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I
Guide to Installing or Upgrading
your Commercial Electric Service
The Process for Installing a New or Upgrading an
Existing Electric Service with National Grid in MA
• Construction Process Flow Chart
• How to Avoid Delays
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Glossary of Utility Terms
• Project Forms and Checklists
Massachusetts | February 2017
I. Introduction.......................................................................................... 2
II. Construction Process in Pictures.......................................................... 2
Electric Service Construction Roadmap................................................ 3
III. How to Avoid Delays in the Construction Process................................ 4
IV. Additional Considerations That May Cause Delays............................... 7
V. Frequently Asked Questions................................................................. 8
VI. Glossary of Utility Terms...................................................................... 14
Load Sheet and Service Application.................................................... 20
Motor Data Sheet................................................................................ 21
Easement Information Form................................................................. 22
Construction Project Checklist............................................................. 23
Table of Contents
I. Introduction
This document will provide you and/or your construction professional with an overview of the necessary
steps to install a new service or upgrade existing electric service with National Grid. Depending on the
complexity of your project, installing and energizing a new electrical service could take 40 weeks or
longer. Planning ahead and becoming familiar with our process will help to minimize construction and
other delays.
Just as constructing or upgrading a building requires involvement of mulitple disciplines – from plumbing
to electrical, HVAC and more, so too does the process of planning for and installing electric service that
meets your needs, is installed efficiently and on time. This may include a considerable amount of research,
engineering, design, civil work and legal review.
For example, at the turn of the century, New England was at the center of the industrial revolution. Quick
to embrace progress and innovation, our cities and towns “electrified” a wealth of now historic buildings
when electricity was in its infancy. Many of these buildings continue to have antiquated infrastructure that
did not envision newer energy intensive uses, such as computers, air conditioning and energy intensive
manufacturing. Even buildings that once housed manufacturing enterprises still often feature obsolete
voltages and infrastructure that, while functional, do not meet the needs of modern businesses.
Developers are typically aware that they will need to upgrade and modernize the internal wiring inside the
building. Often overlooked, however, are the corresponding National Grid electrical upgrades in the street
and associated costs that will be needed to serve the building’s new needs.
In addition to these upgrades, infrastructure challenges often appear in buildings located in densely
developed areas, such as downtown areas. Because of limited space in these urban areas, electrical
equipment owned by National Grid is often installed inside the building. For example, National Grid
transformers may be housed in basement vaults belonging to the building owners. Building owners are
often unaware that they own these vaults and are responsible for any vault enhancements that may be
required to accommodate any new equipment, including any civil work (e.g., excavation) that may be
required on their private property.
Throughout your project, you will be assigned a Customer Fulfillment Representative (CF Rep) to help
you through your entire project from start to finish. They will work with our engineers to evaluate the
most economical method for installing a new service or upgrading the existing service to your building.
Your CF Rep will also outline the scope of work needed as well as estimate the costs associated with
National Grid’s work.
II. Construction Process in Pictures
The process of installing a new or upgrading an existing electric service in a building occurs in phases,
including planning, designing, legal and environmental reviews, permitting, scheduling, construction,
inspection and payment.
Requests for new and upgraded electric services are tracked through National Grid’s Work Management
System. Each phase is referred to as a “Status”, for example:
• Status 10 – Preliminary Phase
• Status 20 – Design / Engineering
• Status 40 – Pre Construction
• Status 50 – Scheduling
• Status 60 – Construction
The accompanying Flow Chart provides a simplified overview of what happens in each status.
Please note that energizing a new electric service, depending on the complexities, can take up to
40 weeks or longer.
Please be sure to reach out to any other utilities (phone, internet, cable, gas, water, sewer) that you require
at your site.
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1
-
is
-
."
-
.
.
Electric Service Construction Roadmap
Preliminary Phase
(Status 10)
Target: 2 Weeks
Design /
Engineering Phase
(Status 20)
Target: 14 Weeks
Pre-Construction
Phase
(Status 40)
Target: 14 Weeks
Scheduling
(Status 50)
and Construction
Phase
(Status 60)
Target: 10 Weeks
Customer calls 1-800-375-7405
to apply for a new electric service
or service upgrade. Required:
Customer's billing information.
This symbol indicates a step where delays are common. Match the corresponding
number to that in the "Unforeseen Issues" document for more information.
This symbol indicates that the process cannot proceed
until the customer fulfills the requirements in that step.
A Work Request Number (WR#)
is created and reported back to
the customer. Time: 1-3 days
Customer Fulllment Rep is
assigned to the project. They call
the customer to determine needs
and send a “PES Package.”
Time: 3 days
Customer (or their designee) must provide info
requested in the PES package. Required: expected
loads, one- line diagram, site plan, CAD le and
completed Easement Information Form at a minimum.
2
1
Loads are approved and a National Grid
Design Engineer is assigned. The Design
Engineer will schedule one or more site
meetings to gather more info about your
project and discuss available options for
providing service.
Please have all key decision makers for
your project in attendance at the initial site
meeting, for example: electrical designer
or electrician, civil contractor, project
manager or developer, architect and
nancial representative.
Time: Varies, 2-3 weeks
A civil and/or manhole survey
may be conducted by National Grid.
Time: Dependent on complexity
of the job.
The electric design for the new service is
completed and approved. Time: Dependent
on complexity of the job.
3
The CIAC is calculated to determine
the customer's nancial contribution.
Time: 5 days
A Service Agreement is drafted
and sent to the customer.
Time: 2 days
If the CIAC amount is >0, an invoice
is generated and sent to the
customer. Time: 3 days
If necessary, a Grant of Easement is
drafted by National Grid and sent to
the customer. Time: up to 4 weeks
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The Service Agreement must be
signed by the customer and returned
to National Grid, whether or not a
CIAC payment is due.
The invoice must be paid in full
before the process can proceed.
The Grant of Easement must be signed
by the customer and returned to
National Grid.
Parallel
Efforts
For jobs requiring underground construction,
customer must meet with National Grid for
approval prior to performing any civil work.
DIGSAFE MUST BE CALLED
BY CUSTOMER OR CUSTOMER’S
AGENT BEFORE DIGGING ON
PRIVATE PROPERTY!
7
All relevant permits and environmental
requirements related to the customer's
private property must be met
8
National Grid must approve any
customer-performed civil work
before the job can progress to
the next step.
9
National Grid will le all relevant
permits and petitions with the
appropriate town and state
authorities for work needed in
the public way.
National Grid will complete any
required civil work in the public way.
10
If the project requires poles to be set in
a National Grid pole set area, National
Grid sets the poles.
11
ALL NATIONAL GRID WORK IS
WEATHER PERMITTING.
The town in which the project is located
may need to approve permits and/or
petitions led by National Grid before
the project can proceed
12
If the project is located in a non-National Grid
pole set area, poles may need to be set by other
utilities, e.g., Verizon.Time: varies, up to 3
months (depends on town, number of poles, etc)
13
Customer Actions
National Grid Actions
Site preparation, such as tree trimming
and rock drilling, is performed by
National Grid and eld checks are
conducted. Time: 2 weeks
The job is scheduled and any
overhead construction (installation
of wires, etc) is completed by
National Grid as needed.
Time: 4-6 weeks
The customer's transformer is
delivered and set on a concrete
foundation.Time: 2 weeks after
the trench inspection is approved
Secondary cable is installed by the customer
after the transformer has been installed by
National Grid.
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Primary underground constuction is completed
by National Grid. Construction may require a
"planned outage." Time to install (or "pull"
cable): 1 month
A municipal inspection must be scheduled
by the customer and approved by the city
or town wiring inspector.
National Grid energizes the new service
and installs the electric meter.
Time: up to 1 week
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18
Other’s Actions
WR#
123
✔
CM6439 (8/16)
✔
This symbol indicates that
the step requires an action
by the customer.
3
III. How to Avoid Delays in the Construction Process: Key to “Hazard” Symbols on Flow Chart
The Flow Chart on the previous page shows Hazard Symbols like this on some steps within the
Complex Construction Process. These symbols indicate a step where, in our experience, unforeseen issues
occur that can add time to the process or cause delays. We want your construction project to progress
smoothly and without delays. Following is the key to each of these symbols.
1. Work Request Initiation: A project cannot start until the entity requesting service has initiated a Work
Request with National Grid. This is a critical first step upon which all other steps rely.
2. Submitting All Information Needed for Project Design: We cannot design your service until all
requested information has been received by National Grid. This information includes expected loads,
one-line diagram, site plan, CAD file and a completed Easement Information Form. It is mandatory that
the customer (or their agent) provide this information to National Grid so that the project can proceed to
the design phase.
3. Congested Manholes: Services involving underground infrastructure typically require that a manhole
survey be conducted to determine whether sufficient space is available in manholes and conduits so
that new infrastructure can be added. If sufficient space is not available, a more comprehensive design
will be required which may add time and cost to the overall project.
4. Submitting Paperwork and Payment Prior to Construction: A project cannot proceed to
construction until all required documents are executed (signed) by the customer and payment is
received by National Grid.
• Service Agreement: This is one of the critical documents that must be signed by the customer and
returned to National Grid before construction can be scheduled. Your Customer Fulfillment
Representative will provide this document to you when it is ready for signature. The Service
Agreement will confirm the
cost for your new service. Additionally, the Service Agreement ensures that
both you and National Grid understand and agree to the terms of electrical service at the location.
! Payment: If your project requires you to pay for your new service, an invoice will be sent to you
separately. The invoice must be paid before construction can be scheduled. Note that this invoice is
only for work performed by National Grid and does not include the cost of any electrical work that
may be required inside your building. If the invoice is not paid within 30 days, the project estimate
will expire and will be re-calculated, possibly resulting in a higher construction cost.
• Easement: A Grant of Easement (or “easement”) is one of the critical documents that needs to be
executed (signed) and returned to National Grid before construction can be scheduled. If
an
easement is necessary, a representative from National Grid’s Real Estate Department will draft and
send the easement (and any related legal documents) to the property owner for signature. The
easement must be executed by the property owner, and all documents with original signatures (not
copies) must be returned to the Real Estate representative before construction can be scheduled.
Please note these common easement considerations:
• Easements/Residential
- Please be sure your new subdivision plan has been recorded with the municipality.
- Condos: Additional easement documentation is required, i.e. Master Deed, Declaration of Trust
and any amendments related to the easement area.
• Easements/Corporate
- If the person designated to sign the easement is not an officer of the company, Votes or Certificates
may be required before the easement can be legally executed.
- If the executor of the easement lives out of state, please allow additional time for the easement to
be signed.
- If a corporation has dissolved, please ensure the deed was not missed when corporate assets
were transferred.
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!
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2
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!
• Easements/Municipalities
- City Council/Board of Selectmen votes are often required for easements on municipal properties.
It can take up to a month for an easement vote to be scheduled on a municipal agenda.
• Easements – Common Mistakes/Concerns
- Deed copy submitted by customer lacks the plan, book and page numbers.
- A copy of the recorded plan is not submitted to National Grid.
- Easement Information Form is incorrect or incomplete.
- Deed reference is incorrect.
- Customer requests a design change after the easement is drafted, thus a new easement
must be drafted.
- The property already has easements for crossings (railroad, gas pipelines); therefore, these other
utilities may also need to grant permission.
- Death of one of the owners stated on the deed – A certified copy of the Death Certificate for the
deceased party would need to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds within the county they
reside, prior to signing and recording the Easement. Additionally, a petition may need to be filed in
Probate Court for the deceased party.
- Customer’s legal review may add time to the process.
- Any subordination agreements must be executed by the customer’s lender and returned to
National Grid.
7. Environmental Requirements: You may have limitations on land use that impact where a new
service can be located. For example, an Activity Use Limitation (AUL) is a deed restriction placed on
a contaminated property. Another example would be proximity to wetlands. If your property is in a
wetlands buffer, you will need to provide us a copy of your Notice of Intent submitted to the local
conservation commission, as well as the Order of Conditions issued to you.
8. Trench Inspections: Our trench inspectors need at least 3 days advance notice to inspect the trench
and/or transformer foundation. It is the customer’s responsibility to contact the Trench Inspector to
arrange for this inspection.
9. Permits and Petitions: Permits are needed for work such as excavation or pole sets along a state
highway or municipal roadway. It is National Grid’s responsibility to apply for these permits from the state
and local municipality prior to performing any work in the public way. Permits are typically reviewed and
approved at municipal council or board meetings. The permit request must officially be on the City’s or
Town’s meeting agenda in order to be eligible for review.
10. Presence of Other Utility Infrastructure in the Public Way: Permission to co-locate or traverse
existing infrastructure to install electric service will be needed from any pre-existing utilities such as
phone, cable, water, natural gas, railroad tracks, electric transmission towers, etc. It is National Grid’s
responsibility to seek this permission.
11. Weather Restrictions for National Grid Crews: All of National Grid’s work is “weather permitting.”
To protect our crews and to enable them to work safely, weather restrictions are in place which limit their
ability to perform work in light or heavy precipitation, or when the temperature is below 10 degrees F or
above 90 degrees F.
a. Overhead Crew Limitations: In light precipitation, National Grid’s overhead crews can perform
emergency work and regular work that is de-energized. If it starts to rain steadily while our
overhead crews are working, they will make the job site safe and restore any customers that
may be without power before concluding their work.
b. Underground Crews: Can work in light precipitation.
12. Town Approval: The ability for National Grid to begin construction of your project within your town
maybe impacted by the following:
a. City Council or Selectboard Hiatus: Towns often take a hiatus during summer months, so
fewer hearings (where petitions are approved by the town) occur during this timeframe.
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b. Paving moratoriums are often enacted by municipalities from mid-November to mid-April.
Special permission is required by the municipality to excavate in public streets during the
moratorium period. Additionally, if a street has been paved in the last 5 years, a community
may withhold permission from National Grid for digging in the street. It may be necessary for
National Grid to draft a “hardship letter” requesting the town to make an exception.
13. Utility Pole-Set Area: National Grid and Verizon share installation and ownership responsibilities for
utility poles across our mutual service area. If your project requires pole installations or upgrades, your
Customer Fulfillment Representative will inform you if National Grid or Verizon has the responsibility for
installing or upgrading the poles. If Verizon is responsible for setting the poles for your project, it is your
responsibility to arrange this work directly with Verizon. Please be aware that other utilities may charge
you separately for any work they perform on your project.
14. Site Preparation:
a. Sometimes trees need to be trimmed or removed to clear the way before new overhead poles
and wires can be installed. If the trees are located on private property, the property owner is
responsible for trimming the trees. If the trees are located in the public way, National Grid must
seek permission from the town for trimming or removing the trees.
b. If ledge is encountered on the property, additional time may be needed to remove it (rock drilling)
or design the electric service around it. If the ledge is located on private property, the property
owner is responsible for removal.If the ledge is located in the public way, National Grid must seek
permission from the town before working in the public way.
c. Environmental remediation may be required before our crews can safely enter and work in
manholes. For example, if sewer or another contaminant is leaking into a manhole, this must be
remediated before our crews can enter it. If private property needs to be remediated, the property
owner is responsible for the remediation. If property in the public way needs to be remediated,
National Grid must seek permission from the town before working in the public way.
15. Condition, Location, and Capacity of Existing Infrastructure: Depending on the needs of your new
service, National Grid’s “mainline” infrastructure, including substations, may need to be upgraded, so
that there is ample capacity to handle new electrical loads. If National Grid infrastructure is not in close
proximity to the location needing new service, new infrastructure must be extended a distance to reach
the new service point. These considerations can increase the scope, time and construction cost needed
to provide you service.
16. Material Availability: If special, non-stock, electrical equipment is needed for your project or if large
quantities of material are needed, these items may need to be special ordered and/or have a lead time
before they are available.
17. Planned Outages: Some of our construction work requires that National Grid take a power outage
(planned outage) in order to safely connect a new service. If a planned outage is required for your proj-
ect, it will add 2 to 4 weeks to the schedule so that any impacted customers can be notified in advance.
18. Municipal Inspection: We cannot energize your new service until we have received an approved
municipal inspection. The electrician installing the new service is responsible for requesting this
inspection by calling the town’s wiring inspector. The wiring inspector is then responsible for notifying
National Grid that the new service has passed inspection. This is often referred to as “calling in a wiring /
municipal inspection.”
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IV.
Additional Considerations That May Cause Delays
Service Complexity: Depending on the size and type of facility being served (e.g., strip mall, large industrial
park, office building, manufacturing facility,) and whether overhead or underground construction (or both) are
needed, more work and therefore more time may be required to engineer and build the service. If an existing
service is being upgraded, the main switch size must be evaluated by your electrical contractor to determine
whether it can accommodate additional electric load or whether a new (larger) main switch must be installed.
Time of Year: The time of year during which your project requires construction can impact how quickly we
can complete our work. Construction season is busiest in spring and summer. An “end of season” rush often
occurs in the fall, when developers look to complete projects prior to municipal paving moratoriums going
into effect (mid-November.)
Storms or Other Emergencies: Restoring power to our customers is the first priority for our crews during
storms or other emergencies, such as motor vehicle accidents. Regular customer work is typically suspended
until all power outages are restored. Live wires down or a fire are other emergency situations that require National
Grid crews to leave a worksite to respond immediately to ensure public safety. Occasionally, Massachusetts
crews are deployed to neighboring states to support emergency restoration efforts in those regions.
Dig Safe Considerations: In Massachusetts, Dig Safe must be contacted (dial 811) prior to any excavation.
Construction may not begin until 72 hours after Dig Safe is contacted and a Dig Safe number is issued. In
Massachusetts, construction work must start within 30 days from the date a Dig Safe number is issued. If
construction is not started within 30 days, the DigSafe number must be renewed. Dig Safe numbers are valid
indefinitely, provided that 1) the DigSafe marks are maintained, and 2) the work is continuous.
Distributed Generation (Solar / Wind / CHP): If your building will be partially served by solar panels, wind
turbines or combined heat and power units (CHP), special electrical protection requirements must be met
which will entail additional engineering and construction time.
Strikes/Work Stoppage: Since the utility work force (crews) is typically represented by labor unions, work
stoppages are possible, particularly near labor contract end dates.
7
V. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Status 10 / Preliminary Phase: Obtaining a Work Request from National Grid andproviding your detailed
power requirements to us
Q1: What is a Work Request?
Q2: How do I initiate a Work Request?
Q3: What if I don’t want to share my personal or account information for my contractor to get a
Work Request Number?
Q4: Who at National Grid will help guide me through the process?
Q5: What information will I need to provide for my Work Request to get started?
Q6: Why is an Easement needed?
Q7: What happens after I submit the Easement Information Form?
Q8: Where can I National Grid’s Specifications for Electric Installations?
Q9: What if I have solar, wind, or any other type of distributed generation in my project?
Status 20 to 40 / Design & Engineering: Designing your new electric service and determining the cost
of your project
Q10 What happens after I submit all requested information to National Grid?
Q11 Can I meet with National Grid to review my design?
Q12 I learned that my project requires a manhole survey. What does that mean?
Q13 What if I don’t have a survey plan in AutoCAD?
Q14 Why does my municipality have to approve the design of my project?
Q15 When can I expect the final design for my project to be completed?
Q16 Will I have to pay for the work required to install or upgrade my service?
Q17 Why do I have to pay National Grid for this construction work?
Q18 How is the cost of my project calculated?
Q19 What do National Grid’s construction costs include?
Q20 Why do I have to pay taxes as part of my construction costs?
Status 40, 50, 60 / Project pre-check, scheduling and construction: Building and energizing your new service
Q21 Why do I have to have work performed on my private property inspected by National Grid?
Q22 When will my project be scheduled for construction?
Q23 How long will it take National Grid to construct my new service?
Q24 Can I check the status of my project online?
Q25 Who provides the transformer for my new service?
Q26 When will my new service be energized?
Q27 What happens if I need to delay my project?
8
Answers to FAQs
Status 10 / Preliminary Phase: Obtaining a Work Request from National Grid and providing your
detailed power requirements to us
Q1 What is a Work Request?
A Work Request is the term that refers to your request for new or upgraded electric service from National
Grid. Each Work Request is assigned a unique number. The Work Request Number allows you and your
contractor to track your project’s progress when discussing it with National Grid. It is critical that you initiate
a Work Request as soon as possible to allow your project to be quickly & easily identified. Please keep your
Work Request Number available for all interactions to help expedite your project.
For projects that are in a speculative stage, an Investigation Work Request will be created to determine the
electric capacity/availability in a particular location.
Q2 How do I initiate a Work Request?
You or your electrician can initiate a Work Request either by calling National Grid or by completing an online
form as follows:
• Phone (Mon-Fri 7:00a.m to 4:00p.m): 1-800-375-7405 – please select option 2 for “upgrades or new
construction projects.”
• Online: An electronic copy of the form to request a new or upgraded service can be found at the
following link: https://www.nationalgridus.com/media/trade/ma-and-ri-new-electric-service-
request-form.pdf. Please email the completed form to workrequest@nationalgrid.com.
For security reasons, one of these pieces of information is required to initiate a Work Request:
• Your National Grid Customer Number
• The last 4 digits of your Social Security number
• Your National Grid Account Number
• Your business’ Federal Tax ID Number
Typically, you will receive a Work Request number after providing the necessary information to a National Grid
Work Request Initiation Representative. For online requests, a Work Request number will be issued one to
three days after the e-mail is received.
Q3 What if I don’t want to share my personal or account information for my contractor to get a
Work Request number?
If you do not wish to provide personal or account information with your contractor, you can obtain a Customer
Number to share as an alternative by calling National Grid Customer Fulfillment at 1-800-375-7405. In order
to get a Customer Number, you need to be an authorized person on the account, meaning that you will have
to verify the social security number or tax id number, mailing address and phone number associated with the
account. Your contractor can then use your Customer Number to initiate the Work Request as stated above.
Q4 Who at National Grid will help guide me through the process?
A National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative (CF Rep) will be assigned to work with you through the
lifecycle of your project. They will provide you with their name, email, telephone number, etc.
Q5 What information will I need to provide for my Work Request to get started?
Once your Work Request Number has been issued, a National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative
will contact you to determine your project needs and will send you a Proposal for Electrical Service package
(PES). The following forms must be completed and returned to National Grid in order for your Work Request
to start:
9
• Customer & Load Information Form - Please fill out this form accurately and completely in order to
avoid unnecessary delays to your project or plans. National Grid needs this information to design and
build an electric system to meet your power requirements.
• Easement Information Form - Many new service installations or upgrades require that we install our
equipment on private property. The Easement Information form provides National Grid with the property
owner’s contact information and deed references so that a Grant of Easement can be drafted to authorize
our equipment installation. Please include your phone number(s), email address and provide a copy of
your property deed and stamped site plan when completing this form.
• An electronic copy of a municipality approved Stamped Site Plan – CAD file (.dwg format –
AutoCAD 2010 or older) may be required by certain municipalities. If one is required, it must show the
parcel’s topography, paved areas, property lines, public ways and underground water/sewer/gas piping.
The electronic copy of the site plan will be used by National Grid to design your new electric service.
• A one line diagram indicating the main switch size andnumber of meters - A One-line Diagram is
needed so that National Grid can adequately size the new or upgraded service.
• Order of Conditions or Notice of Intent – This documentation indicates whether any environmental
issues exist on the property or a notice of intent for a subdivision exists. It is required by National Grid so
that we can ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.
• Meter Socket Labeling – If multiple meters exist at a location, please provide a list of how the meter
sockets will be labeled for each premise for future identification purposes.
Q6 Why is an Easement needed?
An easement (or officially a “Grant of Easement”) may be required from the property owner, at no cost to
National Grid, so that National Grid can construct, install and maintain our equipment on private property.
Q7 What happens after I submit the Easement Information form?
National Grid’s Real Estate Department will draft a Grant of Easement for the property owner to execute (sign)
and will include the Real Estate representative’s name along with detailed handling instructions. Before the
project can be scheduled for construction, the original Grant of Easement must be returned to National Grid
for recording at the Registry of Deeds.
Q8 Where can I find National Grid’s Specifications for Electric Installations?
Note the following weblinks:
• Specifications for Electrical Installations:
<https://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_constr_esb750.pdf>
• Electrical Specification Errata and Revisions:
<https://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/constr_errata.pdf>
• Underground Residential Development (URD) Installation & Responsibility Guide:
<https://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_constr_esb759A.pdf>
• Underground Commercial Development (UCD) Installation & Responsibility Guide:
<https://www.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_constr_esb759B.pdf>
Hard copies of any of the above listed documents can be obtained from your assigned National Grid
Customer Fulfillment Representative.
Q9 What if I have solar, wind or any other type of distributed generation in my project?
Refer to our website dedicated to distributed generation:
https://www9.nationalgridus.com/masselectric/home/energyeff/distributed_generation.asp
You may also send any specific questions on DG projects to Distributed.Generation@nationalgrid.com.
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Emails received at this address are responded to daily by our Distributed Generation specialists.
Another helpful reference on DG:
Supplement to Specifications for Electrical Installations – Requirement for Parallel Generation Connected to a
National Grid owned EPS (Electric Power System) Electric System Bulletin No.756
https://www9.nationalgridus.com/non_html/shared_constr_esb756.pdf
Status 20 to 40 / Design and Engineering: Designing your new electric service and determining the
cost of your project
Q10 What happens after I submit all requested information to National Grid?
Once all required information has been received by your Customer Fulfillment Representative, you will be
assigned a National Grid Design Investigator who will contact you to discuss your electrical service. Some
requests for new electric service qualify for the “National Grid Connects” program. For these simple services
or service upgrades, no engineering or designing is required.
Your National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative will tell you if your project qualifies for the “National
Grid Connects” program.
Q11 Can I meet with National Grid to review my design?
Your National Grid designer will contact you to schedule a “site meeting.” During the initial site meeting, your
responsibilities as well as National Grid’s responsibilities will be outlined. While a preliminary design may be
discussed at this meeting, further investigation (e.g., a “manhole survey”) is typically needed before a design
can be completed. Site meetings are a critical step in the process for exchanging the necessary information
that will enable your project to be designed and constructed. Therefore, we strongly recommend that your
electrician and any other decision makers for your project (such as your builder or contractor) attend these
meetings. This will help the National Grid Designer understand any unique aspects of your project. Having all
decision makers at this initial meeting will help your project to be designed correctly the first time.
Depending upon the complexity of the project, multiple site meetings may be required to discuss the project
design. These meetings will help our Designer to create the best design for the project and are an opportunity
for you to ask any project related questions.
Q12 I learned that my project requires a “manhole survey.” What does that mean?
National Grid may need to conduct a survey of any manholes near the location of your project to determine
whether our existing underground infrastructure can accommodate your project needs. In some cases, the
existing infrastructure must be upgraded to accommodate more or larger cabling or equipment. If a manhole
survey is necessary, it must be completed before the Design Engineer can design your new electric service.
Q13 What if I don’t have a survey plan in AutoCAD?
If you do not have a surveyed plan in AutoCAD or if the construction work required in the public way extends
beyond the surveyed area, National Grid will commission a civil survey to draft an AutoCAD file. Please note
that a civil survey of the area will add extra design time to the project.
Q14 Why does my municipality have to approve the design of my project?
All Departments of Public Works (DPWs) have jurisdiction over their town’s public ways. Therefore, if the
design of your project requires underground infrastructure to be installed in the public way, then National Grid
must submit a Proposed Plan to the Department of Public Works (DPW) for their approval. The DPW may
approve the plan as is or they may require changes to the plan. Once the DPW approves the Proposed Plan,
National Grid must then file a petition and request a hearing with the City Council or Town’s Board of
Selectmen for final approval and permission to dig in the public way.
Q15 When can I expect the final design for my project to be completed?
Your National Grid Designer will give you an estimated timeframe for completing the design of your new
service. The timeframe is typically proportional to the complexity of your project and dependent on a number
of factors, for example:
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• Whether a manhole survey is required
• Whether the local DPW must approve any work required in the public way
• Whether easements are required for any electrical equipment to be installed on private property
Once the project has been designed and all pre-construction requirements have been completed, you will
receive your final design.
Q16 Will I have to pay for the work required to install or upgrade my service?
Your National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative will determine if you need to contribute to the cost of
construction for your new service. The cost for National Grid to construct your new service will be evaluated
along with the additional distribution revenue we expect to receive as determined by your electrical loads.
You will be given a credit for any incremental distribution revenue that is generated.
If you pay in advance for an Engineering Study (only for highly complex services), this fee will also be credited
toward any applicable construction advance.
Note that National Grid’s costs do not include any electrical work that may be required inside the building on the
customer’s side of the electric meter.
Q17 Why do I have to pay for this construction work?
National Grid, like all other investor owned utilities in Massachusetts, is regulated by the Department of Public
Utilities (DPU). To maintain the lowest possible electric distribution rates, the MA DPU approved electric rates do
not include the costs for customers to install new or upgraded electric services.
Q18 How is the cost of my project calculated?
National Grid uses a formula approved by the MA DPU to determine if a customer must contribute towards
their construction costs. Factors in the formula include National Grid’s estimated construction cost; any
additional annual distribution revenue that is expected as a result of the new service/service upgrade, as well
as any associated tax liabilities. Because each job is unique, customer costs will vary. A “construction advance”
(i.e., payment from the customer in advance of construction) is needed when the investment that National Grid
is making to serve a project exceeds the revenue expected from the project.
Q19 What do National Grid’s construction costs include?
Construction costs include labor and materials, equipment installation and/or removal, operations and
maintenance, as well as associated taxes.
Q20 Why do I have to pay taxes as part of my construction costs?
The Internal Revenue Service has determined that any “Contribution In Aid Of Construction” (CIAC) paid to
an investor-owned utility such as National Grid is considered income and is therefore taxable. The amount
of income tax that National Grid will be required to pay on any CIAC associated with your project is calculated
using an annual tax factor provided by the IRS. This tax is collected as part of the customer’s payment in
advance of construction, as required by the MA Department of Public Utilities (DPU.)
Additionally, if your project requires you to install new civil infrastructure on private property (such as a concrete
ductbank and/or transformer foundation), you will also need to pay what’s known as “tax on donated property.”
Although this infrastructure is not installed by National Grid, it ultimately is “donated” by the customer to
National Grid, who then owns and maintains the infrastructure after the new service is energized. Donated
property is considered income to the recipient (National Grid) and is therefore taxable. The same rules apply
as above – National Grid is required to collect this tax as part of the construction advance.
Please note that these tax policies apply to all customers including tax-exempt organizations such as
municipalities.
Status 40, 50, 60 / Project precheck, scheduling and construction: Building and energizing your new service
Q21 Why do I have to have work performed on my private property inspected by National Grid?
A National Grid trench inspector will be assigned to your project to ensure all electric trenches and transformer
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foundations installed on your property adhere to National Grid’s installation requirements, since National Grid
will be responsible for owning and maintaining this infrastructure once the new service has been energized.
Please call 1-800-375-7405 to coordinate all required trench, transformer foundation, and ground grid
inspections. National Grid requires a minimum of three days’ notice to schedule inspection(s).
Q22 When will my project be scheduled for construction?
Your project will be placed on National Grid’s construction schedule after we receive your signed Service
Agreement, executed (signed) Grant of Easement, and any required payment. We are not able to schedule a
project for construction until all thre of these items are received.
Prior to construction, a National Grid Operations Supervisor will “pre-check” the site to ensure construction
readiness. This pre-check is required to avoid potential unsafe conditions and to ensure the job is ready for
National Grid crews to begin their work.
Q23 How long will it take for National Grid to construct my new service?
National Grid will always make every effort to complete your project in the minimum amount of time possible;
however, construction duration varies by job scope and complexity. It should be noted that complex
construction projects can take up to 40 weeks or longer to complete.
We advise customers to check in regularly with their National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative for
timeline updates.
Q24 Can I check the status of my project online?
National Grid does not currently offer an automated method to enable you to check on your project status;
however, we are in the process of developing one. Until an automated method is available, please check in
regularly with your assigned National Grid Customer Fulfillment Representative for status updates and to
ensure that we have everything needed to keep your project moving forward.
Q25 Who provides the transformer for my new service?
National Grid will deliver a transformer to your site when your transformer foundation is ready and your
electrician is ready to install secondary cable. If the design plan calls for one or more utility poles to be
installed, National Grid will set the pole(s) also. If the design calls for utility poles to be installed in a Verizon
set area, National Grid will notify Verizon that this work is required.
Q26 When will my new service be energized?
Your service will be energized by National Grid once the Municipal Wiring Inspection approval has been received.
Local building codes require licensed electrical contractors to perform all building electric work. Licensed
electrical contractors are expected to initiate permits and have their work inspected by the Municipal Wiring
Inspector. Once your secondary cable and internal electrical service work have been completed, your electrician
will request an inspection from your local municipality’s Wiring Inspector. Once the Municipal Inspector
inspects the newly installed service components, they will contact National Grid to confirm that the service
can be energized.
National Grid must receive inspection approval directly from the Municipal Wiring Inspector prior to energizing
the electric service. These inspection and certification requirements are to ensure the safety of your service.
Once you or your electrician know that the Municipal Wiring Inspection has been approved for your service,
please call National Grid at 1-800-375-7405 to confirm that we have received authorization directly from the
Municipal Inspector.
Q27 What happens if I need to delay my project?
If for any reason you cannot start your project within one year of initiating a Work Request with National Grid,
you may cancel it. If you want to reinitiate a project, you need to apply for a new Work Request again and the
same process would start from the beginning. Additionally, if a customer’s Work Request is inactive for more
than 6 months, National Grid reserves the right to cancel it.
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VI. Construction Definitions
Definitions of Terms Used for National Grid’s Complex Construction Process
1. Bollards: Concrete filled pipes that are installed to protect National Grid equipment such as padmounted
transformers and switchgears from vehicular damage. National Grid will determine the number, type (e.g.,
galvanized or steel), and location of bollards taking into account the equipment’s proximity to traffic and
buildings, etc.
2. CAD (Computer Aided Design) file: Some municipalities require developers requesting new electric
services to provide an AutoCAD-compatible digital drawing file (.dwg file format) known as a “CAD file.”
This electronic drawing should indicate where property lines are located, the topography of the parcel, any
paved areas, sidewalks, public ways as well as any underground water, sewer, drainage, electric, and other
utilities for the property or area requesting new electric service. The CAD file is also used by National Grid to
design and lay out the infrastructure required to provide the new service.
3. Civil work or civil construction: Work performed to install any underground infrastructure, such as conduit,
ductbanks, manholes, etc. If civil work is performed on private property, the property owner is responsible
for performing the work. National Grid is responsible for performing civil work in the public way. Once civil
work has been completed, National Grid is responsible for installing the electric cable into the civil infrastruc-
ture whether it is located on private property or in the public way.
4. Civil survey (or land survey): A field survey performed by National Grid to view all utilities located within the
public way, both above and below ground. The survey is performed to determine the location of utilities in
relation to road access, property lines, buildings, and other features. The survey results are digitized into an
AutoCAD file (.dwg file format) by a licensed surveyor to assist National Grid’s engineering, legal, real
estate, permitting, and operations personnel in designing new services. In some municipalities, National Grid
is required to provide a surveyed design showing all utilities before the town will grant National Grid permission
to work in a public roadway.
5. Contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) or construction advance: The customer payment required to
cover National Grid’s construction costs after a credit is given based on the additional annual electric usage
from their new or upgraded service (distribution revenues only). This payment is also known as a “Construction
Advance” as the customer is required to pay the CIAC in full before construction can begin. Note that this
payment is only for work to be performed by National Grid and does not include the cost of any service
work that may be required on the customer’s side of the electric meter.
6. Crew: the naming convention for the vehicle and personnel that are dispatched to install, maintain or per-
form work on National Grid’s infrastructure (e.g., overhead, underground, line, tree, contractor.)
7. Customer Fulfillment: The name of the department at National Grid that has responsibility for managing
customer requests for new or upgraded electric services. Customer Fulfillment Representatives (aka “CF
Reps”) are the National Grid employees who work with external customers, electricians, builders, developers,
etc. to progress their requests for service from initiation to completion.
8. Customer: The entity who receives or is looking to receive electric service from National Grid. The customer
will eventually be the monthly bill recipient. Customers may hire an agent/contractor to coordinate the electric
service on the customer’s behalf.
9. Design engineer or design investigator or designer: The person from National Grid that designs your
new electric service or service upgrade.
10. DPU or Department of Public Utilities: The MA DPU is responsible for the oversight of investor-owned
electric power and natural gas utilities such as National Grid. The DPU approves National Grid’s rate tariffs
and construction policies. The mission of the DPU is to ensure that utility consumers are provided with the
most reliable service at the lowest possible cost.
11. Demo request: A request for National Grid to disconnect an existing electric service so that the facility
which it is serving can be demolished. A Demo Request must be made separately from any other
Work Request.
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12. Design fee: A fee that is charged by National Grid to perform an Engineering Study to evaluate service
options prior to a customer committing to moving forward with a project and applying for a Work Request.
If the customer moves forward with a Work Request, the design fee is credited towards any construction
cost for the new service.
13. DigSafe: Calling DigSafe (x811) is a state law and therefore a requirement for anyone who is digging or
excavating on property. When a DigSafe is “called in”, participating utility companies are notified that
someone plans to dig in a particular area. In turn, the utilities (or contractors working on their behalves)
respond by marking the location of their underground facilities which are in the area where the digging will
take place. Since the depth of utility lines varies, multiple utility lines may be in or near the area to be
excavated. Calling 811 will help to avoid utility service disruptions and ensure the safety of those digging,
as well as avoid any fines and repair costs.
14. Distributed generation (DG): On site generation that is an alternative source of power such as solar
panels, wind turbines or combined heat and power (CHP) units.
15. Ductbank: Typically 2 or more conduits buried in a trench or located in concrete encased housing for the
purpose of running underground electric cable.
16. Easement (or “Grant of Easement”): A legal document granting National Grid the rights to construct,
install, maintain and access its equipment on a customer’s private property. Your project’s service may
include underground and/or overhead equipment such as manholes, conduits, cables, utility poles and
overhead wire. The Grant of Easement must be executed (signed) by the property owner and returned to
National Grid. National Grid cannot schedule nor perform work on private property until an easement (i.e.,
permission) is granted by the property owner.
17. Easement Information Form: Customers requesting electric service from National Grid must complete and
return an “Easement Information Form” to National Grid. This Form requests information about the private
property on which the new electric service will be built so that National Grid can draft a “Grant of Easement”
for the property owner to sign.
18. Engineering study: A study performed by National Grid to review the impact that the proposed installation of a
new electric service will have on the electric distribution system. Studies are typically needed only for larger
and/or more complex services. If a study is needed, the customer is responsible for paying the study costs
(aka “Design Fee”) in advance. If the customer moves forward with a request for service once the study has
been completed, the customer’s engineering study payment (Design Fee) will be applied towards the
construction cost of the new service.
19. Feeder: Another name for a primary high voltage electrical circuit
20. Field check (aka “pre-check”): A site visit by National Grid crews to check field conditions prior to
beginning any construction.
21. Foundation: A rectangular concrete structure, also called a “pad,” that is designed to support large
transformers and switch gears. If a foundation is required on private property, the customer is responsible
for building the foundation to National Grid’s specifications.
22. Ground Grid: This is electrical grounding that is located in the earth around electrical equipment such as
padmount transformers, switchgear manholes, etc. and built to National Grid’s Specifications. The purpose
of a ground grid is to provide a safe, low-resistance alternate path to earth for electrical equipment during
normal or fault conditions.
23. High Tension: Refers to electrical cable that can operate at high voltage. The abbreviation “HT” is used
when referring to certain National Grid underground circuits, particularly in the City of Worcester.
24. Invoice: Paperwork issued from National Grid’s billing operation in Syracuse, NY, for any customer payment
(CIAC) required. The full CIAC Payment shown on the invoice must be received before construction can be
scheduled.
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25. Job status (aka “Work Request Status”): The “status” of a job or Work Request indicates how far along
the job has progressed from start to completion.
Status 10 – Preliminary Phase
Status 20 – Design / Engineering
Status 40 – Pre Construction
Status 50 – Scheduling
Status 60 – Construction
26. Loads (short for “electric loads”): In order to provide enough electricity for your new service, we need
to understand what electrical equipment will be installed in your facility. The “load” refers to how much
power is consumed by each piece of electrical equipment that will be installed. Loads are generally broken
down into categories such as lighting, general heating, water heating, cooling/air conditioning, motors,
elevators, air compressors, welding, office equipment and miscellaneous. In particular, we need to know
if any “non-standard” electrical equipment will be installed, such as industrial welders, or any other type of
manufacturing equipment that may draw a lot of electricity in a short amount of time. Your electrician or
electrical contractor will be familiar with this term and is typically the one who will provide the load
information to National Grid.
27. Main switch size: This indicates the size of the electrical service to a facility as measured in amperes (or
“amps.”) For example, the main switch size for a typical residential service is “200 amps.” If the premise
has multiple meters (e.g., an apartment complex), the main switch size would be for the entire structure,
not just an individual unit.
28. Mainline infrastructure: A utility’s primary electrical infrastructure that begins at a substation and that dis-
tributes electricity along “feeders” to smaller branches known as “side taps.”
29. Manhole: A structure typically located in a street and through which National Grid workers safely access
various company assets that are located underground for the purpose of installing new equipment or main-
taining/repairing existing infrastructure.
30. Manhole survey: A manhole survey is performed to assess the existing conditions within a manhole to
determine if it can be used to provide additional electric service. The crew performing the survey will record
construction features, include any incoming and outgoing conduits available for use in the manhole as well
as existing underground cable condition and the size of the manhole, etc.
31. Mat & Fence: A type of substation design on private property that includes a concrete transformer
foundation (or “mat”) and is surrounded by a fence. This is an older substation design that is still
maintained by National Grid but is no longer used for new construction.
32. Meter or electric meter: a device owned by the electric utility and typically installed on the side of a
building or on a transformer to measure the amount of electricity used within that facility.
33. Moratorium: A suspension of construction activity dictated by a city or town typically during the winter
season when construction in the public way is more difficult.
34. Municipal wiring inspection (aka “muni inspection” or “wiring inspection”): The final inspection
required by National Grid prior to energizing a new service. Municipal Inspectors that work for the town are
responsible for ensuring that the new wiring on the customer’s side of the electric meter complies with all
applicable codes and Company requirements.
35. Network service: A highly reliable electric service featuring multiple interconnected supply sources. “Spot”
networks are used in buildings with heavy energy use and feature redundant sources of power. Networks
are typically found in metropolitan, urban or downtown areas. Given the redundant and therefore highly
reliable nature of a network service, it is typically more expensive and takes longer to build than a standard
“radial” service. Depending on complexity, a network service could take 12 months or more to build. Refer
also to the definition for “Vault.”
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36. Non-standard Service: Cost of work and/or facilities required in excess of those which are necessary to
meet the customer’s electric distribution service requirements.
37. One-line (or “1-line”) diagram: An engineering diagram that uses lines and symbols to indicate the path and
components of an electrical circuit.
38. Order of conditions: A type of permit issued by a city or town’s local Conservation Commission which
regulates all work to be performed in any area that is under their jurisdiction. This is a very restrictive
permit designed to protect the environment and is issued in accordance with the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act.
39. Overhead construction: Construction that is located above ground and features equipment attached to
wood utility poles. This equipment may include high voltage wire (>480Volts), low voltage wire (<480 volts),
cross arms and other pole mounted equipment such as insulators, overhead transformers, fuses, switches,
capacitors, streetlights, etc. – all installed as part of the electric distribution system that delivers power to
homes and businesses.
40. Planned outage (or scheduled outage): A power outage that is scheduled by National Grid in order
to install new infrastructure or to maintain existing equipment. National Grid is required to notify affected
customers in writing seven days prior to a planned outage in order to allow them time to prepare for the
inconvenience. Planned outages can last between four and 12 hours. The notification sent to impacted
customers will indicate how long the planned outage will last, as well as alternate dates in the event of
bad weather.
41. Pole petition: Before a new pole is set on public/City/Town property, National Grid applies for permission to
set the pole from the City Council or Town Board of Selectmen. An approved pole petition ensures that the
new poles are installed in accordance with the City or Town’s public requirements.
42. Pole set area: National Grid and Verizon jointly own the vast majority of utility poles. National Grid has
primary responsibility for installation and maintenance in some communities while Verizon has that responsibility
in other communities. In some cases, National Grid and Verizon each are responsible for different areas within
the same community. These communities/areas where National Grid and Verizon are the primary pole custodians
are referred to as “pole set areas.” The custodian for each municipality (e.g., either National Grid or Verizon) has
the responsibility for setting and maintaining the utility poles within their “pole set area.”
43. Policy 3: National Grid’s Line Extension Policy which applies to complex electric services for commercial and
industrial customers. This policy explains how the customer’s cost for a new service (if one is required)
is calculated. It should be noted that the policy also explains the circumstances by which the customer can
request that National Grid determine if a refund of all or a portion of the original customer payment is warranted.
44. Pre-check: A site visit by National Grid crews to check field conditions prior to beginning any construction.
45. Primary cable: Primary cable is high voltage cable (greater than 600 volts) that extends within National Grid’s
distribution system to the transformer that ultimately feeds the building’s secondary cables. Primary under-
ground cable is typically installed in underground conduit.
46. Proposal for Electric Service (PES) package: This package outlines all information a customer is required
to provide so that National Grid can design and construct the new electric service.
47. Public way: Any street or highway that is open to the public and is controlled and maintained by some level
of government. This includes, for example, interstate and state highways and municipal roads and streets.
48. Pulling cable (or “installing cable”): This is a term that is used to describe the installation of electric cable
within underground infrastructure (e.g, conduit, manholes, etc.) When existing conduit and manhole
infrastructure is utilized, older cable may need to be removed (“pulled out”) before the new or upgraded
cable is installed (“pulled in.”)
49. Revenue Justification: National Grid uses a formula approved by the MA DPU to determine if a customer
must contribute towards their construction costs. One of the factors in the formula accounts for any
additional annual distribution revenue that is expected as a result of the new service/service upgrade.
The application of this factor is called “revenue justification.”
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50. Right of way (or “R-O-W”): A right to pass across another’s land, whether by law or by convention, by foot,
by vehicle, etc. A right of way may be a specific grant of land or an “easement.” One common
example of a “right of way” is the area underneath a utility’s large transmission towers.
51. Riser pole: A wood utility pole which holds the infrastructure for an underground service. Electric cables
extend from the top of a “riser pole” through a long metal casing attached to the side of the pole and then
continue underground to the service point. Riser poles can typically be identified by this long metal casing.
52. Secondary cable: Secondary cable is the cable that is installed by the customer or customer’s contractor
from the facility taking service to the transformer location.
53. Service agreement: Establishes the terms and conditions of the electric service as well as the entity responsible
for paying the monthly electric bill once service is established.
54. Service point (or “point of demarcation”): the point where the utility’s wiring ends and the customer’s
wiring begins.
55. Service upgrade: Any change to the customer’s existing internal building wiring.
56. Siphon service: Electric service that travels down a wood pole into conduit and continues underground to a
customer’s building or to a padmount transformer.
57. Site plan: Construction plans that are stamped by a Professional Engineer and approved by the municipality.
58. Step zero: A term used to indicate the status of new projects large enough to require attention and planning
before a Work Request is issued. Since it is prior to the first step of the process of having a Work Request
issued, it is called “Step Zero.”
59. Subordination agreement: A Subordination Agreement is requested of all property owners who have
outstanding mortgages and who are having an underground electric system installed that will be owned and
maintained by National Grid. It is a legal document which states that the mortgage company agrees to take
the National Grid Easement as first in line. The Easement is treated as though National Grid had obtained its
“Easement Rights” prior to the mortgage holder obtaining its “Mortgage Rights”. It offers National Grid more
protection in the event of a foreclosure on the property. It is not likely that a mortgage holder would request
National Grid to remove electric equipment (in the event of foreclosure), but legally they could.
60. Switchgear: A large green metal box containing multiple power sources and devices that allow National Grid
workers to “switch” or reroute the power flow from one set of underground cables to another during power
outages or while performing system maintenance work. Switchgears are often located near or in
parking lots and are protected by yellow concrete bollards.
61. System improvement: This term refers to National Grid work that is associated with increasing the capacity
or reliability of the electrical distribution system. It is work performed over and above the work required to
provide service to the customer. The cost for system improvement is National Grid’s investment and is not
included in the customer’s construction costs.
62. Temporary (or “Temp”) Service: An electric service that is installed on a temporary basis until the
permanent electric service can be built. For example, a temp service is often a small 100 amp 120/240 volt
overhead electric service constructed relatively quickly as an interim solution for getting power to a facility
until the desired permanent electric service can be installed. A temp service requires its own Work Request
number (separate from the Work Request number for the permanent service). Fees for temp services are
also separate from any construction advance costs for the permanent service and must be paid prior to
being energized. Temp services are typically disconnected and removed once the permanent service has
been installed.
63. Transformer: An electrical device used to transform high voltage into a lower voltage for use by customers.
Overhead transformers are typically large silver metal “cans” mounted at the top of utility poles. Underground
or padmounted transformers are typically large green metal “boxes” that sit on concrete foundations. Like
switchgears, padmounted transformers are often located in parking lots or near the facility they are serving
and are protected by yellow concrete bollards installed by the customer.
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64. Trench Inspection: An inspection performed by a qualified and trained National Grid employee
(“Trench Inspector”) to approve civil work being performed by the customer on private property. Civil work
on private property needs to be performed to National Grid’s standards and approved at various stages of
the installation. This work may include the digging a trench, installation of underground conduit / ductbank,
hand holes, pull-boxes, duct-structure, manholes, transformer foundations, etc. It is mandatory that any
trench, conduit or vault installation and all other customer civil work be inspected & approved by a National
Grid Trench Inspector prior to being backfilled. New underground electric services cannot be installed
and energized until the concrete encased duct bank constructed to house the cables is covered and the
trench backfilled.
65. Twins: This term refers to a temporary, overhead, electrical cable arrangement used for restoring power
to an electric service that is out due to an underground cable failure. This practice has been discontinued
as it no longer meets National Electric Safety Code (NESC) requirements.
66. Underground construction: Construction that is performed and located underground, typically in
manholes, underground conduit and/or underground vaults. Underground construction activities often
include “pulling” and splicing cable, installing padmount transformers and switchgear, and network vault
construction.
67. Vault (aka “network vault” or “transformer vault”): A large room which houses transformers and other
electric infrastructure to provide network service. A vault can be free-standing or integral to a building and
can be located either above or below ground. Vaults are installed and owned by the customer and must be
constructed to National Grid standards. The customer is responsible for owning and maintaining the vault
structure once it is built. National Grid installs, owns, and maintains the electrical equipment housed within
the vault. Since vaults are typically located on private property, the property owner is responsible for executing
a vault easement with National Grid. A vault easement will allow National Grid to access the vault for the
purpose of maintaining the electrical equipment in it. Refer also to the definition for “Network Service.”
68. Work Request (WR): A customer initiates a Work Request to commence the design and construction of
an electric service. It is the critical first step in the process to get a new electric service or service upgrade.
The order number assigned to the Work Request (WR #) is used to track the job through the company’s
work management system. An Investigation Work Request is a request to determine electrical capacity/
availability in a particular location before a customer decides to move forward with a project.
Applications for New or Upgraded Service can be found at the following URLs:
New Service
http://usinfonetcd/sites/EDOG_Dist_Support/customer_order_fulfillment/COF_support_Aids/NE%20
Electric%20Service%20Request%20Form-%20N20Service.pdf
Upgraded Service
http://usinfonetcd/sites/EDOG_Dist_Support/customer_order_fulfillment/COF_support_Aids/NE%20
Electric%20Service%20Request%20Form-%20Upgrade.pdf
Load Sheet
Completely fill out this form otherwise this will delay your project
National Grid uses the provided loads to design & construct the requested electrical system
WORK REQUEST #
Customer Information
COMPANY NAME CONTACT NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
SERVICE ADDRESS
TELEPHONE # E-MAIL
ELECTRICIAN NAME TELEPHONE #
Load Information
Fill section below with new load for any 3ph service or 1ph greater than 200 amps
For each line below provide connected load in Total kW or HP (do not duplicate
)
Note: If there are multiple buildings, please submit a separate Load Sheet for each.
SERVICE SIZE
amps volts phase
SQUARE FOOTAGE*
*Square Footage is requ
ired to size service correctly
**Complete next page w/ NEMA code for 3 ph motors >15 HP
& 1 ph motors > 5 HP
Job Description
Equipment Type
kW
Usage
INSIDE LIGHTING
for
hrs/year
OUTSIDE LIGHTING
for
hrs/year
ELECTRIC HEATING
for
hrs/year
AIR CONDITIONING
for
hrs/year
WATER HEATING
for
hrs/year
REFRIGERATION
for
hrs/year
Additional Equipment
kW
# of
Units
Usage
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
Motors**
HP
# of
Units
Usage
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
for
hrs/year
Total Connected Load
kW
Total Diversified Load
kW
20
Street
Town/City, State
Zip Code
Street
Town/City, State
Zip Code
Motor Data Sheet
Completely fill out and submit this form for each new motor either 3ph > 15 HP or 1ph > 5 HP
If this data is not provided this will delay your project
MOTOR DATA
Largest Use
HP
Rated Volt Phase Site Installation Rated P.F. Locked Rotor Code Letter Start Under Load?
V
1 3 New In use Yes No
MOTOR OPERATION
Type of Use
Peak Use
Permanent Seasonal Temp
Summer Winter Day Night Other:
Starts/Unit Dips/Unit Starter if Used
per
per
Auto Manual 80% Tap 65% Tap Other:
Applied Volt Remarks/Further Description of operation, motor starting or in-rush current surges
V
WELDER DATA
Largest Used for
kVa max. input when sec. term. are short circuited
Rated Pri Volt Phase Site Installation Rated P.F. Other welders on site?
V
1 3 New In Use Yes No
WELDER OPERATION
Type of Use
Peak Use
Permanent Seasonal Temp
Summer Winter Day Night Other:
Welds/Unit Length of Use Basic Operational Use
per
per weld
Production Intermittent Occasional Other
Applied Volt Duty Cycle Remarks/Further Description
V
% @
kVa
CUSTOMER OPERATING LIMITATION
T
he % of regulation allowed for a range of to starts/welds per or a range of to dips per is:
Starts/Welds Dips
ALLOWED CALCULATED ALLOWED CALCULATED LIMITATION REQUIRED
STATION
% % % %
AMPS @
VOLTS
FEEDER
% % % %
AMPS @
VOLTS
CUSTOMER
% % % %
AMPS @
VOLTS
CUSTOMER OPERATING LIMITATION
Check here if additional
motor data attached
An inrush limitation of AMPS @ V shall apply to this customer. This limitation shall apply to the starting of one or more
motors, and/or the operation of one or more welders simultaneously. The customer will be responsible for remedial measures
should the operation of the motors or welders create disturbances to other customers.
Notes: Momentary fluctuation of the circuit voltage occurs each time a motor is started on the circuit. Where this affect is pronounced, the Customer or other customers served from the
same system may observe a visual disturbance or lighting flicker. To suppress objectionable voltage variations and maintain proper service to the Customer and their neighbors, it is
necessary to set a maximum permissible limit to the current draw from the service during each step of a motor-starting operation based upon the frequency of starts. These limits are
designed to cover typical cases and the company gives no warranty that particular conditions may not later require a change.
The specific motor-starting current limitations furnished by the company means the maximum allowable increase in current on the line side of the motor-starting device at any
instant during the starting operation. This limitation does not restrict the total current that can be taken by the motor, but may require that this total be built up gradually, or in steps during
starting. Where a step-type starter is used, an appreciable time must be allowed on each step and the current increase of each step shall not exceed the imposed limitation. Close
transition between starting steps is required. When motors are started as groups instead of individually, the current limitations apply to the group and not the individual motors.
2
1
NE Easement Information Form 05/21/2015 Revision 1
WORK REQUEST #: ____________________
This portion to be completed by a National Grid Representative
Massachusetts Electric Co.
Narragansett Electric Co.
Nantucket Electric Co.
Boston Gas Co.
Colonial Gas Co. Energy
North Natural Gas
Essex Gas Co.
Check those that apply: OH (jointly owned) OH (solely owned) OH & UG Electric
UG Electric URD Electric Padmount transformer only GAS UG GAS URD
NG Engineer’s Name: __________________________________ GAS _____________________________________ ELECTRIC
NG Engineer’s Phone: __________________________________ GAS _____________________________________ ELECTRIC
NEW ENGLAND EASEMENT INFORMATION FORM
Property Owner Name(s):
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Property Owner E-Mail:
______________________________________________________________________________
Property Owner Mailing Address:
Street Address: ______________________ City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: __________
Property Address of Easement:
Street Address: ______________________ City: ______________ State: ____ Zip: __________
Customer Contact Person:
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Daytime Phone #: _________________________ Cell Phone #: _________________________
Please complete ALL of the sections below so that we may prepare an easement for your
signature. Do not leave any section unanswered. If a section does not apply to you, simply
put “n/a” on that line. Incorrect or incomplete information will delay service installation.
* * * * * *
You, the customer, are required to provide all the easement rights that National Grid deems
necessary to install your electric/gas service, including any easement rights which must be
acquired from others, at no cost to National Grid.
2
2
Provide us with a RECORDED copy of the PRESENT owner’s deed - Book: _______ Page: _______
If multiple deeds make up the whole parcel, please include all deeds.
If registered land, please include a copy of the Land Court Certificate of Title - Number: _______
If the Property Owner is a (1)Corporation, or (2)Trust, or (3)Partnership, or (4)Limited Liability
Company(LLC), please provide the following, as applicable:
(1) Corporation
**
President’s Name: ____________________ and Treasurer’s Name: ______________________
OR
Vice Pres.’s Name: _____________________ and Asst. Treas.’s Name: ___________________
** If neither “Name Combination” is available, the person(s) signing the easement must have a “Corporate Vote” authorizing them
to sign on behalf of the Corporation.
(2) Trust - Number of Trustees: ____ Name of Trust: ___________________________________
Trustee(s):_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(3) Partnership - Number of Partners: ____
Name(s):______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(4) LLC - Authorization to Sign:
Manager(s):____________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
____ Provide us with an approved “Subdivision Plan”
Plan Book #: ______________ Plan #: ______________ Dated: __________________________
If no recorded subdivision Plan, please include the following information:
Assessor’s Map #: _______________ Block #: ______________ Lot #: _____________
Is your property mortgaged? YES
NO
If “YES”, please complete this section:
Name of Bank/Company/Person holding mortgage(s): __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Date and recording information of mortgage(s):
Date: _____________ County Recorded: _____________ Book #: _____ Page #: _____
Additional Comments:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
NE Easement Information Form 05/21/2015 Revision 1
2
3
Date: Done: Task:
4
Submit a Work Request via the internet, by fax or by phone
Web: https://www.nationalgridus.com
Email: workrequest@nationalgrid.com
Phone: 1-800-375-7405 Fax: 1-888-266-8094
Receive your Work Request Number, Enter here
(Note: this should be received within 3 days)
Customer Fulfillment Representative for this job is:
Phone: Fax:
Email:
Submit Load Information Form
Submit Easement Application form and a copy of the property Deed
Submit an electronic copy of the Site Plan
Submit a One-Line Diagram indicating the Main Switch Size and Metering requirements
Submit Order of Conditions or Notice of Intent documentation indicating any
Environmental issues relating to the property.
Receive notice of the Construction Fees, if necessary, which must be paid prior to
construction
Submit Payment of any required construction fees
Receive, sign and return copy of a Service Agreement which details the type of electric
service being installed
Attend a pre-construction meeting to review the design if required, material specifications
and construction responsibilities.
Date of meeting:
Engineering contact:
Engineer’s Phone:
Receive, sign, notarize and return the Easement document
Receive an electrical design drawing depicting the new electric service installation
Supply and Install all equipment in accordance with the Specifications for Electrical
Installations(2010) (The “Blue Book”) – link in footnote.
Receive any supplemental construction standards that may be required for 15kV
class, three-phase installations and underground Residential Developments (URD’s)
Call for any required trench inspections at least 3 days PRIOR to the inspection
Inspector: Inspector phone:
Inspection Date:
Call for any required transformer foundation & ground grid inspections at least 3
days PRIOR to the inspection. NOTE: Do not pull the secondary conductors until the
transformer has been delivered.
Inspector: Inspector phone:
Inspection Date:
Have the Municipal Wiring Inspection approval reported for this Work Request to us
by having the Wiring Inspector call 1-800-375-7405 (see Work Request # above)
NOTE: The construction can be completed prior to receipt of the Municipal inspection
approval. However, the service will NOT be energized until this approval is received.
Construction Project Checklist
24
2
5
I
CM6444 (2/17)
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Guide to Installing or Upgrading (City of Worcester)

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Completed 10 February 2021

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