Powering Subdivisions

By Josh Filler, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer - Electric Operations

The Energy Cooperative has served several large residential subdivisions since the 1970’s, including Apple Valley Lake and Beechwood subdivisions. We have continued to serve additional subdivisions as growth has continued in our service territory. A new subdivision requires a great amount of coordination and planning.

First, developers have to assess water and sewer availability, local zoning restrictions, electric and natural gas availability, terrain and more to determine if the site is suitable for development. During this time, they may develop illustrative or conceptual plans as shown in Figure 1.

As the project progresses, the developer creates detailed engineering plans including civil drawings, layout drawings and plat drawings as shown in Figure 2. The engineering drawings outline any grading that is necessary, the layout of the lots, roads, utilities, green spaces, etc. We work closely with the developer and other utilities to establish locations for our infrastructure. Our infrastructure typically falls into the utility corridors, which are around the perimeter of each lot. Electric facilities are typically installed in the rear lot for easy access to meter locations on the back or side of a residence. Communication companies (internet and cable) typically follow electric in this rear lot location.

In some cases, communication lines are installed in a joint trench with electric. Natural gas, sewer and water are typically installed along the front of the lots along the road.

Construction begins on the main line utility infrastructure when the lots are at, or very near, final surface grade. This ensures the grade will not change and risk exposing or burying utility infrastructure. After we install the main line, the developer typically starts developing the lots. A temporary service is typically requested to power any tools, heaters, pumps, etc. during construction. Once the meter base and internal electric work is complete, either our cooperative or the developer installs the permanent service. This permanent service line is installed from a transformer or a power pedestal to the homes meter base mounted on the outside of the home. Finally, we set a meter and the new service is complete.

The key to smooth and successful development projects is having a great relationship with the developer and other utilities. The effort ultimately creates a better experience for our members which is the goal.