Project Terms and Conditions – Electric Meter Installations

• VEPO assumes written notice to proceed will be provided at least 15 calendar days prior to the required mobilization date. In the event notice is issued outside of this minimum lead time, VEPO reserves the right to reschedule mobilization based on available workforce resources. VEPO assumes that once the Notice to Proceed is issued, the Utility or Prime Contractor will provide a clearly defined project start date and required completion date in writing.

• For accounts requiring an appointment, VEPO assumes customer contact information will be provided at least 30 days before the commencement date and that VEPO will be allowed to contact customers to schedule installation appointments if necessary. VEPO assumes customer data will include a valid phone number or email address when available.

• VEPO assumes that all residential meters will be released in route read order and a project meter reading schedule before the project start date.

• VEPO assumes that all commercial/industrial electric meters will be released as a single route or cycle of routes to allow VEPO commercial meter crews to ensure the continuity of large meter crew production.

• The price proposal is based on a five-day work week; however, VEPO requests the right to work Saturdays and evenings as necessary in the event of delays or to meet customer appointment needs.

• VEPO assumes there will be no work stoppages other than designated holidays and weather days. If the Utility must halt work, VEPO will require 30 days to remobilize technicians before work can resume.

• If VEPO’s performance is delayed due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, and not due in whole or in part to its own acts or omissions, VEPO shall be entitled to an extension of time equal to the period of delay, as its sole remedy, provided that (a) VEPO provides written notice to the Prime Contractor or Utility within forty-eight (48) hours of the delay’s commencement, and (b) the delay is excused under the governing agreement. Excusable delays may include, but are not limited to, acts of God, natural disasters, pandemics, or acts of government.

• A re-mobilization fee will be charged if VEPO’s crew is required to leave and subsequently return to the project site due to delays, suspensions, or stoppages not caused by VEPO. This fee shall be assessed per crew and based on current daily mobilization rates, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

• VEPO assumes meter locations and access requirements will be disclosed prior to contract execution.

• VEPO will create a representative system demand schedule for meter installations based on the date of expected installation and the total number to be installed.

• If the Utility chooses to conduct installations themselves and utilize VPie under the VPie licensing agreement, the Utility will provide their own iOS devices to capture the data. Each mobile user is permitted to be logged into only one device at a time. Sharing login credentials to enable simultaneous login on multiple devices is prohibited.

• VEPO will remove the Utility data from VPie within 6 months from the end of the project or with written consent from a Utility representative to purge the data, whichever comes first. Pricing to extend the retention time can be provided upon request.

• If the programming of devices is required, pricing assumes that the meter manufacturer will provide each VEPO installer, as needed, with the necessary hardware or handheld unit required for the programming and installation verification of the installed devices unless otherwise specified.

• If VEPO is unable to access the service to carry out the necessary work, despite diligently following the outlined scope of work (including mailings, call center services, and access attempts), VEPO reserves the right to levy an assessment fee. This fee shall not exceed 60% of the base installation price.

• For electric meter installations, pricing assumes a post-installation door hanger will be provided at each service location. Any additional customer notifications or outreach materials will be available at an additional charge.

• VEPO assumes that it will only be responsible for the repair of damage caused directly by VEPO technicians. VEPO assumes that if tampering or unsafe conditions are found, ideally, if the technician must wait for a Utility employee to arrive, the response time will not exceed 30 minutes.

• All pertinent data for meter exchange will be collected electronically using handheld devices in the field. This data will include, at a minimum, the old serial numbers, the final read from the old meter, the new serial numbers, and the initial reading from the new meter.

• VEPO will be responsible for, and take ownership of, any materials released from the Utility to VEPO. The ownership will be transferred back to the Utility upon installation.

• VEPO will leave a Utility-approved door tag for each location where the installation was completed, informing the customer of who to contact in the event that there are complications with the installation.

 

Installation Assumptions

• VEPO assumes that the Utility will provide a centralized location where VEPO’s crews can work out of and store equipment. VEPO assumes that all removed meters and related components will be returned to the same facility at the end of each day for disposal or relocation by the Utility or can be placed in a container provided by the Utility at VEPO’s storage facility. VEPO assumes it will not be responsible for extensive sorting or palletizing of old meters removed from the field.

• Pricing assumes electric meter installation will involve either a complete exchange of the existing meter with the new AMI-compatible meter and radio, or retrofit of the existing meter with the new radio.

• VEPO assumes that all installation material, including meters, radios/endpoints, and mounting hardware will be provided by the Utility or manufacturer to VEPO and will be present at the time of need.

• VEPO assumes that fasteners, wire, and wire connections (if required) will be provided by VEPO.

• Pricing assumes radio placement will be within ten feet of the meter, mounted per manufacturer specifications and installation requirements.

• VEPO assumes meters are not located in a confined space as defined by OSHA (1910.146), except as stated in the RFP. Pricing for confined space is provided on the pricing table.

• Where public streets are affected, traffic will be maintained on such public streets, with adequate signage, at all construction locations. No public street or road shall be blocked completely at any time. The paved areas of all public roads and streets shall be sufficiently cleared each night and during other non-working hours to ensure safe traffic patterns. VEPO’s pricing does not include costs for traffic control. Pricing can be made available upon request.

• VEPO will not be responsible for the repair of pre-existing conditions such as excessive corrosion, enclosure irregularities, and code violations.

Photo Documentation

• VEPO technicians will take the following photos:

• A before and after of the meter and nearby surroundings.

• Picture of the meter enclosure.

• Pictures of pertinent serial numbers (old and new).

• Pictures of old and new reads.

• If the meter location is obstructed, a before and after picture showing clearance work.

GPS / Location Data

• Pricing for sub-meter coordinates can be provided upon request.

• If sub-meter GPS pricing is required, VEPO will provide a GPS unit and record the GPS location of the meter. The GPS coordinates will be sub-meter accuracy for vertical elevation and horizontal location. Sub-meter locations will be collected as WGS 84 coordinates.

• A shape file can be provided with the state plane coordinates as specified by the Utility. Pricing can be made available upon request.

• After 3 minutes of attempting to collect a sub-meter coordinate, if the coordinate cannot be captured, VEPO will attempt to capture the most accurate coordinate available and note the reason for obstruction.

Metal Recycling Credit

• Pricing for a recycling credit per pound can be provided upon request based on estimated salvageable metal content from removed meters. Actual credit will be determined based on verified weights at the recycling facility and may be reconciled at project closeout.

Large Commercial/Industrial AMI Conversions

• Installation pricing for large commercial/industrial AMI conversions assumes standard installation conditions with accessible meter sites and does not include significant civil modifications. Any required adjustments will be billed through a mutually agreed change order.