I sincerely hope that you can find someone more understanding and cooperative at your utility! I had the local EMC come out prior to ANY construction and talk over options with me including several potential aerial routes and underground. Routes varied from 1,750ft to 3,750ft along the road.
The long road route was what I originally assumed we would have to use. Underground was a non-starter because the EMC rules required a "vault" every 600ft and the vaults themselves were over $1,000ea and each vault would have required blasting/excavation to bury in the rock. They would run up to something like 1,500ft of cable for free assuming I signed up for permanent service. They charge for the install and then rebate back off the monthly bill after permanent service was installed.
The short route required an easement across an adjacent property but I solved this potential issue by buying the property (14 acres for $17k). Also saved me from probably having a 14 acre trailer park on my southern border. I did have to grant them a new easement across MY property. They charged a total of just over $4k for the 1,750 ft route, actually about 2,000ft since we also ran to my in-laws. Included 5 new guyed poles, 2 transformers, and they allowed telephone service on the poles. Plus, they had to clear about 50ft wide down and back up an EXTREME hollow and nearly the entire length. I planned to do the last 750ft of clearing alongside my field, but they offered to do it for only $800 extra!
I was so pleased that I have never tried to take advantage of the "free" install part. If I DID try to, I think they had a time limit involved where I had to have permanent service within x months, and I exceeded that greatly.
I sure wish every utility and EMC would take a lesson and use the example of how mine did and I sure share your frustration with yours. Again, here's hoping that you can find someone more cooperative!
- Jay
