Construction Standards
Serving developers and contractors for 80+ years
As the trusted energy provider for thousands of members, MTE is committed to providing them affordable, safe, and reliable electricity. Our engineering team uses federal, state, and local guidelines in combination with industry best practices in our efforts to fulfill this mission. We've created standards and guidelines to help our builders, contractors, and other vendors navigate the rules and regulations around the construction of homes and businesses. These are updated regularly, so please check back frequently to ensure you're project is meeting the current standards. If you have any questions, our engineering team is available to answer your questions and address any concerns.
Before you get started, review our development checklist
- Only trees listed on the MTE Tree Planting Guidelines can be planted within any existing or proposed overhead power line rights-of-way.
- The developer shall provide and clear the initial 40-foot rights-of-way from "sky to ground" with the location to be defined by MTE Engineering (the "initial clearing"). MTE will maintain the rights-of-way after the initial clearing.
- No proposed flag poles or streetlight poles shall be located within any existing or proposed overhead power line rights-of-way without written approval of MTE.
- All developers requesting electric power for any development (including, without limitation residential, commercial or industrial) must complete and sign MTE's standard rights-of-way easement receipt before any construction is scheduled or commenced. These requirements and prohibitions include, without limitation, any rights-of-ways required to cross neighboring properties.
- MTE shall be a signatory on all plats and shall be evidenced as having access to all public utility, drainage and access easements ("PUDE") as shown on the plat. Should any city or county allow the PUDE to expire, MTE will retain the full PUDE as long as MTE utilities are in place.
- Complete and submit MTE Title Block – This is only for cases where cities do not include an MTE title block or if the PUDE does not meet MTE’s requirements related to location and/or width.
- Construction fees, including, without limitation, engineering fees, inspection fees, and line extension charges, must be paid before construction can be scheduled or commence.
- Underground construction guidelines shall be obtained from MTE local office engineering personnel.
- MTE's underground inspection process involves coordinating multiple trips at various stages in the development process. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to contact MTE Engineering for more information.
- In many instances, contracts are required. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to contact MTE Engineering for more information and coordination of efforts.
- Any development must meet any and all Operation Bulletins, Policy Bulletins, Rules and Regulations, and Bylaw requirements related to receiving new service published or established by MTE.
- Temporary service requests and requirements should be discussed with MTE local office engineering personnel.
- Submit an electronic copy of the plat to MTE Engineering with applicable PUDE and lot lines.
Laptop & Desktop
We recommend using the latest Adobe PDF reader to view our documents.
Mobile Devices
Download the MTE Document Library on your mobile devices for up-to-date standards and guidelines.
Temporary Material Substitutions
Many manufacturers and suppliers are experiencing supply chain issues related to COVID-19. We are aware that there are utility-specified materials — meter bases, transformer pads, communications boxes, etc. — that you may be providing and installing to complete your existing projects. We have created a list of items that are temporarily approved below.
Need to speak to someone?
Our Contact Center can quickly direct your call to the right engineering team member to handle your question, concern, or situation. Give them a call at 877-777-9020.
You can also send our engineering team a message using the contact form.
Ditch Inspection Requests
Our engineering team can help you schedule a ditch inspection which is conducted during our regular business office hours. If you have any questions, please let us know.
To schedule a ditch inspection request, please use the form below.