Anybody had electrical service installed on an empty property?

[s219]

I plan to build a barn on my empty property in the next year or two, but right now I'd like electrical power to run tools and there is a transformer right there on the property line just ripe to tap into. Generally the local power company (Dominion Power) wants to see an approved site plan (with structures) and a building permit before they install service for new construction. But there have got to be situations where people have electrical service installed to a property without any construction or structures. I am wondering if anyone has gone through this with their local electrical company and have any insight to share.

What I am finding with both the electric company and my county building/zoning departments is that what you can do is highly dependent on how you approach them and what you say. Once they start asking questions, stuff can go off the rails if the proposed work doesn't exactly fit a template. It's a pain -- I feel like I have to rehearse my lines before I start a conversation.

 

[Billrog]

Might be a good idea to talk to an electrician about having a temporary service installed he should know the bylaws and he can do the talking.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

It will vary from power co. to power co. and also county, state, etc.... I had a “ temporary power pole “ installed on my vacant land last year. We were planning to build our small cottage in 6 mos to a year. In order to get it done, I had to have it set up for RV access ( a 50 amp and 30 amp receptacles). The electrician used what they call a ‘ pass through ‘ meter base and main breaker box. The cottage was completed and the power was then tied directly from that pole into the main panel in the house. The RV plugs / circuits remain. I changed the 50 amp female RV plug to a 50 amp recessed male generator plug. Just flip a couple of breakers and generator is powering the cottage.

If you can’t find the type of meter / breaker box that I am talking about, pm me and I will take a few pics for you.

 

[CADplans]

Well,, you seem to have a plan,, you are building a barn,,, hmmmmmmmm,,

I would be totally honest with the power company, and expect to pay for whatever they give you,,

I helped a friend find an electrical problem with his pump,,
the pump was a deep well,, filling his pond,
that was the only electrical use on the property,,

The local coop installed one pole, put up the wire, and transformer, and meter, no charge,

He would turn on the pump on Saturday, and run it until the next weekend,,,

He never mentioned having any trouble getting power installed,,,

 

[TractorGuy]

I was thinking you might could request an RV hookup.

 

[caver]

My place had power from the old cabin previous owners lived in. The cabin is not worth much to me as the last owner gutted the inside with some crackpot idea of renovating. I plan to build hopefully starting next year. They drew water from the spring. I'm charged a different rate than a homeowner so homeowners aren't subsidizing weekenders etc. I pay a flat rate 20$-ish plus usage which I think is at a higher rate. An idle transformer still uses a small amount of electricity. The transformer you see may have the fuse pulled. You are at the mercy of the utility. I've heard of some places wanting a well drilled before they install a pole and transformer.

 

[RNeumann]

A lot of jurisdictions (AHJ) don’t want power in early because of the possibility of people living in RVs or other. So from that standpoint it may be a no go without the AHJ’s blessing- which may be an ordinance issue. The utility will typically need a permit from the AHJ so they may not want to do anything without that. With that, I’d head into the AHJ’s office and ask what you can do to get power in.
On the power side you will need to do some load calcs so you know what power they are bringing in. Will this be an all electric house or gas and electric? Does the shop anything that needs specific power? AC? Etc. With the load calcs you would set the appropriate metered main panel and the utility would bring the power to that and set the meter.

Before I went to the AHJ or utility I’d have your calcs done. It will show you have some type of plan and a clue.

To answer your question directly and in relation to my personal stuff (not work or the business)- yes in one location and they let me set “temporary” power in another. But the temp power was once the plans were submitted. Different AHJs

 

[radios1]

I've seen temporary power many times, it really helps to build a house or business.. not living in an AHJ area helps too!.. the most, actually!.

 

[kenmac]

guess it depends on where you live. I had power installed on river property I own for the times I want to tow my camper up there and set up a few days.
I was required to set the pole and install my own box, and run the supply cable /wire from my box up the pole I set. They then connected their wire to the wire I ran up the pole

 

[windy acers]

IN OHIO AND DUKE ENERGY IF IT IS FARM PROPERTY A PERMIT WAS NOT NECESSARY. JUST PUT IN A 6X6 POST WITH PASS THROUGH METER BASE/BREAKER BOX. HAD TO PASS DUKE INSPECTION