Forum Title: Emergency service work and inspections
I am interested in how some of the other jurisdictions handle service work where power needs to be disconnected to make repairs or a meterbase needs to be replaced. In my area this will require an inspection before the utility can restore power and to have the permit issued for service work or upgrades to a service has taken me up to a week. Then you can request an inspection the next day, but they allow themselves 48 hrs. and possibly 72 hrs. to inspect. It seems that these inspections must be done in the afternoon and the power release will be faxed to the utility when the inspector returns to the office, which is usually around 4 o'clock and the utility won't even think about doing it that day. This thing becomes a vicious circle that seems to take on a life of its' on. There must be a better way and I just wanted some ideas that I could take to the powers that be in my area.
Category: General Electrical Discussion Post By: Em Plumbing Heating Mechanical (Boone, IN), 03/23/2017
Hello,Here, MA. Repairs are scheduled as described.Hurry up and wait.Emergencies, the POCOs' are pretty good, we call and they will show up, (after coffee etc.). Then repair call them back and wait, but they do show up. Get the permit and inspection the next am.Approval faxed to all.Not always this smooth but usualy close. The POCO researves the right to decide if it is a true emergency.I have changed out main breakers before, with a call and permision to pull the meter.They are very protective of meter seals here, locals (not NStar etc) have very hefty fines for cutting them.

- Ideal Air Systems Inc (Belleville, MI), 03/25/2017

In my area all work must be permitted and inspected, that being said in an emergency the utility will usually cut loose and re energize whatever I need at thier discression. The permit and inspection occur after the fact, and any repairs to sub code items come out of my pocket. This is emergency cases ONLY meaning after hours and on weekends, and usually only if there is no furnace and the owners cant go somewhere else, or for a medical reason( IV pump, Oxygen concentrator etc). The utilities, AHJs, and permit offices are really easy to deal with if you keep them in the loop, try to cut them out and you might as well move away. This is a small town and people do not soon forget.

- Jessica Lewis (East Renton Highlands, WA), 03/25/2017

In many if not all communites in my area (SE Alaska), an emergency is an emergency. I call the POCO and they show up and cut the power. When done you call them up and they will reconnect. The line crews typically know what to look for. It may be different in the larger communities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.

- Andy Fitzgerald (Morristown, TN), 03/25/2017

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