Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  When will my underground service be installed?

A.  The service order will be released for installation once APS is notified that:

• The trench and conduit installation have been approved by the APS inspector
• Your service entrance section is approved by the City, County or Authority having jurisdiction
• Any applicable fees have been paid

The actual installation timeframe will vary depending on workload but is typically 10 business days.

Q.  Can I expect APS to restore my property to its original condition after the construction crews are finished with their work?

A.  APS construction techniques are based on an acceptable replacement of landscape restoration.

Q.  Why does it take four to six weeks to schedule my work order?

A.  In order to maximize production and efficiency, APS crews are scheduled four weeks in advance of the construction start date of the work order. Material is ordered and issued two weeks prior to the construction start date.

Q.  When can APS provide construction power to my site?

A.  Temporary construction service will be supplied for the service requested only when the company has readily available capacity of:

• Lines
• Transformers
• Generating 
• Other equipment.

Before supplying temporary service, the company may require the customer to bear the cost of installing and removing the necessary service facilities; less credit for salvage of removed equipment.

Q.  When do you require an easement for your facilities?

A.   When installing primary voltage overhead or underground electric facilities on private or common property, the easement must be executed and recorded prior to construction commencement.

Q.  Who is responsible for tree trimming on my property and adjacent property that you may need to cross with your power lines?

A.  APS will trim the right of way and maintain existing overhead lines. Customers are responsible for clearing the easement on their property and obtaining the right to clear the adjacent property (if required) for the initial installation of facilities.

Q.  How can I get an updated list of APS approved meter cans?

A.  Call the APS Electric Meter Shop and ask for Brian Jordan, technical coordinator at (602) 371-7368.

Q.  How can I get a copy of APS Electric Service Requirements Manual for my reference?

A.  APS has an electronic copy of The APS Electric Service Requirements Manual available for viewing and downloading at http://esp.aps.com/resource/esrm.asp

Or you can order a hardback book for $40, by calling Brian Jordan, technical coordinator at (602) 371-7368.

Q.  How many points of service can I have on a building and how many weatherheads are allowed at each point of service?

A. APS standard practice is to provide a single voltage to a customer. However, APS may agree to provide a second voltage or point of service if:

• The electric load requires a second point of service
• The local inspecting authority approves the installation
• All electrical and safety codes are adhered to
• The customer pays the additional costs

Please check with your local inspecting authority and APS. A maximum of three weatherheads (ESRM 400.1.9) with max size conductor 750 KCMIL (400.3) is allowed at each service point.

Q.   What clearance / attachment height is required on a construction temporary pole?

A.  The minimum attachment height for an overhead temporary pole is 10.5 feet above ground to the bottom of the drip loop. However, the following clearances above ground for the service wire (open wire not included) also must be maintained:

Areas not subject to truck traffic – 12.5 feet (ESRM 401.0)
Areas subject to truck traffic - 18 feet (ESRM 401.0)

Q.  When do I have to have the city/county inspect my work?

A.  Anytime APS must disconnect service for an electrical contractor to work on your electric facilities an inspection is normally required. Please check with your local inspecting authority having jurisdiction.

Q.  Why do I have to pay to have underground facilities installed?

A.  APS is an "overhead utility" and all fees are based on overhead costs. If the customer requests underground facilities, they must pay the differential cost between overhead and underground.

Q.  What voltages are available?

A.  Please refer to the APS Electric Service Requirements Manual Section 201.0.

Q.  How do I schedule a disconnect / reconnect appointment? If I'm a licensed electrical contractor, can I do it myself?

A.  Call your local construction office at least one week in advance to schedule a disconnect / reconnect appointment.

(Electrical contractors are not allowed to reconnect the service, this must be performed by APS after the electrical inspection (if required by the inspecting authority).