II.	METER INSTALLATION 
This section proposes the minimum requirements for installation, maintenance and testing for meters and metering equipment used in direct access. Decision No.97-10-087, Appendix A: Direct Access Tariff, Section H(1)(b) states “Potential and current transformers shall be considered part of the distribution system and shall remain the responsibility of the UDC.” Accordingly, and pursuant to this decision, all instrument transformers, test switches and associated wiring up to the meter socket shall remain the responsibility of the UDCs.  However, reconnecting existing wires to a replacement of an existing meter socket, A-base socket adapter, or A-base meter may be performed by either UDCs or MSPs.

II.1.	Safety (customer life support, public, etc.)
For safety reasons, the following requirements must be completed prior to performing any meter work on site and visual observations must continually apply as the meter work progresses.  Meter work includes, but not limited to, meter installation, meter replacement, maintenance, programming and testing.  Visually inspect all meter sites for the following conditions:

II.1.1.	Customer Life Support
II.1.1.1.	If a customer premise has a life support device or equipment and a UDC requires  life-support seals or stickers, they  shall be installed on the meter ring or cover respectively, to prevent avoidable service interruption during the process of metering work.(SDG&E believes we can still shorten this previously wordy section).
II.1.1.2.	If such life-support or sealing hardware is found on customer meter covers, meter panels, test switches and/or metering transformer panel sections, meter workers shall be cautious in performing meter work and not interrupting electric service to the customer premise.  If service will be unavoidably interrupted for any meter work, the meter worker shall notify the customer and obtain customer’s consent prior to performing work. 

II.1.2.	Electrical Hazards:

II.1.2.1.	Various Hazardous Conditions:
The hazardous condition may include exposed wiring, damaged sockets (loose or burnt wiring or jaws), auto-bypass devices (load jaws still hot when meter removed), loose or missing screws (i.e., in bypass area), missing panels, loose or broken service insulators, service wires in bad condition/order, missing meter, improper grounding conditions, fused neutral conductor of a 2 wire or 3 wire single phase service, defective service switch/disconnect, new installations which fail to conform with the UDC’s electric service requirements, etc.

II.1.2.2.	600 Volt Auto Valve (aka Lightning Arrestor, or Surge Protector)  
II.1.2.2.1.	Auto valves are also called meter protectors or transformer surge arrestors and may be found on 480 volt overhead meter installations, both self-contained and transformer-rated.  Functional in the field the auto valve may be safely removed from the meter installation.  If MSP meter workers find that these valves cannot be safely removed, they must notify UDCs to schedule for removals.
II.1.2.2.2.	The auto valve can be identified as a round or square metal can the size of a large human fist.  The auto valve is mounted through a knock out and secured with a net on the inside of the can.  There will be 3 black wires and 1 white wire.  The 3 black wires are electrically connected to each of the 3 phase wires on the service.  The white wire is connected to an earth ground.  The auto valve is attached to the socket side of the test block or test switches.  By de-energizing the socket, the wires from the auto valve can be removed. Ensure that the hole left in the service equipment is properly closed and sealed for weather.
II.1.2.2.3.	At MSP’s discretion, an MSP may remove and discard the auto valve.

II.1.2.3.  480 Volt Sticker:
If the meter does not display voltage, the Meter Worker shall ensure that a 480 Volt sticker is in place either on the meter panel near the meter, or on the meter, before leaving the site.

II.1.3.	Physical Hazards:
II.1.3.1.	Tripping hazards (slippery or uneven surfaces), debris or materials stored in the working space, overhead hazards (stored materials or workers above meters).
II.1.3.2.	Environmental hazards: Chemical, caustic, hearing, biological, etc. 
II.1.3.3.	Inadequate or unsafe access
II.1.3.4.	Meter Mounting: loose meter mounting, undue vibration, inability to securely seal metering, unleveled meter.

		II.1.4.	Customer Premises:  
Unsafe conditions of customer-owned stairs, railings, platforms, etc.

		II.1.5.	Vermin:  
Watch out for insects, snakes, and rodents when opening doors or removing panels.

II.2.	Meter Security and Accessibility  
The following requirements must be completed when performing any meter work on site and visual observations must continually apply as the meter work progresses.  Visually inspect all meter sites for the following conditions:

II.2.1.	Infraction and Evidence of Tampering/Energy Diversion:  

II.2.1.1. Meter Installation  
II.2.1.1.1. Awareness of significant connected loads compared to a customer's monthly energy consumption.
II.2.1.1.2.	Irregularities in the service conductor's insulation ("skinned" insulation, newly-taped sections of conductors, burned or pitted service conductors, etc.)
II.2.1.1.3.	Unauthorized connection in overhead service entrance, on line side of meter, or metering transformers, or in unsealed underground pull sections or pull cans.
II.2.1.1.4.	Unauthorized seals, and unsealed or improperly sealed conditions on line side raceways, test block compartments, test switch covers, and meter sealing rings.
II.2.1.1.5.	Suspicious wiring.
II.2.1.1.6. Jumpers across current leads at bottom of test switch unsealed.
II.2.1.1.7. Meter Coil Jumpered - Check and correct if the neutral service wire is found connected through the series coil of the meter and there are grounds on the load circuits that act as a jumper.
II.2.1.1.8. Lock Fuse Jumpered - Check for lock fuse jumper and perform a regular meter test.  Jumper will be left as found, and this condition will be reported on the test report.
II.2.1.1.9. Blown (or loosened) fuse in one leg of a 3-wire old sequence service.
II.2.1.1.10. Rate infractions in meter program/register.

II.2.1.2.	Meter Cover 
An unusually clean cover, small holes in the cover, burn marks on or near the cover, visible fingerprints inside the cover, etc.

II.2.1.3.  KWH Register
KWH dial pointer alignment, register mesh and register gears.

II.2.1.4.  Meter Disk
Disk alignment to magnets, irregularity of disk rotation, foreign objects or materials on disk/bearing, scratches or wear marks on the disk.

II.2.1.5.  Test Blocks
Damaged wiring between test block and meter, unusual marks, scratches or burns on test blocks, defective test blocks, etc.

II.2.1.6.  Meter Base
Unusual marks and mushroomed screw slots on potential links; broken meter seals; unusual wear or scratches, burn or pit marks on meter stabs/blades/terminals; etc.

II.2.1.7.  Meter Socket
Unusual wear or scratches, burnt or pit marks, irregular meter socket voltages, circuit bypass jumper, etc.

II.2.1.8.  Hidden "Service Riser" Taps and Un-metered Circuits Utilizing Relay Devices:
Unusual noises that could indicate a relay opening when the meter is removed from the socket.

II.2.2.	Meter Security  
The following are the requirements for securing physical meters, panels, programmable meters and data:

II.2.2.1.	Physical Meters and Panels
Meters and meter panels shall be secured with seals and locking devices as described in [EDITING COMMENT: INSERT SECTION REFERENCE FROM PHYSICAL METER].   

II.2.2.2.	Programmable Meters and Data
Only programmable meters capable of supporting password or other protection means to restrict access to information contained therein shall be used for Direct Access, and a security password shall be applied to prevent unauthorized access to a programmable meter and unauthorized modifications of the meter data and program.  Passwords should be controlled by following generally accepted practices.

II.3.	Site Verification 
Visually inspect all meter sites for the following conditions:

II.3.1.	DA Metering Verification
II.3.1.1.	Check for proof of DA meter certification or meter types that meet the CPUC requirements for Direct Access.
II.3.1.2. Verify for correct customer and customer account (records versus meters) including billing constant, meter number, accuracy test results, customer information, address, etc.
II.3.1.3. Verify for correct meter for  service characteristics (voltage, form, etc.).

II.3.2.	DA Communication Verification:
II.3.2.1.	Verify for correct phone or other communication devices and connections if remote read
II.3.2.2.	Verify for successful communication handshakes and data retrieval if remote read (This can be done by another person at a remote location, and data accuracy is not verified at this time).
II.3.2.3.	Verify for successful meter reading if manual read.

II.3.3.	Transformer-rated Meter Sites:
II.3.3.1.	Billing Constant: Compare between records versus sites (CT’s/PT’s ratios when accessible).
II.3.3.2.	Improper Wiring: Shorted current by-pass links, reverse current secondary wired, unmatched voltage and current circuits, pinched or rubbed secondary wires near panel hinges.

II.3.4.	Pole-mounted Meter Sites
II.3.4.1.	Cutouts: Open cutouts, blown triple link fuses.
II.3.4.2.	Grounding: Grounding electrode conductors and connections shall not be broken at any point between the service equipment  enclosure and the ground rods, or other approved grounding electrode.	

II.3.5.	Pad-mounted Meter Sites:
					
II.3.5.1.	Primary Metering:
II.3.5.1.1.	Verify meter enclosure attached to primary metering cabinet secured and lockable.
II.3.5.1.2.	Verify meter pedestal installation mounted securely and cabinet lockable.
II.3.5.2. Cabinets:	Check the cabinet is free of obvious shipping damage, paint damage or corrosion.

II.3.5.3. Cabinet Safety
II.3.5.3.1.	Verify that there is at least one penta-head security bolt permanently attached to high voltage compartment door(s) and door locking handle.
II.3.5.3.2.	Verify secondary non-polarity neutral points and meter enclosure/pedestal electrically connected to ground bus.
II.3.5.3.3.	Verify all metering electrical connections secured and properly made.

II.3.5.4.	Cabinet Markings 
II.3.5.4.1.	Verify exterior warning labels properly attached
II.3.5.4.2.	Verify electrical schematic and metal nameplate mounted to the enclosure

II.3.6.	Grounding:
Some three-phase, three-wire services have ground connection on one of the phases.  In situations where A, B, or C, phase is not grounded and there is a voltage reading at or near zero volts on any phase and reading above zero volts on any other phases, this hazard shall be reported to the UDC prior to leaving the site for emergency corrections and the customer or customer’s representative shall be contacted to inform them of the hazardous conditions.  If it is unclear whether a phase is intentionally grounded, the local UDC shall be contacted to clarify the configuration of the service.  Additionally, extreme caution must be taken on primary (above 600V), 480V phase-to-phase or 277V phase-to-ground service.

II.3.7.	Watt Load Clock  
Calculate and record customer's load as needed.

II.3.8.	Customer’s Ground Fault Protection Device
Check for the existence of a ground fault protection device or equipment in customer’s electrical panel or switchboard.  The purpose of this verification is to ensure that meter workers, while performing meter work on a customer’s three phase, 4-wire wye metering installation, do not inadvertently cause an unscheduled interruption on this service.

II.3.8.1.	Background
Ground-fault protection shall be provided for solidly ground wye electrical services of more than 150 volts to ground, but not exceeding 600 volts phase-to-phase for each service disconnecting means rated 1000 amperes or more.  The proper operation of some ground-fault detection systems requires a single neutral-ground point which can be established by connecting the neutral, the equipment grounding conductors and the service equipment enclosures.  Even though this protection is mandatory on all new 1000 ampere 277/480 volt services, some customers may have installed it on lower voltage and amperage of a 4-wire wye service.  Therefore, meter workers must follow the procedures below to avoid unscheduled service interruption while performing meter work on 4-wire wye metering installations. 

II.3.8.2.	Procedures 
II.3.8.2.1.	Visual check: 
Prior to performing meter work, visually inspect for the existence of a ground fault protection device in customer’s panel, switchboard or electrical facilities.  Note: One of the most sensitive ground fault protection devices is the GTE-Sylvania Zinsco Model GTS-3 relay.  A silicon control rectifier (SCR) in this relay could be triggered by transients generated simply by opening or closing the by-pass potential switch.
II.3.8.2.2.	Actions: 
If a ground fault protection device is found, the meter worker must contact the customer and request that the customer’s representative render the ground-fault relay inoperative or be present to witness the meter work performed.

II.3.9.	PT/CT Secondary Wiring
If accessible, secondary wiring shall be verified for correct wiring and no sign of tampering, and PT’s and CT’s shall be checked for normal operating conditions.  If abnormal conditions exist, the MSP shall notify the UDC serving the customer within 24 hours for their corrective actions.

II.4.	Meter Install
Below are the required procedures that a meter worker must follow when installing and/or removing meters.  These procedures do not necessarily include all procedures of a meter installation.
II.4.1. 	Pre-Installation
Verify type and size of metering is appropriate for site.

II.4.2.	Self Contained Meters	
II.4.2.1.	Take closing read on existing meter.
II.4.2.2.	For meters with no bypass, check the load to make sure it is safe enough to remove the meter. or  disconnect  load before replacing the meter.
II.4.2.3.	For meters with a bypass, the meter socket shall be bypassed and de-energized, 	if possible, before replacing the meter.
II.4.2.4.	Verify voltage.
II.4.2.5.	Verify 0 volts between line and load side of test blocks.
II.4.2.6.	Install new meter
II.4.2.7.	Take initial meter read.

II.4.3.	Transformer Rated Meters (CT Meter)	
II.4.3.1.	Take closing read on existing meter read.
II.4.3.2.	Open test switch cover and verify voltages at the test switch.
II.4.3.3.	Operate test switch/test block to de-energize meter sockets.
II.4.3.4.	Install new meter.
II.4.3.5.	Check for shorts and grounds before closing  voltage switches on test switch.
II.4.3.6.	Take initial meter read

II.4.4.	Meter Installation at New Sites

Installation of a meter(s) on a newly constructed premise where  the customer has decided, prior to service connection, to sign up for Direct Access service must be treated differently than a change meter order.  The parties (ESP’s, UDC’s, MSP’s) shall work together to achieve new meter sets and service connections in a timely manner, consistent with the customer’s interst and public safety.

A new meter set is defined as a meter socket having a meter installed for the first time.  This does not apply to a socket or panel replacement due to equipment failure.

There are four (4) key elements which must be completed prior to a UDC authorizing a new meter set.
1).  Customer’s application on file with the UDC
2).  Direct Access Service Request (DASR) accepted by the UDC
3)  	UDC’s receipt of authority having jurisdiction’s (AHJ) inspection clearance
4)	Service completion, or coordination for energizing service and setting the meters.

The UDC will issue an authorization to set a new meter and notify the ESP if coordination is required (i.e., for instrument transformer rated metering). If coordination is required, the MSP shall use best efforts in meeting the UDC schedule. If no coordination is required, the MSP shall set the new meter within two (2) working days of UDC notification.

Should an ESP install a new meter without authorization from the UDC, the ESP’s Service Agreement with the UDC shall be subject to termination pending a CPUC formal investigation.

II.4.5 	Rewires and Service Upgrades
If a customer rewires or upgrades their electrical service and metering equipment, if required, the MSP may remove the meter before the work on metering equipment starts. 

Reinstallation of the meter is subject to the same requirements described in Section II.44.

II.4.6.	Locking Device
Insure appropriate locking device is in place.