Construction and Inspection

Be prepared for your installation.

To ensure a safe and successful installation, your project site has to meet a set of requirements before Xcel Energy crews can start work. To avoid potential delays, use the checklist below to make sure your site is ready before crews arrive. For more information on clearances and standards of installation, please visit Site Requirements and Meter Installation.

Detailed process map (PDF)

Site Readiness Checklist

• Foundation and backfill of structure is complete.
• Major utilities are installed, including sewer and water.
  • Place water service boxes on the building side of the utility easement to ensure our excavating equipment has proper clearance. If sub-surface drains are to be installed, please install them no less than 48” deep and place the service stub on the building side of the utility easement.
• Areas of utility installation are (+/-) six inches of final grade.
• To ensure a safe and reliable system, it is important to install our facilities at proper depths and clearances. Please see Customer Responsibility section in Xcel Energy Standards of Installation and Use Manual (PDF).
• A 10-foot wide path must be clear of all obstacles from the meter to the energy source. Area must be cleared between the property and right of way.
• Please do not landscape, plant trees, install sidewalks and/or paths until the utility installation is completed. Xcel Energy is not responsible for restoring these items if they are in place prior to construction.
• Privately owned underground facilities are clearly marked.
  • Identifying and labeling private lines such as septic systems, drain fields, sprinkler systems, wells, LP gas lines, etc., is very important. Xcel Energy is not responsible for damage to privately owned facilities that are not properly marked by the customer. Xcel Energy will ensure publicly owned facilities are located prior to the start of work. Please see Section 2.11 Customer Responsibility and Section 4.3 Underground Service in the Xcel Energy Standards of Installation and Use Manual (PDF).
• Lot numbers and lot corners are identified and staked.
  • Multi-family developments that do not have a true lot number should stake the corner of the buildings.
• When applicable, a curb and first layer of blacktop are installed.
  • Please check with the local public authority on specification of required road base. In all areas of installation (+/-) six inches of final grade are required prior to installation. Please see Section 2.11 Customer Responsibility and Section 4.3 Underground Service in the Xcel Energy Standards of Installation and Use Manual (PDF).
• Where applicable, conduit installed under roadways should be staked.
  • When practical, conduit should be a minimum of 5' from back of curb. Please see the Site Requirements section of our website to find information on installation requirements.
• Sewer lateral or septic location and depth must be verified.
  • Wisconsin and Michigan customers please complete and submit the Sewer Mitigation Site Sketch (PDF) to BCL-WI@xcelenergy.com or upload with your FastApp application. If your sewer location is unknown, an Xcel Energy contractor may need access to the sewer piping in the basement to perform verification.

Meter Inspection Requirements

Prior to scheduling of your meter installation, an approved Inspection Certification must be sent to Xcel Energy at BCLMN@xcelenergy.com.

Depending on the type of service being installed on your site and state requirements, the approved Inspection Certification may need to be submitted by the local public authority, licensed electrician, or Uniform Dwelling (UDC) Inspector where applicable. Please work with your local authority and an electrician or plumber to find out what's required in your area.

In addition to an inspection, there are additional items you will need to complete prior to the installation of your meter. Refer to the Site Readiness Checklist (PDF) for more information.

References

• Site Readiness Checklist (PDF)

• Electric Inspection Form (PDF)

• Xcel Energy Standards and Use Manual (Blue Book) (PDF)

• Meter Clearances Diagram (PDF)

• Meter Installation - See the Meter Installation section of the site to find out more information on clearances and installation requirements.
• Installing and Connecting Service FAQ