Call Before You Renovate

Many homes have the electric meter located on the back of the house. Since this is typically the location of decks, room additions, and fences, special care must be taken to prevent blocking the meter. NOVEC personnel must have access to the electric meter in order to perform periodic tests to ensure measurement accuracy, maintain the service equipment and the meter, and replace equipment when required. In case of an emergency, NOVEC and the fire department may need immediate access to disconnect the power.

Project Planning Guidelines

• Do a preliminary staking of your deck, fence, or addition. Keep in mind the depth and location of your footers and any slope changes you may be considering.
• Call VA 811 to have all underground utilities located and marked. Each type of utility — electric, water, phone, gas, telecommunications — is assigned a different color marking. VA 811 does not locate private lines. Some jurisdictions or utility companies are not members of VA 811; you will have to call them individually if you suspect they have buried facilities in the area.
• Make sure the addition complies with NOVEC's electric meter clearance requirements (see "Building Guidelines" below).
• If the plan conflicts with NOVEC facilities, schedule an appointment with a NOVEC distribution designer by calling 703-754-6750, 703-335-0500 ext. 6750, or email disteng@novec.com. A work request number will be issued, and must appear on all correspondence. The designer who examines your project will determine if relocation of existing NOVEC facilities is required and explain the scope of work involved.
• If meter relocation is required, NOVEC will supply the meter base. The homeowner is responsible for attaching the meter base themselves or hiring an electrician or contractor to install the meter base along with the entrance cable and panel box. The homeowner is responsible for all costs associated with meter relocation. This work must be inspected by the local jurisdiction.
• If the building plans conflict with other utilities' lines, contact that utility company to determine the most cost-efficient resolution. Each utility has different requirements and policies for relocations.
• Determine the electric load requirements of the addition. Contact an electrician to determine whether the existing capacity in your panel box meets your needs.
• All additions and decks require permits and inspections as required by the local jurisdiction. Contact the appropriate local permitting office to obtain a permit for the project.

Building Guidelines: Electric Meter Clearance Requirements

• If the deck is above the electric meter, the deck must be at least 7 feet high.
• There must be 60 inches of unobstructed space in front of the meter.
• There must be a 36-inch wide unobstructed travel path in front of the meter.
• There must be at least 2 inches of space on both sides of the meter.
• No structure may be built around the meter, except for approved meter rooms.
• Doors or windows cannot be within 1 foot of the meter.
• Meters located inside fenced areas must have gate access.
• Meters cannot be installed on an elevated  platform, for example, above a deck.
• Meters cannot be installed under a window that is accessible to the ground.
• Meters cannot be installed in any area where a door may strike it.

Although NOVEC imposes no fines, homeowners will have to pay the full cost of meter relocation if these specifications are not followed.