Schedule a ditch inspection 

Get step-by-step support for your ditch inspection 

Ditch inspections help MTE support safe and reliable electric service for members. MTE’s Engineering team can help you schedule a ditch inspection during regular business hours and answer questions about the process. To get started, use the ditch inspection request form. 

How to request a ditch inspection 

To schedule a ditch inspection, submit the request form below. MTE’s Engineering team will coordinate with you to help complete the inspection efficiently and make sure it meets all requirements. 

Common reasons for a failed ditch inspection 

Preparing ahead of time can help you avoid delays. Common reasons a ditch inspection may not pass include: 

  • Pipes are not cut off in the transformer or pull box. 
  • Conduits are turned up in the wrong location in the transformer or pull box. 
  • The transformer or pull box is not at the correct grade. 
  • Conduits are installed too shallowly. 
  • The 1-inch smart grid conduit is missing. 
  • The smart grid box is not installed. 
  • The wrong meter base is installed. 
  • Couplings are too short. 
  • No string is installed in the ditch. 
  • Straps are missing on the conduit. 
  • The ditch grade is incorrect. 
  • The wrong radius elbow is used.
What to do before your inspection 

Before requesting your inspection, review the common failure items above. Making sure these items are complete and correctly installed can help the inspection process go more smoothly. 

If you are unsure whether your setup is ready, contact MTE Engineering for guidance before submitting the request form. 

Frequently asked questions about ditch inspections 
How do I schedule a ditch inspection? 

Use the ditch inspection request form provided by MTE. You can also contact MTE’s engineering team during regular business hours if you need help. 

What are the most common reasons for a failed inspection? 

Common issues include incorrect conduit placement, missing smart grid components, incorrect ditch grade, the wrong meter base, or missing conduit straps. Review the checklist above before requesting your inspection. 

Who can I contact if I have questions? 

Contact MTE’s engineering team for support and guidance throughout the ditch inspection process. 

What should I do if my inspection fails? 

Review the issues noted by the inspector, make the needed corrections, and request another inspection when the work is ready. 

Are inspections available outside regular business hours? 

Ditch inspections are currently conducted during regular business hours. Contact the engineering team for available scheduling options. 

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Contact MTE’s Engineering Team 

Planning a project, development, or new electric service? MTE Engineering works with contractors, builders, and developers to help coordinate electric service needs and answer project-related questions. The best place to start is by submitting the contact form below or calling our member support team. They can direct your call to the appropriate engineering team to answer your questions. 

[Phone:] 877-777-9020