Electric development faq: electric development calculator: City of Fort Collins

Residential Developments: The building permit initiates installation of construction power. After the building permit is issued, the power pedestal is set at the point of the electric service stub near the corner of the lot. The cost of the construction power pedestal is normally included with other charges on the building permit. In some cases, it is necessary to construct a temporary system to make power available.
Commercial Developments: A location for the construction power will need to be coordinated. Costs to install the temporary electric service are based on the time and materials necessary to provide the requested construction power.

When are electric development charges paid?

Typically, these charges are invoiced separately and are not all included with other charges applied to the building permit. Generally, the development charges are invoiced all at once in 2 halves. The first invoice is valid for 60 days and must be paid in order to schedule electric utility construction. The remainder is payable prior to energizing the electric system. For residential developments, another charge is applied to the building permit to pay for the 'secondary' system from the transformer to the meter on the building.

What facilities does Fort Collins Utilities install and what does the developer and builder install?

Residential Developments (typically up to 24-unit buildings): The Utilities installs all electric facilities up to the meter location. The builder provides and installs the meter socket(s) and riser conduit from the meter socket to a minimum of 18" below final grade.
Commercial Developments: The Utilities install the electric system on the source side of the transformer including the transformer and pad. The builder supplies and installs the service wires and conduits from the transformer to the meter(s). For services exceeding 200 amps, the Utilities provides the meter socket and C/T's to be installed by the builder's electrical contractor. These materials are available through Fort Collins Utilities, 700 Wood Street. The builder shall supply and install a standard C/T cabinet, and a 1" conduit from the C/T cabinet to the electric meter.

What is a C/T?

C/T is the abbreviation for a current transformer. Most electric meters are capable of reading electric loads of 200 amps or less. For electric loads over 200 amps, C/T's are required to provide a smaller current to the electric meter proportional to the actual current flowing to the service panel.

How do I get a streetlight installed in my neighborhood?

In areas where existing streetlighting is below City standards, an additional light may be installed at the Utilities expense. For residential areas, City standards require a streetlight at one corner of each intersection, with lights not to exceed 320 feet apart. If existing lighting does not meet this standard, contact Fort Collins Utilities Electrical Engineering, (970) 221-6700 or e-mail

How do I increase the capacity of my electric service?

In most cases, additional electric development charges plus any costs associated with modifications to the electric system will apply.

Electric Development FAQs