Just thought I'd document someone removing utility company from their place that has it already and will go completely off grid. I'm at the end of the line on this particular spur of utility lines. A large part of this is not directly related to financial aspect of this but environmental. Some of the reasons:
I called few minutes ago to inquire about procedure to remove everything. I was also curious what it would cost to reconnect. They have a lot of "penalties" to reconnect even if you just wanted the meter removed to avoid the $46/month charge.
To reconnect the fees are:
Am now deciding when to call to tell them to remove all of it.
- Power is coming from a coal burning power plant
- Substantial amount of trees would have to start being cut/cleared that have grown up over the years near the power lines to continue using power in the near future. I've managed to keep them from clearing what is there now only by standing out there in middle of winter making sure they didn't when they were doing the lines going to my property on the neighbors property. The clearing wouldn't be acceptable and would look like crap.
- Have to worry about them spraying herbicide which is what they do in most places but you have to put up signs and call them to try and make sure whatever contractor they get to do that doesn't spray lines on your place.
- Utility company is very anti-renewable and simply doesn't seem to get it. Have constant articles in their newsletter how evil solar is and how great carbon sequestering is.
- Have now been fully off grid (besides few light bulbs in a barn) since beginning of year to verify can survive. Only external input is firewood which is used for heat. Everything else electric including water heater.
I called few minutes ago to inquire about procedure to remove everything. I was also curious what it would cost to reconnect. They have a lot of "penalties" to reconnect even if you just wanted the meter removed to avoid the $46/month charge.
To reconnect the fees are:
- Processing fee $26.72
- Reconnect fee $53.43
- 12 months of facility charges $46 * 12 = $552
Am now deciding when to call to tell them to remove all of it.