What this due-diligence check covers
The utility may require a design, service application, load information, easements and customer-installed conduit or trenching.
Overhead and underground options have different clearing, maintenance, road-crossing and cost implications.
Why it matters before closing
A long extension or system upgrade can change site location, development budget and construction schedule.
What to verify
- Submit the parcel and preliminary load to the utility.
- Confirm the official service point and route.
- Separate utility charges from customer trench, conduit and panel work.
- Ask about refunds, allowances and expiration of estimates.
Red flags that deserve follow-up
- Nearest pole is not on the serving circuit.
- Required easement crosses neighboring land.
- Transformer or line upgrade excluded from early estimate.
- Rock trenching or road bore not priced.
Evidence to keep in the parcel file
- Utility work order or design
- Service-point map
- Customer-scope estimate
- Easement documents
Questions to ask before the deadline
- Where is the official service point?
- What customer work is excluded?
- Are easements required?
- How long is design and construction?
- Does the quote include transformer and road crossing?