Empire Electric cannot provide electrical service to new construction, remodeling or mobile home applicants until a licensed inspector has inspected all wiring and installations on the applicant's side of the meter and all buried wiring has been properly backfilled. In Colorado, inspections are done by the State Electrical Inspector. You may contact the Inspector at (970) 247-0379. In Utah, contact the San Juan County Building Inspector at San Juan County office in Monticello 1-435-587-3221.

If an electrical permit is required, contact the Colorado State Electrical Board (1-303-894-2300) or Utah Building Inspector (1-435-587-3221). Empire Electric has the permit applications available at 801 N. Broadway, Cortez, Colorado.

All Customer's electrical wiring and equipment must meet NEC requirements. A copy of the code can be reviewed in Empire Electric's lobby at 801 N. Broadway, Cortez, Colorado.

Empire Electric is obligated to construct electric power lines and services in such a way as to guard the public and our own employees from physical and electrical hazards. NESC spells out specific measures that define clearances of wire to ground, wire to wire, wire to building, physical strength of poles and other line supports and safe ground cover depths over underground lines.

All electric line routes, whether overhead or underground, have an implied or well defined "clear zone" or easement area that is legally protected from specific activities that may hamper safe operation and maintenance of, or access to, electric lines.

If work is to be performed within 10 feet of high voltage overhead lines, Empire Electric must be contacted at 970-565-4444 or 1-800-709-3726 to arrange for safety provisions. This law applies to any person or business contracting to do work or perform any activity which may bring an individual or piece of equipment within 10 feet of high voltage overhead lines. Violations of this rule may result in state sanctioned fines.

Anyone requiring excavation must have all underground facilities located and inform the excavation contractor of all existing underground facilities. This law applies to any person or business contracting to do work or perform any activity which may require excavation. Two (2) business days advance notice is required before excavation work is performed. In Colorado call 1-800-922-1987 or visit the Utility Notification Center of Colorado; in Utah call 1-800-662-4111 or log on to www.bluestakes.org.

Theft of electricity is a violation of State Law and persons found tampering with their electric meter will be prosecuted.