City reviews service-policy edits: larger residential conduits, inventory changes and faster Rocky Mountain Power transfers

City staff presented a set of proposed edits to Idaho Falls’ annual utility service policy, citing construction standard changes, warranty additions and an agreement that should speed transfers from Rocky Mountain Power.

Staff said the policy adds an organizational signature page, clarifies general‑fund cost allocations and recognizes a recent parks-and-recreation resolution. Major technical changes include moving residential conduit requirements from 2.5 inches to 3 inches and changing single‑phase primary conductor requirements to simplify contractor practices and reduce special‑order costs.

Staff also said the city will provide certain lighting infrastructure (a secondary lighting cabinet commonly used for multi‑light developments) and itemize those costs in line‑extension fees so developers pay for the equipment out of their fees rather than sourcing the part themselves.

On warranty and construction administration, staff proposed a standard two‑year warranty on developer-installed facilities (previously required mainly for winter installs) and added clearer meter-labeling and clearance requirements. Staff said these standards will be discussed with contractors at the annual contractor meeting and noted inventory and lead‑time concerns justify holding certain items on the city warehouse shelves to assist developers.

Separately, staff announced a newly executed local agreement with Rocky Mountain Power that is expected to reduce buyout and transfer timing; staff proposed updating FAQs to indicate an anticipated 3–5 month transfer window under the new process rather than 6–12 months under the older approach.

Council agreed to add the service‑policy item to the next Thursday consent agenda to avoid delaying adoption while staff makes the FAQ edits.