CPAU billing system manually or
automatically by for different business transactions including such as when : a payment is
returned for insufficient funds, issuance of a payment or when delinquency ndunning notices
(10 Day Past Due, past due, 48-Hour Disconnection) or when an uncollected account balance
is written-off as Bad Debt.disconnection warning, and write-off of Account balances) are
issued.
3. Creditworthiness points are adjusted or eliminated by the City of Palo Alto if erroneous
Charges for a past-due notice or returned payment are corrected by CPAU.
ESTABLISHMENT AND
REESTABLISHMENT OF CREDIT
RULE AND REGULATION 6
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 3
(END)
DEPOSITS
RULE AND REGULATION 7
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 1
A deposit is required for a new Application for Service. For commercial customers, the addition of a new
service address to an already existing business partner is not considered a new Application for Service and
shall not require an additional deposit. A deposit is also required for reconnection after termination of
Service. Deposits are credited to Accounts upon termination of Service, or after 36 months of good payment
history, whichever comes first.
A. AMOUNT OF DEPOSIT
1. The amount of deposit required for a Residential Account shall be set forth in Customer
Deposits Rate Schedule C-2, with each separate Account number requiring a separate
deposit.
2. The amount of deposit required for a Commercial Account shall be determined based on
estimated Utility Services Charges for a three-month period.
3. Deposits for Commercial Accounts may be increased if the Customer’s usage substantially
differs from when Service was first established.
4. Deposits can be in the form of a Certificate of Deposit at a local financial institution or cash.
B. RETURN OF DEPOSIT
1. Upon discontinuance of Service, CPAU will refund or credit any remaining deposit balance
in excess of unpaid CPAU Charges.
2. CPAU, at its option, may refund a Customer’s deposit by draft or by applying the deposit to
the unpaid balance on the Customer’s Account.
3. If an existing Customer establishes Service at a new location, CPAU, at its option, may
apply an existing deposit for the new Account toward the deposit obligation for the new
Account.
4. CPAU will not pay interest on Customer deposits.
(END)
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 1
A. BILLING UNITS
All metered billing units used for billing purposes shall be determined to the nearest whole unit.
Such units may include, kW, kWh, kVA, kVar, hp, Therms, and/or ccf.
B. PAYMENT OF BILLS
CPAU issues bills to its Customers on a regular interval. Bills shall be deemed received upon
physical or electronic delivery to Customer, or three calendar days following the deposit of the bill
in the United States Mail to the Customer’s billing address. Bills for CPAU Services are due and
payable 20 calendar days following issuance of the bill statement. Bills unpaid after the 20 day
period are considered delinquent (“past due”). If a Customer’s payment is not received by CPAU
after 25 days of bill issuance, the outstanding balance will be assessed a late payment Charge.
For the convenience of Customers there are a number of ways to pay CPAU bills:
1. By enclosing the bill stub and check and mailing to: CPAU, P.O. Box 10097, Palo Alto, CA
94303-0897.
2. By enrolling in the Utilities Bank Draft Program. Payments will be drafted from a
Customer’s designated checking or saving account and automatically applied to the
Customer’s Utility Account for each current Billing Period.
3. By paying in Person at the Civic Center, Revenue Collections, 1st Floor, 250 Hamilton
Avenue, Palo Alto between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The City offices are closed
on alternate Fridays. Customers should call 650-329-2317 to ensure the office is open.
Credit card payments are accepted at Revenue Collections. Customers should call to see
which credit cards are accepted. Customers can pay delinquent bills with a credit card by
phone by calling the Utility Customer Service Center during business hours.
4. By dDepositing the payment in the walk-up Night Depository Box in the front of the City
Hall building on the Civic Center Plaza, or at the drive-up Night Depository Box in the Civic
Center Garage, on “A” Level.
5. By paying online through the “My Utilities Account” application, accessible from the
Utilities’ website. Payment through the “My Utilities Account” may be made by credit card
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 2
or by bank draft.
6. By eEnrolling at a financial institution or service company that can provide electronic
payments to CPAU on behalf of the Customer.
5.7. By Property Managers completing a “Revert to Owner (RTO) Agreement” in order to
maintain utility service to units during the interim period between tenants.
C. BUDGET BILLING PAYMENT PROGRAM
The Budget Billing Payment Program establishes equalized monthly payments and is available to all
Residential Customers who qualify as set forth below:
1. Customers may join the Budget Billing Payment Program at any time providing the
Customer Account balance is zero and the Customer has not been previously removed from
the Budget Billing Program for non-payment.
2. A Customer electing to utilize the program shall agree to make monthly payments based on
CPAU’s forward estimate of the Customers’ Charges for the subsequent twelve-month
period.
3. CPAU does not guarantee that the total actual Charges will not exceed, or be less than, its
original estimate. Customers should review their Account on an ongoing basis and request
changes to the budget billing amount in response to changes in their household usage. CPAU
may require that Customers pay a revised monthly amount as a condition to continuing
participation in the plan, if CPAU determines that substantial changes in Customer usage
patterns or consumption has occurred.
4. CPAU will perform an annual true-up on Customer Budget Billing Accounts every twelve
months. This will result in either a Customer credit for CPAU over-collection or an
outstanding balance due from the Customer for under-collection by CPAU during the prior
twelve months.
D. DISCONTINUANCE OF BUDGET BILLING
The Customer’s Budget Billing Payment Program shall remain in effect, subject to review of the
monthly payment amount, and shall terminate when:
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 3
1. The Customer notifies CPAU to terminate participation in the Budget Billing Program;
2. CPAU notifies the Customer of the termination of its Budget Billing Payment Program:
3. The Customer no longer takes Service at the Premises; or
4. The Customer owes an amount of two or more monthly payments. However, if the
Customer eliminates the delinquency, removal from the program will not occur.
Upon termination of either Utility Service or participation in the Budget Billing Payment Program,
any amount owed by the Customer for actual Charges shall immediately become due and payable or
any amount due to the Customer shall be refunded or credited.
E. INSUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR PAYMENT
1. A Service Charge will be made and collected by the City of Palo Alto for each check
returned by a bank to CPAU for the reason of insufficient funds in accordance with Rate
Schedule C-1.
2. Unsuccessful Bank Drafts due to insufficient funds will be subject to late payment fees in
accordance with Rate Schedule C-1.
F. PRORATION OF BILLS
1. Bills for Utility Services will be prepared for each Billing Period in accordance with the
applicable Rate Schedules or CPAU contract applicable to the Premises served.
2. Proration is intended to produce a uniform average unit cost for the commodity regardless of
the number of days in the Service period. Services will be prorated if the number of actual
Service days differs from the number of days in the applicable Billing Period. Electric
Demand (kW) and Electric Power Factor Charges will not be prorated. Proration will not
occur for those Rate Schedules that contain Meter fees, connection fees, deposits, and other
miscellaneous fees.
3. If Rate Schedules change during the Billing Period, Charges will be prorated on the basis of
the number of days covered by the previous Rate Schedule and the number of days covered
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 4
by the new Rate Schedule.
G. DELINQUENT BILLS AND LATE PAYMENT CHARGES
1. Utilities Charges incurred in the applicable Billing Period are due and payable by the “Due
Date” indicated on the front of the bill statement. Bills unpaid by the due date are delinquent
and a late payment Charge will be added to the outstanding balance as specified in Rate
Schedule C-1.
2. Residential and commercial Accounts having unpaid balances older than 180 days shall be
subject to collection action by the City. Collection action may result in notifications to credit
reporting agencies.
3. Late payment Charges may be suspended by CPAU if the Customer is withholding full or
partial payment pending final resolution of disputed bill. The late payment Charge may be
waived by CPAU based upon the ultimate resolution of a disputed Charge.
4. Full or partial payments towards outstanding balances will be applied to the oldest
outstanding Charges. Failure to pay outstanding balances will result in late fees and
termination of Service for non-payment.
5. In the event that a Customer donating to the ProjectPLEDGE Program has a delinquent bill,
the late Charge percentage will not be applied to the amount of the Customer’s pledge.
However, the Customer’s participation in ProjectPLEDGE will be discontinued after three
consecutive Billing Periods in which the Customer has not included their pledge amount in
the bill.
6. Customers whose Utility bills include payments of principal and/or interest on loans from
CPAU which are secured by deeds of trust on real property shall be charged a late payment
Charge when any current Utility bill includes an unpaid installment on such loan from a prior
bill. Nothing in this Rule and Regulation shall be construed to alter in any way the duty of
the Customer to pay any installment on a loan from CPAU when due, or to alter the rights of
CPAU to enforce the payment of such installments.
H. DISPUTED BILLS
If bill accuracy is questioned or disputed by the Customer, Customers shall request an explanation
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 5
from CPAU within the current Billing Period or as soon as reasonably possible. After reviewing the
disputed bill, CPAU will:
1. Issue a corrected bill to the Customer or reflect the correction on the bill in a subsequent
Billing Period.
2. Determine if an amortization period (“payment arrangement”) for the Charge-in-question
shall be provided by CPAU. If a payment arrangement is offered by CPAU, and agreed to
by the Customer, Utility Services will not be discontinued for nonpayment while the
Customer complies with the payment arrangement for the “past due” balance , and
subsequent Utilities bills are paid on time during the payment arrangement period.
3. Advise the Customer that the bill is correct as presented. The Customer may choose, at the
Customer’s option, to have the Meter removed for testing under the Provisions of Rule 15
“Metering” and payment of the applicable fee found in Rate Schedule C-1 “Exchange Meter
for Accuracy Test”.
I. METERED SERVICE BILLING ERRORS AND ADJUSTMENTS
Where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged for metered Service, the date and cause of
which can be reliably established where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the
retroactive billing adjustment (back bill or refund) shall not exceed three years. the period to be
back-billed or refunded shall not exceed 12 months.
1. When, as a result of either a CPAU or a Customer-initiated accuracy test, a Meter is found to
register more than two percent (2%) fast, CPAU will refund the Customer the overcharge
based upon the corrected Meter readings for the period the Meter was in use, or one
yearthree years, whichever is less. Any applicable late payment will be waived.
2. When, as a result of a test, a Customer Meter is found not to register, or to register more than
two percent (2%) slow, CPAU may bill the Customer for the undercharge base on an average
bill. The bill will be computed based on an estimate of the Customer’s consumption during a
prior month in the same season or on the consumption in the same period of the prior
yearthree years.
J. UNMETERED SERVICE BILLING ERRORS AND ADJUSTMENTS
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 6
Where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged for unmetered Service, the date and cause
of which can be reliably established where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the
retroactive billing adjustment (back bill or refund) shall not exceed three years. Where a Customer
has been undercharged or overcharged for unmetered Service, the period to be back-billed or
refunded shall not exceed 12 months.
K. THEFT OF SERVICE
Where there is evidence that theft of Utility Service has occurred, CPAU will retroactively bill, and
collect any underpayment or nonpayment of Charges. The applicable period to assess Charges shall
commence from the date it can be reasonably established the theft began to the date in which the
underpayment was discovered and initially established. All underpayments or non-payments shall
become immediately due and payable. Customers committing theft of Utility Service may be subject
to legal action.
L. WATER OR GAS LEAK CREDITS
It is the Customer’s responsibility to maintain their lines and equipment in a reasonable condition
such that leaks do not occur. CPAU shall not make billing adjustments for Water, Gas or Wastewater
Charges resulting from leakage in a line on the Customer Premises beyond the CPAU Meter, unless
CPAU determines that City staff were or other City staff were solely responsible for such leakage.
M. REFUSE BILLING ERRORS, DISPUTES AND ADJUSTMENTS
1. Adjustments to the Refuse bill shall be requested to the City’s Collector. Customers with
adjustments unresolved by the City’s Collector, may dispute their claim with the City’s
Public Works Department, Refuse. Billing adjustments will be resolved by following the
City’s Rules and Regulations, Chapter 5.20 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code and specific
regulations promulgated by the City Manager pursuant to the authority established in
Chapter 5.20.
2. When an error in billing has occurred, the date and cause of which can be reliably
established where a Customer has been undercharged or overcharged, the retroactive billing
adjustment shall not exceed three years. one year.
3. Customers requesting solid waste or Recyclable Materials collection Services to be
suspended shall obtain from the City a statement of non-occupancy status. The refuse bill
shall be adjusted accordingly upon approval from the City.
BILLING, ADJUSTMENTS AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
RULE AND REGULATION 11
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No 7
(END)
SPECIAL FIBER OPTIC UTILITY REGULATION
RULE AND REGULATION 26
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No. 1
A. GENERAL
In addition to the general requirements outlined in Rule and Regulation 18 for Utility Service
Connections and Facilities on Customers’ Premises, the following is required:
To receive any Fiber Optic Service offered by CPAU, the Customer must sign a Dark Fiber
License Agreement, and a Proposal for each Fiber Optic project which the Customer chooses to
license.
B. SERVICE CONNECTION REQUIREMENTS
1. FIBER ENGINEERING STUDY
A fiber engineering study is may be needed to determine the routing of the fiber and
associated costs for the installation. The Customer is responsible for the cost of the study.
The first step to initiate the study is to request advanced engineering. Fees for an
advanced engineering request (AER) must be paid by the Customer in accordance with
CPAU Rate Schedule EDF-2. Upon receipt of payment for the AER, CPAU will conduct
a fiber engineering study and prepare a report. If Fiber Optic Service is feasible, the
report will include a Proposal, delineating the associated fees, terms and conditions, and
instructions on how to obtain a Dark Fiber License Agreement. If the Customer wishes
to proceed with a fiber optic connection, the Customer will need to furnish a completed
form (Exhibit “E”) that contains Customer contact and other information. This will allow
CPAU to create a Dark Fiber Master License Agreement (first time Customers only)
necessary for obtaining Dark Fiber Services from the City.
2. SERVICE CONNECTION
Upon the receipt of a Proposal signed by the Customer, and for first time Customers, two
copies of the properly signed Dark Fiber License Agreement, CPAU will construct the
proposed connection as described in the Proposal, provided that all of the following
conditions have been met:
a. The Customer has paid the Service connection Fee to CPAU Revenue
Collections as set forth in the Proposal.
b. The Customer is responsible for the completion of all the private property
construction required to receive the City’s Fiber Optic Service as specified in the
Proposal, including procuring legal permission from the land owner to make these
modifications.
Unless otherwise declared in writing by CPAU, the project will be completed within 8
weeks after the Customer has completed the tasks in paragraphs a. and b., above.
SPECIAL FIBER OPTIC UTILITY REGULATION
RULE AND REGULATION 26
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No. 2
3. TESTING SERVICE DATE
a. Upon completion of the Fiber Optic Service connection, CPAU will conduct a
Performance Test of the fibers licensed by the Customer, and CPAU will certify
that the Fiber performance is equal to or better than the Performance
Specifications listed below. The Performance Test report will be provided to the
Customer within 5 business days of after the completion of the Performance Test.
b. If the Customer wishes to protest the Performance Test results, the Customer must
notify CPAU within 10 days, otherwise the fibers will be deemed accepted by the
Customer. The 11th day after the Performance Test is conducted will be
considered the first day of Service for billing purposes. If the Performance Test is
challenged, then CPAU may, at its own expense, retest the fibers.
1. If CPAU produces evidence of performance compliance with CPAU
standards, and the Customer and CPAU cannot come to agreement within 30
days, then the project shall be terminated, and Customer construction fees will
not be returned.
2. If CPAU cannot produce evidence of performance compliance with CPAU
standards, and the Customer and CPAU cannot come to agreement within 30
days, then the project shall be terminated and the Customer’s construction fee
will be returned to the Customer.
c. Similarly, Fiber Optic Service revisions requested by the Customer and made by
CPAU to the Fiber Optic Service will be Performance Tested by CPAU and the
test results provided to the Customer. The same process as described in paragraph
B.3.b. for protesting the Performance Testing shall apply to revisions. However,
CPAU will only return those fees associated with the revisions.
Description Maximum Optical
Attenuation/Insertion Loss
Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable 0.5 dB/km
Splice 0.3 dB/Splice
Connector 0.75 dB/connector
SPECIAL FIBER OPTIC UTILITY REGULATION
RULE AND REGULATION 26
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No. 3
C. OWNERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR SERVICE FACILITIES ON
CUSTOMER’S PREMISES
1. GENERAL
a. The Customer may request the location of the Demarcation Point of the Proposed
Fiber Optic Service. The requested location must be approved by CPAU. Only
one Demarcation Point is allowed per building and it must be situated at a
location suited for Utility facilities and openly accessible for Fiber Optic Service
to other authorized building tenants, where applicable.
b. CPAU may, at its discretion, establish a single Demarcation Point at one building,
or other suitable location, on a single parcel with multiple buildings. Service to
other buildings on the parcel shall emanate from this Demarcation Point.
c. CPAU will only extend Fiber Optic cables into buildings using existing conduit
structures, and only if a clear proven path with a functioning pull-rope is present
over the full path. It is the Customer’s responsibility to maintain all conduit from
the Point of Service to the Demarcation Point in good operating order at all times
during the project license. The Customer is responsible for all new construction
on private property required to establish a conduit and appropriate pathway for the
project.
d. CPAU and the Customer will each assume responsibility for performing splice
work and Fiber maintenance activities on their respective sides of the
Demarcation Point. The Customer is prohibited from accessing any portion of the
Fiber backbone, with the exception of the ends of CPAU licensed Fiber which are
extended into the Demarcation Point.
e. CPAU reserves the right to install additional fibers and associated infrastructure
beyond that required for the Customer when responding to a Service Connection
request.
2. MISCELLANEOUS SERVICE EQUIPMENT
a. EQUIPMENT FURNISHED BY CUSTOMER
All Service equipment required in connection with Service on the Customer’s side
of the Demarcation Point shall be furnished, installed, owned and maintained by
the Customer in accordance with CPAU requirements.
SPECIAL FIBER OPTIC UTILITY REGULATION
RULE AND REGULATION 26
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 67-1-20102012
Sheet No. 4
b. EQUIPMENT FURNISHED BY CPAU
1. CPAU will furnish, install, own and maintain the necessary facilities in the
public right of way, and the Fiber Optic cable up to the Demarcation
Point, conditioned upon the Customer maintaining the clear pathway from
the property line to the Demarcation Point.
2. Customer will provide a suitable means for CPAU to place its seal on
Fiber Optic equipment installed at Customer’s Premises. Such seals shall
be broken only by authorized CPAU representatives. Detailed information
will be furnished by CPAU on request.
D. SERVICE TERMINATION
1. All rights to a Fiber Optic Service connection including all materials and equipment on the
CPAU side of the Demarcation Point shall revert back to CPAU once the Service Connection
is terminated for any reason.
2. For Fiber Optic Service that is licensed to a Customer for the purpose of re-selling
communications services within one or more Premises, the following conditions apply:
a. The Customer must secure access for CPAU personnel to maintain CPAU’s Fiber
Optic Service equipment whether the Premise is occupied or vacant.
b. If the Premise is vacant, or if the Customer is no longer providing communications
services within the Premise, the Customer may request that the Service be maintained
to the demarcation point. CPAU may grant the request as long as payment to CPAU
is maintained.
c. If necessary, CPAU will, at the Customer’s request and expense, re-splice the
licensed fibers within the CPAU Fiber Optic infrastructure to maintain the
Customer’s system topology.
E. FINANCIAL TERMINATION
When a customer seeks termination of Fiber Optics Services, the Customer shall submit a
completed CPA Fiber Optics Service Disconnection Form to their Key Account Rep, thirty days
prior to Service termination.
(END)
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 1
A. APPLICABILITY
This Rule describes the Interconnection, Operating and Metering requirements for Generating
Facilities to be connected to the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) Electric Distribution System.
Subject to the requirements of this Rule, CPAU will allow the Interconnection of Generating
Facilities with its Distribution System.
In order to provide for uniformity and to encourage the Interconnection of renewable energy
generation, this Rule has been written to be consistent with the technical requirements of CPUC
Rule 21 and IEEE 1547.
Language from IEEE 1547 that has been adopted directly (as opposed to paraphrased language or
previous language that was determined to be consistent with IEEE 1547) is followed by a citation
that lists the clause from which the language derived. For example, IEEE 1547-4.1.1 is a reference
to Clause 4.1.1.
In the event of any conflict between this Rule and any of the standards listed herein, the
requirements of this Rule shall take precedence.
B. GENERAL RULES, RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS
1. Authorization Required to Operate. A Producer must comply with this Rule, execute an
Interconnection Agreement or, if a Producer is a customer-generator, as that term is used in
Rule and Regulation 29, a Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement with CPAU,
and receive CPAU’s express written permission before Parallel Operation of its Generating
Facility with CPAU’s Distribution System. CPAU shall apply this Rule in a non-
discriminatory manner and shall not unreasonably withhold its permission for Parallel
Operation of Producer’s Generating Facility with CPAU’s Distribution System.
2. Separate Agreements Required for Other Services. A Producer requiring other Electric
Services from CPAU including, but not limited to, Distribution Service provided by CPAU
during periods of Curtailment or interruption of the Producer’s Generating Facility, will
enter into agreements with CPAU for such Services in accordance with CPAU’s Rules &
Regulations and Utility Rates.
3. Service Not Provided With Interconnection. Interconnection with CPAU's Distribution
System under this Rule does not provide a Producer any rights to utilize CPAU's Distribution
System for the transmission, distribution, or wheeling of Electric power.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 2
4. Compliance With Laws, Rules & Regulations and Utility Rates. A Producer shall ascertain
and comply with applicable CPAU Rules & Regulations and Utility Rates; applicable
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approved rules, tariffs and regulations; and
any local, state or federal Law, statute or regulation which applies to the design, siting,
construction, installation, operation, or any other aspect of the Producer’s Generating
Facility and Interconnection Facilities.
5. Design Reviews and Inspections. CPAU shall have the right to review the design of a
Producer’s Generating Facility and Interconnection Facilities and to inspect a Producer’s
Generating Facility and/or Interconnection Facilities prior to the commencement of Parallel
Operation with CPAU’s Distribution System. CPAU may require a Producer to make
modifications as necessary to comply with the requirements of this Rule. CPAU’s review
and authorization for Parallel Operation shall not be construed as confirming or endorsing
the Producer’s design or as warranting the Generating Facility and/or Interconnection
Facilities’ safety, durability or reliability. CPAU shall not, by reason of such review or lack
of review, be responsible for the adequacy or capacity of such equipment.
6. Right to Access. A Producer’s Generating Facility and Interconnection Facilities shall be
accessible to CPAU personnel whenever necessary for CPAU to perform its duties and
exercise its rights under its Rules & Regulations and Utility Rates and any Interconnection
Agreement, including the Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement, between
CPAU and the Producer.
7. Confidentiality of Information. Any information pertaining to Generating Facility and/or
Interconnection Facilities provided to CPAU by a Producer shall be treated by CPAU in a
confidential manner. CPAU shall not use information contained in the Application to
propose discounted rates to the Customer unless authorized to do so by the Customer or the
information is provided to CPAU by the Customer through other means.
8. Prudent Operation and Maintenance Required. A Producer shall operate and maintain its
Generating Facility and Interconnection Facilities in accordance with Prudent Electrical
Practices and shall maintain compliance with this Rule.
9. Curtailment and Disconnection. CPAU may limit the operation or disconnect or require the
disconnection of a Producer’s Generating Facility from CPAU’s Distribution System at any
time, with or without notice, in the event of an Emergency, or to correct Unsafe Operating
Conditions. CPAU may also limit the operation or disconnect or require the disconnection
of
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 3
a Producer’s Generating Facility from CPAU’s Distribution System upon the Provision of
reasonable written notice: (1) to allow for routine maintenance, repairs or modifications to
CPAU’s Distribution System; (2) upon CPAU’s determination that a Producer’s Generating
Facility is not in compliance with this Rule; or (3) upon termination of the Interconnection
Agreement or the Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement. Upon the
Producer’s written request, CPAU shall provide a written explanation of the reason for such
Curtailment or disconnection.
C. APPLICATION AND INTERCONNECTION PROCESS
1. APPLICATION PROCESS
a. Applicant initiates contact with CPAU. Upon request, CPAU will provide
information and documents (such as sample agreements, Load Sheets, technical
information, listing of Certified Equipment, applicable Rate Schedules and Metering
requirements) to a potential Applicant. Unless otherwise agreed upon, all such
information shall normally be sent to the Applicant within three (3) Business Days
following the initial request from the Applicant.
b. Applicant Completes a Load Sheet. All Applicants shall complete and submit a
Load Sheet and 3 sets of plan drawings for review. Load Sheets and plans may be
dropped off at the Development Center at 285 Hamilton Avenue, or Utilities
Engineering at 1007 Elwell Court.
1. CPAU shall complete the Initial Review, absent any extraordinary
circumstances, within 10 Business Days of receiving the Load Sheet and
plans. If defects are noted, CPAU and Applicant shall cooperate to establish
a satisfactory Application.
2. Applications that are over one year old (from the date of CPAU’s
acknowledgement) without a signed Interconnection Agreement or Net
Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement, or a Generating Facility
that has not been approved for Parallel Operation within one year of
completion of all applicable review and/or studies are subject to cancellation
by CPAU; however, CPAU may not cancel an Application if the Producer
provides reasonable evidence that the project is still active.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 4
c. CPAU Performs an Initial and Supplemental Review and Develops Preliminary Cost
Estimates and Interconnection Requirements.
1. Upon receipt of a satisfactorily completed Application and any additional
information necessary to evaluate the Interconnection of a Generating
Facility, CPAU shall perform an Initial Review using the process defined in
Section G. The Initial Review determines if: (a) the Generating Facility
qualifies for Simplified Interconnection; or (b) the Generating Facility
requires a Supplemental Review.
2. CPAU shall complete its Initial Review, absent any extraordinary
circumstances, within 10 Business Days after receipt of a completed
Application including Load Sheet and plan drawings. If the Initial Review
determines the proposed Generating Facility can be Interconnected by means
of a Simplified Interconnection, CPAU will provide the Applicant with an
Interconnection Agreement for Applicant’s signature.
3. If the Generating Facility does not pass the Initial Review for Simplified
Interconnection as proposed, CPAU will notify the Applicant and perform a
Supplemental Review. Applicant shall pay the applicable Advance
Engineering Fee described in Rate Schedule E-15shown in Table C.1, below,
unless the Application is withdrawn. The Supplemental Review will result in
CPAU providing either: (a) Interconnection requirements beyond those for a
Simplified Interconnection, and an Interconnection Agreement or the Net
Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement for Applicant’s signature;
or (b) a cost estimate and schedule for an Interconnection Study. The
Supplemental Review shall be completed, absent any extraordinary
circumstances, within 20 Business Days of receipt of a completed
Application and fees. The Interconnection Study may require additional fees
and more time to complete, depending on the complexity of the project to be
studied. If the Supplemental Review determines that new or modified
Utility-owned distribution and/or protection facilities are required, the
Applicant will be charged the estimated cost of any Utility-owned facilities
determined to be required by the Review. These facilities will be treated as
Special Facilities for the purpose of determining Applicant costs.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 5
d. When Required, Applicant and CPAU Commit to Additional Interconnection Study
Steps.
When a Supplemental Review reveals that the proposed Generating Facility cannot
be Interconnected to CPAU’s Distribution System by means of a Simplified
Interconnection, or that significant Interconnection Facilities installed on CPAU’s
system or Distribution System modifications will be needed to accommodate an
Applicant’s Generating Facility, CPAU and Applicant shall enter into an agreement
that provides for CPAU to perform additional studies, facility design and
engineering, and to provide an estimate for actual cost billing to the Applicant, at the
Applicant’s expense (the Advanced Engineering Fee). The Interconnection Study
agreement shall set forth CPAU’s estimated schedule and Charges for completing
such work.
TABLE C.1 Summary of Fees and Exemptions
Generating Facility
Type
Initial
Review
Fee
Advance
Engineering Fee Interconnection Study Fees
All Net Energy Metering
projects. $0 $0
$0
Non-Net Energy Metering
projects smaller than
100 kW capacity
$0 $600 As Specified by CPAU
Non-Net Energy Metering
Projects 100 kW to
499 kW in capacity.
$0 $4,000 As determined by estimate
Non-Net Energy Metering
500 kW or greater in
capacity.
$0 $7,500 As determined by estimate
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 6
2. INTERCONNECTION PROCESS
a. Applicant and CPAU enter into an Interconnection Agreement or a New Energy
Metering and Interconnection Agreement and, where required, a Special Facilities
Agreement for Interconnection Facilities or Distribution System Modifications.
CPAU shall provide the Applicant with an executable version of the Interconnection
Agreement or the Net Energy Metering and Interconnection Agreement as
appropriate, for the Applicant’s Generating Facility and desired mode of operation.
Where the Supplemental Review or Interconnection Study performed by CPAU has
determined that modifications or additions to its Distribution System are required, or
that additional Interconnection Facilities will be necessary to accommodate an
Applicant’s Generating Facility, CPAU may also provide the Applicant with a
Special Facilities Agreement. This agreement shall set forth CPAU and the
Applicant’s responsibilities, completion schedules, and estimated costs for the
required work.
b. Where applicable, CPAU installs required Interconnection Facilities or modifies
CPAU’s Distribution System.
After executing the applicable agreements, CPAU will commence construction/
installation of CPAU’s Distribution System modifications or Interconnection
Facilities which have been identified in the agreements. The parties will use good
faith efforts to meet schedules and estimated costs as appropriate.
c. Producer arranges for and completes Pre-parallel Testing of Generating Facility and
Producer’s Interconnection Facilities.
The Producer is responsible for testing new Generating Facilities and associated
Interconnection Facilities to ensure compliance with the safety and reliability
Provisions of this Rule prior to being operated in parallel with CPAU’s Distribution
System.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 7
Where applicable, the test plan shall include the installation test procedures
published by the manufacturer of the generation or Interconnection equipment.
Facility testing shall be conducted at a mutually agreeable time, and CPAU and
Producer shall be given the opportunity to witness the tests.
d. CPAU Authorizes Parallel Operation or Momentary Parallel Operation.
CPAU shall authorize the Producer’s Generating Facility for Parallel Operation or
Momentary Parallel Operation with CPAU’s Distribution System, in writing, within
5 days of satisfactory compliance with the terms of all applicable agreements.
Compliance may include, but not be limited to, Provision of any required
documentation and satisfactorily completing any required inspections or tests as
described herein or in the agreements formed between the Producer and CPAU. A
Producer shall not commence Parallel Operation of its Generating Facility with
CPAU’s system unless it has received CPAU’s express written permission to do so.
D. GENERATING FACILITY DESIGN AND OPERATING REQUIREMENTS
This section has been revised to be consistent with the requirements of ANSI/IEEE 1547-2003
Standard for Interconnecting Distributed Resources with Electric Power Systems (IEEE 1547).
Exceptions are taken to IEEE 1547 Clauses 4.1.4.2 Distribution Secondary Spot Networks and
Clauses 4.1.8.1 or 5.1.3.1, which address Protection from Electromagnetic Interference. Also,
RULE AND REGULATION 27 does not adopt the Generating Facility power limitation of 10
MW incorporated in IEEE 1547.
1. GENERAL INTERCONNECTION AND PROTECTION FUNCTION
REQUIREMENTS
The Protective Functions and requirements of this Rule are designed to protect CPAU’s
Distribution System and not the Generating Facility. A Producer shall be solely responsible
for providing adequate protection for its Generating Facility and Interconnection Facilities.
The Producer’s Protective Functions shall not impact the operation of other Protective
Functions utilized on CPAU’s Distribution System in a manner that would affect CPAU’s
capability of providing reliable service to its Customers.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 8
a. Protective Functions Required. A Generating Facility operating in parallel with
CPAU’s Distribution System shall be equipped with the following Protective
Functions to sense abnormal conditions on CPAU’s Distribution System and cause
the Generating Facility to be automatically disconnected from CPAU’s Distribution
System or to prevent the Generating Facility from being connected to CPAU’s
Distribution System inappropriately:
1. Over and under voltage trip functions and over and under frequency trip
functions;
2. A voltage and frequency sensing and time-delay Function to prevent the
Generating Facility from energizing a de-energized Distribution System
circuit and to prevent the Generating Facility from reconnecting with
CPAU’s Distribution System unless CPAU’s Distribution System service
voltage and frequency is within the ANSI C84.1-1995 Table 1 Range B
Voltage Range of 106V to 127V on a 120V basis, inclusive, and a frequency
range of 59.3 Hz to 60.5 Hz, inclusive, and are stable for at least 60 seconds,
and;
3. A Function to prevent the Generating Facility from contributing to the
formation of an Unintended Island, and cease to energize the CPAU system
within two seconds of the formation of an Unintended Island.
The Generating Facility shall cease to energize CPAU’s Distribution System
for faults on CPAU’s Distribution System circuit to which it is connected
(IEEE1547-4.2.1). The Generating Facility shall cease to energize CPAU’s
Distribution circuit prior to re-closure by CPAU’s Distribution System
equipment (IEEE1547-4.2.2).
b. Momentary Paralleling Generating Facilities. With CPAU’s approval, the transfer
switch or scheme used to transfer the Producer’s Loads from CPAU’s Distribution
System to Producer’s Generating Facility may be used in lieu of the Protective
Functions required for Parallel Operation.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 9
c. Suitable Equipment Required. Circuit breakers or other interrupting devices located
at the Point of Common Coupling must be Certified or "Listed" (as defined in
Article 100, the Definitions Section of the National Electrical Code) as suitable for
their intended application. This includes being capable of interrupting the maximum
available fault current expected at their location. Producer’s Generating Facility and
Interconnection Facilities shall be designed so that the failure of any one device shall
not potentially compromise the safety and reliability of CPAU’s Distribution System.
The Generating Facility’s paralleling-device shall be capable of withstanding 220%
of the Interconnection Facilities’ rated voltage (IEEE 1547-4.1.8.3). The
Interconnection Facilities shall have the capability to withstand voltage and current
surges in accordance with the environments defined in IEEE Std C62.41.2-2002 or
IEEE Std C37.90.1-2002 as applicable and as described in IEEE 1547-4.1.8.2.
d. Visible Disconnect Required: The Producer shall furnish and install a ganged,
manually-operated isolating switch (or a comparable device mutually agreed upon by
CPAU and the Producer) near the Point of Interconnection to isolate the Generating
Facility from CPAU’s Distribution System. The device does not have to be rated for
Load break nor provide over-current protection.
The device must:
1. Allow visible verification that separation has been accomplished. (This
requirement may be met by opening the enclosure to observe contact
separation.) Molded case circuit breakers do not meet the visible contact
requirement and are not acceptable as a Visible Disconnect device.
2. Include markings or signage that clearly indicates open and closed positions.
3. Be capable of being reached quickly and conveniently 24 hours a day by
CPAU personnel for construction, maintenance, inspection, testing or
reading, without obstacles or requiring those seeking access to obtain keys,
special permission, or security clearances.
4. Be capable of being locked in the open position.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 10
5. Be clearly marked on the submitted Single Line Diagram and its type and
location approved by the CPAU prior to installation. If the device is not
adjacent to the PCC, permanent signage must be installed at a CPAU-
approved location providing a clear description of the location of the device.
Generating Facilities with Non-Islanding inverters totaling one (1) kilovolt-
ampere (kVA) or less are exempt from this requirement.
e. Drawings Required. Prior to Parallel Operation or Momentary Parallel Operation of
the Generating Facility, CPAU shall approve the Producer's Protective Function and
control diagrams. A Generating Facility equipped with a Protective Function and
control scheme previously approved by CPAU for system-wide application or only
Certified Equipment may satisfy this requirement by reference to previously
approved drawings and diagrams.
f. Generating Facility Conditions Not Identified. In the event this Rule does not
address the Interconnection conditions for a particular Generating Facility, CPAU
and Producer may agree upon other arrangements.
2. PREVENTION OF INTERFERENCE
The Producer shall not operate a Generating Facility or Interconnection Facilities that
superimpose a voltage or current upon CPAU’s Distribution System that interferes with
CPAU operations, service to CPAU Customers, or communication facilities. If such
interference occurs, the Producer must diligently pursue and take corrective action at its
own expense after being given notice and reasonable time to do so by CPAU. If the
Producer does not take corrective action in a timely manner, or continues to operate the
facilities causing interference without restriction or limit, CPAU may, without liability,
disconnect the Producer's facilities from CPAU’s Distribution System, in accordance
with Section B.9 of this Rule. To eliminate undesirable interference caused by its
operation, each Generating Facility shall meet the following criteria:
a. Voltage Regulation. The Generating Facility shall not actively regulate the voltage
at the PCC while in parallel with CPAU’s Distribution System. The Generating
Facility shall not cause the service voltage at other Customers to go outside the
requirements of ANSI C84.1-1995, Range A (IEEE 1547-4.1.1).
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 11
b. Operating Voltage Range. The voltage ranges in Table D.1 define protective trip
limits for the Protective Function and are not intended to define or imply a voltage
regulation Function. A Generating Facility shall cease to energize CPAU’s
Distribution System within the prescribed trip time whenever the voltage at the PCC
deviates from the allowable voltage operating range. The Protective Function shall
detect and respond to voltage on all phases to which the Generating Facility is
connected.
1. Generating Facilities (30 kVA or less). Generating Facilities with a Gross
Nameplate Rating of 30 kVA or less shall be capable of operating within the
voltage range normally experienced on CPAU’s Distribution System. The
operating range shall be selected in a manner that minimizes nuisance
tripping between 106 volts and 132 volts on a 120-volt base (88-110% of
nominal voltage). Voltage shall be detected at either the PCC or the Point of
Interconnection.
2. Generating Facilities (greater than 30 kVA). CPAU may have specific
operating voltage ranges for a Generating Facility with a Gross Nameplate
Rating greater than 30 kVA, and may require adjustable operating voltage
settings. In the absence of such requirements, the Generating Facility shall
operate at a range between 88% and 110% of the applicable Interconnection
voltage. Voltage shall be detected at either the PCC or the Point of
Interconnection, with settings compensated to account for the voltage at the
PCC. Generating Facilities that are Certified Non-Islanding or that meet one
of the options of the Export Screen (Section l.3.b) may detect voltage at the
Point of Interconnection without compensation.
3. Voltage Disturbances. Whenever CPAU’s Distribution System voltage at the
PCC varies from and remains outside normal (nominally 120 volts) by the
predetermined amounts set forth in Table D-1, the Generating Facility’s
Protective Functions shall cause the Generator(s) to become isolated from
CPAU’s Distribution System:
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 12
TABLE D.1: Voltage Trip Settings
Voltage at Point of Common Coupling Maximum Trip Time(1)
Assuming 120 V Base % of Nominal Voltage
# of Cycles
(Assuming 60 Hz
Nominal)
Seconds
Less than 60 Volts Less than 50% 10 Cycles 0.16 Seconds
Greater than or equal to
60 Volts but less than
106 Volts
Greater than or equal to
50% but less than 88% 120 Cycles 2 Seconds
Greater than or equal to
106 Volts but less than or
equal to 132 Volts
Greater than or equal to
88% but less than or
equal to 110%
Normal Operation
Greater than 132 Volts
but less than or
equal to 144 Volts
Greater than 110% but
less than or equal to
120%
60 Cycles 1 Second
Greater than 144 Volts Greater than 120% 10 Cycles 0.16 Seconds
(1) “Maximum Trip time” refers to the time between the onset of the abnormal condition and the
Generating Facility ceasing to energize CPAU’s Distribution System. Protective Function sensing
equipment and circuits may remain connected to CPAU’s Distribution System to allow sensing of
electrical conditions for use by the “reconnect” feature. The purpose of the allowed time delay is to
allow a Generating Facility to “ride through” short-term disturbances to avoid nuisance tripping. Set
points shall not be user adjustable (though they may be field adjustable by qualified personnel). For
Generating Facilities with a Gross Nameplate Rating greater than 30 kVA, set points shall be field
adjustable and different voltage set points and trip times from those in Table D.1 may be negotiated
with CPAU.
c. Paralleling. The Generating Facility shall parallel with CPAU’s Distribution System
without causing a voltage fluctuation at the PCC greater than ±5% of the prevailing
voltage level of CPAU’s Distribution System at the PCC, and meet the flicker
requirements of D.2.d.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 13
d. Flicker. The Generating Facility shall not create objectionable flicker for other
Customers on CPAU’s Distribution System. To minimize the adverse voltage effects
experienced by other Customers (IEEE 1547-4.3.2), flicker at the PCC caused by the
Generating Facility should not exceed the limits defined by the “Maximum
Borderline of Irritation Curve” identified in IEEE 519-1992 (IEEE Recommended
Practices and Requirements for Harmonic Control in Electric Power Systems, IEEE
STD 519-1992, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Piscataway, NJ).
This requirement is necessary to minimize the adverse voltage affects experienced by
others Customers on CPAU’s Distribution System. Generators may be connected
and brought up to synchronous speed (as an induction motor) provided these flicker
limits are not exceeded.
e. Integration with CPAU’s Distribution System Grounding. The grounding scheme of
the Generating Facility Interconnection shall not cause over-voltages that exceed the
rating of the equipment connected to CPAU and shall not disrupt the coordination of
the ground fault protection on CPAU’s Distribution System (IEEE 1547-4.1.2). Also
see Section F.
f. Frequency. CPAU’s controls system frequency, and the Generating Facility shall
operate in synchronism with CPAU’s Distribution System. Whenever CPAU’s
Distribution System Frequency at the PCC varies from and remains outside normal
(nominally 60 Hz) by the predetermined amounts set forth in Table D.2, the
Generating Facility’s Protective Functions shall cease to energize CPAU’s
Distribution System within the stated maximum trip time.
TABLE D.2: Frequency Trip Settings
Generating Facility Rating Frequency Range
(Assuming 60 Hz Nominal)
Maximum Trip Time (1)
(Assuming 60 Cycles per
Second
Less or equal to 30 kW
Less than 59.3 Hz 10 Cycles
Greater than 60.5 Hz 10 Cycles
Greater than 30 kW
Less than 57 Hz 10 Cycles
Less than an adjustable value
between 59.8 Hz and 57 Hz
but greater than 57 Hz (2)
Adjustable between 10 and
18,000 Cycles (2),(3)
Greater than 60.5 Hz 10 Cycles
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 14
(1) “Maximum Trip time” refers to the time between the onset of the abnormal condition and the
Generating Facility ceasing to energize CPAU’s Distribution System. Protective Function
sensing equipment and circuits may remain connected to CPAU’s Distribution System to allow
sensing of electrical conditions for use by the “reconnect” feature. The purpose of the allowed
time delay is to allow a Generating Facility to “ride through” short-term disturbances to avoid
nuisance tripping. Set points shall not be user adjustable (though they may be field adjustable by
qualified personnel). For Generating Facilities with a Gross Nameplate Rating greater than
30 kVA, set points shall be field adjustable and different voltage set points and trip times from
those in Table D.2 may be negotiated with CPAU.
(2) Unless otherwise required by CPAU, a trip frequency of 59.3 Hz and a maximum trip time of 10
cycles shall be used.
(3) When a 10-cycle maximum trip time is used, a second under frequency trip setting is not required.
g. Harmonics. When the Generating Facility is serving balanced linear Loads,
harmonic current injection into CPAU’s Distribution System at the PCC shall not
exceed the limits stated below in Table D.3. The harmonic current injections shall be
exclusive of any harmonic currents due to harmonic voltage distortion present in
CPAU’s Distribution System without the Generating Facility connected (IEEE 1547-
4.3.3). The harmonic distortion of a Generating Facility located at a Customer’s site
shall be evaluated using the same criteria as for the Host Loads.
Table D.3 Maximum Harmonic Current Distortion in Percent of Current (I)(1,2)
Individual
Harmonic Order h,
(odd harmonics) 3
h<11 11 ≤ h < 17 17 ≤ h < 23 23 ≤ h < 35 35 ≤ h
Total
Demand
distortion
(TDD)
Max Distortion (%) 4.0 2.0 1.5 0.6 0.3 5.0
(1) IEEE 1547-4.3.3
(2) I = the greater of the maximum Host Load current average Demand over 15 or 30 minutes without the GF, or the GF rated current capacity (transformed to the PCC when a transformer exists between the GF and the PCC).
(3) Even harmonics are limited to 25% of the odd harmonic limits above.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 15
h. Direct Current Injection. Generating Facilities should not inject direct current
greater than 0.5% of rated output current into CPAU’s Distribution System.
i. Power Factor. Each Generator in a Generating Facility shall be capable of operating
at some point within a Power Factor range from 0.9 leading to 0.9 lagging.
Operation outside this range is acceptable provided the reactive power of the
Generating Facility is used to meet the reactive power needs of the Host Loads or
that reactive power is otherwise provided under tariff by CPAU. The Producer shall
notify CPAU if it is using the Generating Facility for Power Factor correction.
Unless otherwise agreed upon by the Producer and CPAU, Generating Facilities shall
automatically regulate Power Factor, not voltage, while operating in parallel with
CPAU’s Distribution System.
3. TECHNOLOGY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
a. Three-Phase Synchronous Generators. For three-phase Generators, the Generating
Facility circuit breakers shall be three-phase devices with electronic or
electromechanical control. The Producer shall be responsible for properly
synchronizing its Generating Facility with CPAU’s Distribution System by means of
either manual or automatic synchronizing equipment. Automatic synchronizing is
required for all synchronous Generators that have a Short Circuit Contribution Ratio
(SCCR) exceeding 0.05. Loss of synchronism protection is not required except as
may be necessary to meet D.2.d (Flicker) (IEEE 1547-4.2.5). Unless otherwise
agreed upon by the Producer and CPAU, synchronous Generators shall automatically
regulate Power Factor, not voltage, while operating in parallel with CPAU’s
Distribution System. A power system stabilization function is specifically not
required for Generating Facilities under 10 MW Net Nameplate Rating.
b. Induction Generators. Induction Generators (except self-excited Induction
Generators) do not require a synchronizing Function. Starting or rapid Load
fluctuations on induction Generators can adversely impact CPAU’s Distribution
System's voltage. Corrective step-switched capacitors or other techniques may be
necessary and may cause undesirable ferro-resonance. When these counter measures
(e.g., additional capacitors) are installed on the Producer's side of the Point of
Common Coupling, CPAU must review these measures. Additional equipment may
be required as determined in a Supplemental Review or an Interconnection Study.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 16
c. Inverters. Utility-interactive inverters do not require separate synchronizing
equipment. Non-utility-interactive or “stand-alone” inverters shall not be used for
Parallel Operation with CPAU’s Distribution System.
d. Single-Phase Generators. For single-phase Generators connected to a shared
single-phase secondary system, the maximum Net Nameplate Rating of the
Generating Facilities shall be 20 kVA. Generators connected to a center-tapped
neutral 240-volt service must be installed such that no more than 6 kVA of
unbalanced power is applied to the two “legs” of the 240-volt service. For Dedicated
Distribution Transformer Services, the maximum Net Nameplate Rating of a
single-phase Generating Facility shall be the transformer nameplate rating.
4. SUPPLEMENTAL GENERATING FACILITY REQUIREMENTS
a. Fault Detection. A Generating Facility with an SCCR exceeding 0.1 or one that does
not cease to energize CPAU’s Distribution System within two seconds of the
formation of an Unintended Island shall be equipped with Protective Functions
designed to detect Distribution System faults, both line-to-line and line-to-ground,
and shall cease to energize CPAU’s Distribution System within two seconds of the
initiation of a fault.
b. Transfer Trip. For a Generating Facility that cannot detect Distribution System
faults (both line-to-line and line-to-ground) or the formation of an Unintended Island,
and cease to energize CPAU’s Distribution System within two seconds, CPAU may
require a Transfer Trip system or an equivalent Protective Function. For net metered
or non-net metered Generating Facilities, the Facility will be considered capable of
supporting an Unintended Island if the aggregate distributed generation output is
80% or more of the Distribution System real-time load kW seen at CPAU’s source-
side Distribution Protection Device.
c. Reclose Blocking. Where the aggregate Generating Facility capacity exceeds 15%
of the peak Load on any automatic reclosing device, CPAU may require additional
Protective Functions, including, but not limited to reclose-blocking on some of the
automatic reclosing devices.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 17
E. INTERCONNECTION FACILITIES AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS OWNERSHIP AND FINANCING
1. SCOPE AND OWNERSHIP OF INTERCONNECTION FACILITIES AND
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS
a. Scope. Parallel Operation of Generating Facilities may require Interconnection
Facilities or modifications to CPAU’s Distribution System (“Distribution System
modifications”). The type, extent and costs of Interconnection Facilities and
Distribution System modifications shall be consistent with this Rule and determined
through the Supplemental Review and/or Interconnection Studies described in
Section C.
b. Ownership. Interconnection Facilities installed on Producer’s side of the Point of
Common Coupling (PCC) may be owned, operated and maintained by the Producer
or CPAU. Interconnection Facilities installed on CPAU’s side of the PCC and
Distribution System modifications shall be owned, operated and maintained only by
CPAU.
2. RESPONSIBILITY OF COSTS OF INTERCONNECTING A GENERATING
FACILITY
a. Study and Review Costs. A Producer shall be responsible for the reasonably
incurred costs of the reviews and studies conducted pursuant to Section C.1 of this
Rule.
b. Facility Costs. A Producer shall be responsible for all costs associated with
Interconnection Facilities owned by the Producer. The Producer shall also be
responsible for any costs reasonably incurred by CPAU in providing, operating, or
maintaining the Interconnection Facilities and Distribution System modifications
required solely for the Interconnection of the Producer’s Generating Facility with
CPAU’s Distribution System.
c. Separation of Costs. Should CPAU combine the installation of Interconnection
Facilities or Distribution System modifications required for the Interconnection of a
Generating Facility with modifications to CPAU’s Distribution System to serve other
Customers or Producers, CPAU shall not include the costs of such separate or
incremental facilities in the amounts billed to the Producer.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 18
d. Reconciliation of Costs and Payments. If the Producer selected a fixed price billing
for the Interconnection Facilities or Distribution System modifications, no
reconciliation will be necessary. If the Producer selected actual cost billing, a true-
up will be required. Within a reasonable time after the Interconnection of a
Producer’s Generating Facility, CPAU will reconcile its actual costs related to the
Generating Facility against any advance payments made by the Producer. The
Producer will receive either a bill for any balance due or a reimbursement for
overpayment as determined by CPAU’s reconciliation. The Producer shall be
entitled to a reasonably detailed and understandable accounting for the payments.
3. INSTALLATION AND FINANCING OF INTERCONNECTION FACILITIES
AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS
a. Agreement Required. The costs for Interconnection Facilities and Distribution
System modifications shall be paid by the Producer pursuant to the Provisions
contained in the Special Facilities Agreement. Where the type and extent of the
Interconnection Facilities or Distribution System modifications warrant additional
detail, Producer and CPAU shall execute separate agreement(s) to more fully
describe and allocate the parties’ responsibilities for installing, owning, operating
and maintaining the Interconnection Facilities and Distribution System
modifications.
b. Interconnection Facilities and Distribution System Modifications. Interconnection
Facilities connected to CPAU’s side of the Point of Common Coupling and
Distribution System modifications shall be provided, installed, owned and
maintained by CPAU at Producer’s expense.
c. Reservation of Unused Facilities. When a Producer wishes to reserve CPAU-owned
Interconnection Facilities or Distribution System modifications installed and
operated as Special Facilities for the Producer at Producer’s expense, but idled by a
change in the operation of the Producer's Generating Facility or otherwise, Producer
may elect to abandon or reserve such facilities consistent with the terms of its
agreement with CPAU. If Producer elects to reserve idle Interconnection Facilities
or Distribution System modifications, CPAU shall be entitled to continue to Charge
Producer for the costs related to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the
Special Facilities.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 20
d. Refund of Salvage Value. When a Producer elects to abandon the Special Facilities
for which it has either advanced the installed costs or constructed and transferred to
CPAU, the Producer shall, at a minimum, receive from CPAU a credit for the net
salvage value of the Special Facilities.
F. METERING, MONITORING AND TELEMETRY
1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
All Generating Facilities shall be metered in accordance with this Section F and shall
meet all applicable standards of CPAU contained in CPAU’s applicable rules and
published CPAU manuals dealing with Metering specifications. For general metering
requirements, see CPAU Rule and Regulation 15. For net metering requirements, see
CPAU Rule and Regulation 29.
2. METERING BY CPAU
The ownership, installation, operation, reading and testing of revenue Metering Equipment
for Generating Facilities shall be by CPAU only.
3. NET GENERATION METERING
For purposes of monitoring Generating Facility operation to determine standby Charges and
applicable non-bypassable Charges as defined in CPAU’s tariffs, and for Distribution
System planning and operations, consistent with Section B.4 of this Rule, CPAU shall have
the right to specify the type, and require the installation of Net Generation Metering
equipment. CPAU shall only require Net Generation Metering to the extent that less
intrusive and/or more cost effective options for providing the necessary Generating Facility
output data are not available. In exercising its discretion to require Net Generation Metering,
CPAU shall consider all relevant factors, including but not limited to:
a. Data requirements in proportion to need for information;
b. Producer’s election to install equipment that adequately addresses CPAU’s
operational requirements;
c. Accuracy and type of required Metering consistent with purposes of collecting data;
d. Cost of Metering relative to the need for and accuracy of the data;
e. The Generating Facility’s size relative to the cost of the Metering/monitoring;
f. Other means of obtaining the data (e.g., Generating Facility logs, proxy data etc.);
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 20
and
g. Requirements under any Interconnection Agreement with the Producer.
4. POINT OF COMMON COUPLING METERING
For purposes of assessing CPAU Charges for retail service, the Producer’s PCC Metering
shall be reviewed by CPAU, and if required, replaced to ensure that it will appropriately
measure Electric power according to the Provisions of the Customer’s Electric Service tariff.
Where required, the Customer’s existing Meter may be replaced with a bi-directional meter
so that power deliveries to and from the Producer’s site can be separately recorded.
Alternately, the Producer may, at its sole option and cost, require CPAU to install Multi-
Metering Equipment to separately record power deliveries to CPAU’s Distribution System
and retail purchases from CPAU. Where necessary, such PCC Metering shall be designed to
prevent reverse registration.
5. TELEMETERING
If the nameplate rating of the Generating Facility is 1 MW or greater, Telemetering
equipment at the Net Generator Metering location may be required at the Producer's expense.
If the Generating Facility is Interconnected to a portion of CPAU’s Distribution System
operating at a voltage below 10 kV, then Telemetering equipment may be required on
Generating Facilities 250 kW or greater. CPAU shall only require Telemetering to the extent
that less intrusive and/or more cost effective options for providing the necessary data in real
time are not available
6. LOCATION
Where CPAU-owned Metering is located on the Producer’s Premises, Producer shall
provide, at no expense to CPAU, a suitable location for all such Metering Equipment.
7. COSTS OF METERING
The Producer will bear all costs of the Metering required by this Rule, including the
incremental costs of operating and maintaining the Metering Equipment.
GENERATING FACILITY INTERCONNECTIONS
RULE AND REGULATION 27
CITY OF PALO ALTO
UTILITIES RULES AND REGULATIONS
Issued by the City Council
Effective 4-2-2012
Sheet No. 20
G. SUPPLEMENTAL REVIEW
If the Generating Facility meets any of the following criteria, the Facility does not qualify for
Simplified Interconnection Review and must undergo a Supplemental Review:
1. Output from the Generating Facility at any time will be equal to or greater than 15% of the
load on the distribution line section.
2. The aggregate distributed generation on the distribution line section exceeds 80% of the real-
time peak load kW.
3. Startup, shutdown or other operating characteristics of the Generating Facility cause voltage
drop or flicker to exceed CPAU’s allowable limits as specified in Section D.
4. The Generating Facility is connected to a 4kV distribution feeder which has line-to –neutral
connected load and the Generating Facility nameplate rating exceeds 10% of the line section
peak load.
5. The Generating Facility, in aggregate with other generation, shall not contribute more than
10% to the circuit’s maximum fault current
(END)
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 87-81-20082012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-1 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-1
A. APPLICABILITY:
This schedule applies to all connections, expansions, and upgrades to the City's electric distribution
system except those that serve street lighting or traffic signals.
B. TERRITORY:
All territory within the incorporated limits of the City and land owned or leased by the City.
C. ADVANCE ENGINEERING FEES
Advance engineering fees must be paid to start the engineering process and are non-refundable. The
engineering fees will be credited against the estimated job cost prior to the collection of construction
fees. Advance engineering fees will not be collected for service connections that do not require a job
estimate.
D. ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
All estimated on-site, off-site distribution system, and service connection fees must be paid prior to
the scheduling of any construction or connections to the City's electrical distribution system.
E. SUMMARY OF FEES:
The following schedule is for summary purposes. Section F herein describes the specific fee and
conditions in detail.
1. UNDERGROUND SYSTEMS:
(A) Service Connections Which Do Not Require an Estimate
Service Connection Fees
(1) Residential ...................................................................................................... $450
(2) Residential: Rear Easement ............................................................................. $940
(3) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial 200A, Single Phase or Less .................. $720
(4) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial Greater Than 200A ......... By Estimate
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 87-81-20082012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-2 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-2
(B) Service Connections That Require Estimates
Advance Engineering Fees
(1) Residential .................................................................................................... $300
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial 200A or Less ........................................ $600
(3) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial Greater Than 200A ................. By Estimate
On-Site Distribution System Fees
(1) Residential .................................................................................................... N/A
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial ……………… .......................... By Estimate
Off-Site Distribution System Fees
(1) Residential ......................................................................................... By Estimate
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial ............................ By Estimate
2. OVERHEAD SYSTEMS:
All service connection fees are based on a 100-foot service length. If additional service length is
required there may be additional fees.
Service Connection Fees
(1) Residential .................................................................................................... $620
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial 200A or Less ………………………… $900
(3) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial Greater Than 200A ................. By Estimate
3. TEMPORARY SERVICES:
Temporary service charges 200A maximum, 250 V maximum, 3-wire services 100' in length are
shown in the following table. Fees for services requiring greater voltage or capacity will be
determined by estimate.
Overhead Service Connection Fees
(1) Residential .................................................................................................... $840
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial 200A or Less $840
(3) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial Greater Than 200A ................. ..By Estimate
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 87-81-20082012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-3 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-3
Underground Service Connection Fees
(1) Residential .................................................................................................... $675
(2) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial 200A or Less …………………………..$675
(3) Multi-Family/Commercial/Industrial Greater Than 200A ................. ..By Estimate
F. FEES:
1. UNDERGROUND SYSTEMS
Connection fees for new or replacement services to the underground electrical system consist of
one or more of the following: Service Connection Fee, On-site Distribution System Fee and/or
Off-site Distribution System Fee.
(A) Service Connection Fees:
Where the City connects any Customer to the electrical distribution system, a service
connection fee shall be charged. A one-time waiver of this fee is granted for services
connected during the construction of an underground conversion district.
(1) Residential - Single Family
These fees apply to development in which electric metering will be on a single-family
basis.
(a) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 ampere maximum service ............................... $450
(b) For any connection requiring greater capacity the fee shall be the estimate of
the installation cost or $450 whichever is greater.
(c) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 ampere max service from a rear easement $940
(d) For any connection requiring greater capacity the fee shall be the estimate of the
installation cost or $720, whichever is greater.
(2) Commercial/Industrial
These fees apply to commercial, industrial, multi-family residential services.
(a) For a 250 volt maximum, 200 ampere maximum service ............................... $720
(b) For any connection requiring greater capacity, the fee shall be the estimate of the
installation costs or $720, whichever is greater.
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 87-81-20082012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-4 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-4
Where the City installs, or will install, electric meters in a new development (single family,
multi-family, or commercial/industrial inclusive) consisting of 30 (thirty) units or more, the
connection fee shall include the estimate of the cost to furnish all electric meters with
AMR-ERTs.
(B) On-site Distribution System Fees:
Where the City installs or will install the underground conductors (primary or secondary),
switches or transformers in and on facilities provided by the developer within the
boundaries of a sub-division or other development, an on-site distribution system fee shall
be charged. The fee shall be the estimate of the installation costs.
(C) Off-Site Distribution System Fees:
Where the City installs or will install an electric distribution system, system extension, or
system reinforcement outside the boundaries of a sub-division or other development to be
served, an off-site distribution system fee shall apply. The fee shall be the estimate of the
installation costs.
2. OVERHEAD SYSTEMS
Connection fees shall apply for all new services or for service upgrades exceeding 200 amperes.
Overhead services that do not require the addition of poles to the system will be the standard
service for residential areas not in Underground Districts. Underground Service will be required
for all new industrial, commercial, and multi-family residential construction. No new
construction that will require new poles to be added to the system shall be permitted except with
the approval of the Electrical Engineering Manager and only after a finding that an underground
service is not feasible. Replacement of existing overhead services with new overhead services
will be allowed so long as the new service does not exceed the size of the existing service or 200
Amperes for single-family residential or 400 amperes for all other, whichever is greater.
Replacement of 250 volt, 200 ampere maximum, 3-wire overhead residential service drops to
existing structures will be done by the City at no cost to the customer providing such a
replacement does not require relocation of the connection at the pole or mid-span, does not
require relocation at the house by more than 10 feet, and does not exceed 100 feet in length.
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 87-81-20082012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-5 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-5
(A) Overhead Service Connection Replacement Fees:
(1) Residential – Single Family
These fees apply to development in which electric metering will be on a single-family
basis.
(a) For a 250 Volt, 200 ampere, 3 wire,
100 feet in length Maximum services ....................................................... $620
(2) Commercial/ Industrial
These fees apply to commercial, industrial, multi-family residential services.
(a) For a 250 Volt, 200 ampere, 3 and 4 wire services,
100 feet in length maximum service .................................................... $900
(3) Replacement of Overhead Services of greater voltage, other than described above
when done for the customer benefit, or when required due to damage by customer,
shall be the estimate of the installation costs.
3. TEMPORARY SERVICE
A fee shall be charged to connect temporary service. The Customer shall furnish all equipment
up to the designated point-of-service. This point-of-service will usually be the weatherhead for
overhead temporary services in overhead distribution areas or the secondary connection box for
underground temporary services in underground distribution system areas. The City will not
supply overhead temporary services in underground service areas or underground temporary
services in overhead distribution system areas. The City will supply: overhead conductors and
meter for overhead temporary services; and meter only for underground temporary services. The
City will connect both overhead and underground services to the City's electrical distribution
system. Any additional off-site facilities or work required shall be provided and removed by the
utility at the customer's expense.
(A) Overhead Temporary Service Fees:
(1) For a 250 volt, 200 ampere, 3 wire service,
100 feet in length maximum service ................................................................ $840
ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 8-8-2008Effective 7-1-2012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-6 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-6
(2) The fees for a temporary service of greater length and capacity or voltage shall be the
estimate of the installation and removal costs or $840, whichever is greater.
(B) Underground Temporary Service Fees:
(1) For a 250 volt, 200 ampere, 3-wire maximum service,
If a service box is available at the property .................................................... $675
(2) If a service box is not available at the property, the charges to provide a service box
will be at the customer’s expense.
(3) The fees for a temporary service of greater length and capacity or voltage shall be the
estimate of the installation or removal costs or $675, whichever is greater.
4. GENERATOR INTERCONNECTION
A fee shall be charged for evaluation of generator interconnection applications performed
pursuant to Rule and Regulation 27. An Initial Review for Simplified Interconnection will be
performed. No fee is charged for this initial review. If it is determined that a Supplemental
Review will be required, an Advance Engineering Fee will be charged. The Advance
Engineering Fee will be applied to any Interconnection Study fees or Interconnection fees.
(A) Advance Engineering Fees:
(1) All net energy metering projects ..................................................................................$0
(2) Projects not subject to net metering and 100 kW or less in capacity .......................$600
(3) Projects not subject to net metering, greater than or
equal to 100 kW but less than 500 kW in capacity...............................................$4,000
(4) Projects not subject to net metering, 500 kW or greater in capacity ....................$7,500
(B) Interconnection Study:
(1) All net energy metering projects ..................................................................................$0
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ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 8-8-2008Effective 7-1-2012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-7 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-7
(2) Projects not subject to net metering shall be responsible for the actual costs of the
interconnection study.
(C) Interconnection Fees:
(1) All net energy metering projects ..................................................................................$0
(2) Projects not subject to net metering shall be responsible for the actual costs of design
and installation of interconnection equipment.
5. PALO ALTO CLEAN LOCAL ENERGY ACCESSIBLE NOW PROGRAM
A monthly fee shall be charged for meter maintenance and administrative services for generators
participating in the Palo Alto Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN) Program.
(1) Metering and administrative fee ...........................................................................$34.73
G. NOTES:
1. These fees apply to all vacant land except where the fees are recorded as previously paid.
2. The Customer is responsible for the installation of all equipment from the facility to the
designated point-of-service. For underground systems, this includes conduit and conductors.
For overhead systems, because the point-of-service is the weatherhead or point of attachment to
the facility, this includes the mast or riser and all conductors therein.
3. When the City replaces a service, the Customer is obligated to accept a shutdown of service
during regular working hours. The time of the shutdown shall be agreed upon as mutually
acceptable. When, for the convenience of the Customer, the shutdown is during other than
regular working hours, it shall be done entirely at the Customer's expense. The Customer shall
pay the entire cost of the overtime labor, not the incremental cost.
4. The City can generally provide service availability from 30 to 45 days after all fees are paid
except when long lead-time equipment or materials are required. Consult the City for estimated
lead-times.
5. The City cannot be held liable for delays in service connection caused by conditions beyond its
control, including, but not limited to, delays in the arrival of equipment such as transformers,
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ELECTRIC SERVICE CONNECTION FEES
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE E-15
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effective 8-8-2008Effective 7-1-2012
Supersedes Sheet No. E-15-8 dated 78-18-20062008 Sheet No.E-15-8
switches and cable.
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