Frequently Asked Questions

Many factors can impact your project timeline, including the complexity of your project and the need to secure required permits and easements. While every project is different, on average, the duration of a new electric construction project could take a minimum of 60-80 business days. Your assigned job owner will provide information about your timeline.

You can start your request as soon as you have a valid 911 address and have met at least three out of the four requirements, which include foundation, septic, well, and driveway.

You or your contractor can initiate the request for service. If your contractor is starting the request on your behalf, please ensure they have all the necessary details  – including your personal information – to create your account profile. Please refer to our Electric Service Request Form to review the information your contractor will need to provide on your behalf.

After you’ve completed the preliminary requirements and submitted your Electric Service Request Form, you will be assigned a dedicated job owner within 5 business days. Your job owner will serve as your main point of contact and is available to answer questions as they guide you through the entire process.

Your duties include providing accurate and necessary information for your electric service request, completing required forms or documentation, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. It is important to communicate any changes or updates that may affect the project.

Depending on the nature and location of your project, several permits may be required. These can include permits from various authorities such as the state, county, town/village, environmental agencies, railroad authorities. Factors such as the project scope, its impact on the environment, and any applicable regulations or restrictions may determine whether permits are needed for your project. The timeline for obtaining necessary permits can vary.

Easements are necessary to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to your location. Even if you own your property, an easement may still be required for certain situations. An easement grants National Grid the legal right to access and maintain the electrical infrastructure installed on your property for the safe and reliable delivery of electricity.

Generally, "real property" refers to land and any structures or natural elements that are permanently attached to it. This includes buildings, trees, and other fixtures considered part of the land. The term "real property" is used to distinguish it from personal property, which refers to movable assets such as furniture or vehicles.

The term “facilities” in an Easement refers to all the structures and other materials comprising the electric system that may be required. “Facilities” encompass a wide range of components such as poles, guys and anchors, conductors, transformers, conduit, and other hardware or components that are essential for the safe and reliable provision of electric service. The references to “facilities” in the Easement ensures that all necessary infrastructure required for delivering electric service are covered.

You will be asked to complete an easement information form that will include your full name, contact details, property address, and deed recording information.

When an Easement is said to "run with the land," it means that the Easement is binding and applicable to all current and future owners of the real property and not limited to the original parties involved. In other words, an Easement remains in effect and continues to impact the real property regardless of changes in ownership to ensure that the rights and obligations outlined in the Easement remain in effect and are enforceable for all subsequent owners of the property.

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation, also known as National Grid, is a New York corporation that provides electric and natural gas utility services across a significant area of Upstate New York. As a public utility, Niagara Mohawk operates under the trade name "National Grid" and is regulated by the New York State Public Service Commission (the "Commission"). National Grid is committed to delivering reliable and safe energy services to its customers while adhering to the regulations set forth by the Commission.

Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation is listed as the grantee on easements because that is the actual corporate legal entity name of the company. In legal documents such as an easement, it is necessary to include the official corporate entity for clarity and accuracy. Niagara Mohawk does business as (“d/b/a”) National Grid, which is a trade name, and therefore the Easement does not name “National Grid” as a grantee in easements.

Generally, all parties listed in the deed of conveyance as holding record title to the real property must sign the Easement. In cases where it is necessary for National Grid’s facilities to cross over the real property of a neighbor or other third-party to provide electric utility service to an applicant, the applicant is also responsible, in most cases, for obtaining the necessary Easement(s) from that third party.

Typically, an Easement for electric service grants certain rights that may include:

1. Rights to install, operate and maintain facilities: This includes the necessary infrastructure such as poles, wires, guys and guy anchors, transformers, or other equipment required to provide electric utility service.
2. Vegetation management rights: The Easement may authorize National Grid to trim or remove trees and other vegetation that may interfere with the safe and reliable operation of its facilities.
3. Right of access or crossing: An easement may provide National Grid with the right to access or cross the real property on which the Easement is granted so that National Grid can reach its facilities to perform necessary changes, maintenance, improvements, or safety vegetation clearing.
   
   

Note that the rights to be acquired by National Grid are outlined in the Easement agreement.

Typically there are restrictions associated with an Easement to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted provision of electric service. In general, an owner of real property subject to the Easement must not interfere with National Grid’s ability to exercise the rights outlined in the easement to ensure we can access and safely operate and maintain the electric facilities. Typical restrictions may include but are not limited to the placement of pools, sheds, or fences, or planting shrubs or trees, under or in close proximity to the electric facilities. The property owner is responsible for avoiding any actions that could interfere with National Grid’s rights as granted in the Easement. This includes refraining from activities that could impact National Grid’s access to the facilities or otherwise hinder the safe operation and maintenance of the electric infrastructure.

Costs associated with new residential electric service depend on the specifications of your project. We offer a cost estimating tool to help you get an idea of costs based on your project needs. Our team will work closely with you to provide an accurate and transparent breakdown of the costs involved.

There may be costs associated with the installation of your service. The specific National Grid construction charges and/or applicable fees depend on the project's nature and scope. It is important to review the proposal and estimate provided by National Grid, as it will outline the anticipated costs for the installation. Please contact us for more details about the potential costs of installing your service.

Before we come on site, there are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth process. First, it is important to have completed any necessary steps or requirements outlined in your project documentation. This may include signing and returning the necessary agreements, obtaining any required permits, and fulfilling any financial obligations.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the construction site is accessible and prepared for our team's arrival. Clear any obstacles or debris that may hinder access to the work area. If there are any specific instructions or preparations required, your job owner will communicate them to you in advance.

Typical construction scheduling is 4-6 weeks after any necessary permits, easements and/or payments have been received. In addition, the customer is responsible to have the site ready and must complete any company-required inspections.

Prior to the construction phase, a National Grid Operations Supervisor will conduct a pre-check of the site to ensure readiness for construction. The pre-check is essential to ensure safety and confirm that the site is prepared for our crews to begin work. It helps us identify and address any potential unsafe conditions and ensures that the job site is ready for construction activities. Please note that weather conditions, prior scheduled work, and unforeseen emergencies can impact the construction schedule.

Your service will be energized by National Grid once we receive approval from the Electrical Inspector. It is important to note that local building codes typically require licensed electrical contractors to perform all building electric work. Depending on your location, your licensed electrical contractor will initiate the necessary permits and have their work inspected by the Electrical Inspector.

After the inspection is successfully completed and approved, the Electrical Inspector will notify National Grid to confirm that the service is ready to be energized.

• Specifications for Electrical Installations

Installing your meter typically occurs during the final stages of the construction process. Once construction is complete and your service has been energized, the meter installation will be scheduled.

The specific timing of the meter installation may vary depending on service scope. Factors such as the construction's progress, any necessary inspections, and coordination with our metering team can impact your timeline.

If our proposed timeline does not fit with your requirements, please communicate your concerns to your job owner for further discussion. We’ll work with you to explore options to ensure a successful project.