Council asks staff to study rules for overhead power on private property and return with recommendations

Hurricane City Council discussed whether the city’s power department should continue constructing overhead distribution extensions on private property for developers or instead require private electrical contractors to perform that work.

Why it came up: Council members said some recent line-extension contracts were drafted with the assumption that city crews would construct the lines and that the city collected funds based on the city department’s cost estimates. Several council members expressed concern that performing private-development work with city crews could effectively subsidize private development and may be inconsistent with how other utilities or streets are handled.

What staff said: Public-works and power staff reported they have drafted contract language and a list of qualified contractors; staff noted many of the city’s distribution lines are sited within easements on private property once dedicated. Staff recommended an internal policy or procedure to clarify when the city will construct extensions and when private contractors may be used. Council members and staff discussed preserving staff certifications and training if the city reduces the scope of in-house construction work.

Council direction: Council asked staff to research recent line-extension projects, review staffing and certification implications, and return with a recommendation and draft standards for contractor qualification. Council asked that staff bring the item back no later than the first meeting in April (or sooner if feasible) so the council can set a clear policy moving forward.

Next steps: Staff said they will gather data on previously constructed lines, examine staffing impacts and training/certification considerations, and draft a policy and a contractor-qualification procedure for council review.