Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-11.7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 8, October 30, 2024

Rule 199-11.7 - Petition for the abbreviated franchise process

(1)Eligibility for abbreviated franchise process. Petitions for an electric franchise or an amendment to a franchise may be filed pursuant to the abbreviated franchise process set forth in Iowa Code section 478.1(5) if the following requirements are met:

a. The project consists of the conversion, upgrading, or reconstruction of an existing electric line operating at 34.5 kV to a line capable of operating at 69 kV.

b. The project will be on substantially the same right-of-way as an existing 34.5 kV line. For purposes of this subrule, "substantially the same right-of-way" means that the new or additional interests in private property right-of-way will be required for less than one mile of the proposed project length. Easements required for conductor and crossarm overhang of private property or for anchor easements shall not be considered when determining the length of additional interests in private property right-of-way.

c. The project will have substantially the same effect on the underlying properties as the existing 34.5 kV line.

d. The completed transmission line will comply with the Iowa electrical safety code found in 199-Chapter 25.

e. The electric company does not request the power of eminent domain.

f. The electric company agrees to pay all costs and expenses of the franchise proceeding.

(2)Petition using abbreviated process. A petition for a new franchise or an amendment to a franchise filed pursuant to the abbreviated franchise process set forth in Iowa Code section 478.1(5) shall be made on forms prescribed by the commission, shall be notarized, and shall have all required exhibits attached. Exhibits in addition to those required by this subrule may be attached when appropriate. The exhibits required to be attached are as follows:

a.Exhibit A. A legal description of the route. The description shall include the name of the county, the maximum and nominal voltages, the beginning point and endpoint of the transmission line, and whether the route is on public, private, or railroad right-of-way. When the route is in or adjacent to the right-of-way of a named road or a railroad, the exhibit shall specifically identify the road or railroad by name. The description shall identify any termini located in other counties.

b.Exhibit B. A map showing the route of the transmission line drawn with reasonable accuracy considering the scale. The map may be to any scale appropriate for the level of detail to be shown but may not be smaller than one inch to the mile and must be legible when printed on paper no larger than 11 by 17 inches. The following minimum information shall be provided:

(1) The route of the transmission line which is the subject of the petition, including the beginning point and endpoint and, when the transmission line is parallel to a road or railroad, the side on which the line is located. Line sections with multiple-circuit construction or underbuild shall be designated. The voltage at which other circuits are operated and ownership of other circuits or underbuild shall be indicated.

(2) The name of the county, county and section lines, section numbers, and township and range numbers.

(3) The location and identity of roads, railroads, named streams and bodies of water, and any other pertinent natural or man-made features or landmarks influencing the route.

(4) The names and corporate limits of cities.

(5) If any deviation from the existing route is proposed, the original and proposed routes shall be shown and identified.

c.Exhibit C. Technical information and engineering specifications describing typical materials, equipment, and assembly methods as specified on forms provided by the commission.

d.Exhibit D. The exhibit shall consist of written text containing the following:

(1) A listing of any existing franchises that would be terminated or amended in whole or in part by this petition, including the docket number, franchise number, date of issue, county of location, and to whom the franchise is granted.

(2) An allegation, with supporting testimony, that the project is eligible for the abbreviated franchise process.

(3) An allegation, with supporting testimony, that the project is necessary to serve a public use and represents a reasonable relationship to an overall plan of transmitting electricity in the public interest.

(4) An explanation for any deviations from the existing transmission line route.

(5) A statement regarding the availability of routes on an existing electric line right-of-way and an explanation of why this route was not selected.

e.Exhibit E. A statement that the right of eminent domain is not being requested.

f.Exhibit F. The exhibit shall consist of a showing of notice to other electric, pipeline, telephone, communication, cable television, rural water district, and railroad companies that have facilities which are crossed by or in shared right-of-way with the proposed transmission line.

g.Exhibit G. The exhibit shall consist of the form of notice to be mailed in accordance with subrule 11.7(3) to owners of and persons in possession of or residing on property where construction shall occur.

h.Exhibit H. This exhibit is required if the petition requests separate pole lines. This exhibit shall contain a request describing in detail the good cause for the commission to authorize the construction of separate pole lines.

(3)Notice of franchise or amendment to franchise under abbreviated franchise process.

a. One month prior to commencement of construction, an electric company shall provide written notice concerning the anticipated construction to the last-known address of the owners of record of the property where construction will occur and to persons in possession of or residing on such property. Notices may be served by ordinary mail, addressed to the last-known address of the owners of record of the property and to persons residing on such property. The electric company shall make a good-faith effort to identify and notify all owners of record and persons residing on the property.

b. The notice shall include the following information:

(1) A description of the purpose of the project and the nature of the work to be performed.

(2) A copy of the Exhibit B map.

(3) The estimated dates the construction or reconstruction will commence and end.

(4) The name, address, telephone number, and email address of a representative of the electric company who can respond to inquiries concerning the anticipated construction.

c. For the purposes of this rule, "construction" means physical entry onto private property by personnel or equipment for the purpose of rebuilding or reconstructing the transmission line.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 199-11.7

Amended by IAB July 29, 2020/Volume XLIII, Number 3, effective 9/2/2020

Editorial change: IAC Supplement 7/24/2024