Md. Code Regs. 20.50.11.01 - CVRZ, Voltage Survey Plan, and Voltage Survey Requirement

A. Within 60 days after the effective date of these regulations, each electric company shall file for Commission approval:

(1) A list and location map for all CVRZs within its service territory, if applicable; or

(2) If no CVRZs are designated in its service territory, its voltage survey plan.

B. Within 30 days after the Commission approves a CVRZ or CVRZs within an electric company's service territory, the electric company shall file its voltage survey plan for Commission approval.

C. Upon approval of the electric company's voltage survey plan, the electric company shall conduct an initial contact voltage survey of each CVRZ within 1 year of the approval and shall conduct subsequent contact voltage surveys of each CVRZ as set forth in its voltage survey plan.

D. The electric company shall conduct its initial and each subsequent contact voltage survey within each Commission-approved CVRZ of:

(1) All publicly accessible electric distribution plant and electric company-owned or-maintained streetlights that are capable of conducting electricity;

(2) Municipal-owned or governmental-owned streetlights and traffic signals that are publicly accessible and are capable of conducting electricity, if the consent of the municipal government or other appropriate governmental authority is received; and

(3) All objects and surfaces that are publicly accessible in public parks and playgrounds and that are capable of conducting electricity, if the consent of the municipal government or other appropriate governmental authority is received.

E. At least 60 days prior to implementing any material change to its voltage survey plan, the electric company shall file for Commission approval.

F. For areas within each electric company's service territory which are not located in a CVRZ, the electric company shall perform an initial contact voltage survey within 3 years of the approval of the voltage survey plan on all publicly accessible electric distribution plant, except for wooden poles, and publicly accessible electric company-owned or-maintained streetlights that are capable of conducting electricity. Subsequent contact voltage surveys for all equipment capable of conducting electricity shall be conducted in accordance with the voltage survey plan.

G. Streetlights shall be tested for contact voltage after dark or when the light is illuminated.

H. The Commission may increase or decrease the frequency or scope of any contact voltage survey requirement upon a showing of good cause.

I. Contact voltage readings shall be conducted in accordance with acceptable methods described in the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Standard 1695 - 2016.

Notes

Md. Code Regs. 20.50.11.01

Regulation .01 amended effective 50:16 Md. R. 728, eff. 8/21/2023