Frequently Asked Questions

Many factors can impact your project timeline, including the complexity of your project and the need to secure required permits and easements. While every project is different, on average, the duration of a new electric construction project could take a minimum of 60-80 business days. Your assigned job owner will provide information about your timeline. 

You can start your request as soon as you have a valid 911 address.

You or your contractor can initiate the request for service. If your contractor is starting the request on your behalf, please ensure they have all the necessary details  – including your personal information – to create your account profile. Please refer to our Electric Service Request Form to review the information your contractor will need to provide on your behalf. 

After you’ve completed the preliminary requirements and submitted your Electric Service Request Form, you will be assigned a dedicated job owner within 5 business days. Your job owner will serve as your main point of contact and is available to answer questions as they guide you through the entire process. 

Your duties include providing accurate and necessary information for your electric service request, completing required forms or documentation, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. It is important to communicate any changes or updates that may affect the project. 

Depending on the nature and location of your project, several permits may be required. These can include permits from various authorities such as the state, county, town/village, environmental agencies, and/or railroad authorities. Factors such as the project scope, its impact on the environment, and any applicable regulations or restrictions may determine whether permits are needed for your project. The timeline for obtaining necessary permits can vary. 

Easements are necessary to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity to your property. While you may want/need the proposed utility service connection to your property and be willing to grant verbal “permission” for the connection to be made, the granting of (or existence of) an easement agreement between a property owner and service provider is considered standard procedure to document the specific rights and responsibilities/obligations expected of each party. 

An easement grants National Grid the legal right to access and maintain the electrical infrastructure installed on your property for both you, the current owner, and all subsequent owners of the property.  

Generally, "real property" refers to land and anything permanently attached to it.   Examples include the land itself, buildings (like houses, garages, offices, etc.) and anything permanently affixed to the land or buildings, such as fences, driveways and in-ground pools.  The term "real property" is used to distinguish these permanent elements  from “personal property”, which refers to (re)movable assets such as furniture, appliances or vehicles. 

The term “facilities” in an easement refers to all the structures and other materials comprising the electric system that may be required. “Facilities” encompass a wide range of components such as poles, guys and anchors, conductors, transformers, conduit, and other hardware or components that are essential for the safe and reliable provision of electric service. The references to “facilities” in the easement ensures that all necessary infrastructure required for delivering electric service are covered. 

You will be asked to complete an Easement Information Form that will include questions regarding your full name, contact details, property address, and deed recording information. 

When an easement is said to "run with the land," it means that the easement is binding and applicable to all current and future owners of the real property and not limited to the original parties involved. In other words, an easement remains in effect and continues to impact the real property regardless of changes in ownership to ensure that the rights and obligations outlined in the Easement remain in effect and are enforceable for all subsequent owners of the property. 

Massachusetts Electric Company  is a Massachusetts  corporation that provides electric utility services to both residential and commercial customers across Massachusetts. As a public utility, Massachusetts Electric Company operates under the trade name "National Grid" and is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (The “DPU”). National Grid is committed to delivering reliable and safe energy services to its customers while adhering to the regulations set forth by the DPU. 

Massachusetts Electric Company is listed as the grantee on easements because that is the actual corporate legal entity name of the company providing the services. In legal documents such as an easement, it is necessary to include the official corporate entity for clarity and accuracy. Massachusetts Electric does business as (“d/b/a”) National Grid, which is a trade name, and therefore the easement does not name “National Grid” as a grantee in easements. 

Generally speaking, all parties listed in the deed of conveyance as holding record title to the real property must sign the easement. In cases where it is necessary for National Grid’s facilities to cross over the real property of a neighbor or other third-party to provide the requested electric utility service to an applicant, the applicant is also responsible (or at a minimum assisting), in most cases, in obtaining the necessary easement(s) from that third party. 

Typically, an easement for electric service grants certain rights that may include: 

1. Rights to install, operate and maintain facilities: This includes the necessary infrastructure such as poles, wires, guys and guy anchors, transformers, or other equipment required to provide electric utility service. 
2. Vegetation management rights: The easement may authorize National Grid to trim or remove trees and other vegetation that may interfere with the safe and reliable operation of its facilities. 
3. Right of access or crossing: An easement may provide National Grid with the right to access or cross the real property on which the easement is granted. It is imperative that National Grid be able to reach its facilities to perform necessary changes, maintenance, improvements, or safety vegetation clearing.
   
   

Note that the rights to be acquired by National Grid are outlined in the Easement agreement. 

Typically, yes, there are restrictions associated with an easement, and they relate to National Grid’s ability to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted provision of electric service. In general, an owner of real property subject to the easement must not interfere with National Grid’s ability to exercise the rights outlined in the easement. These restrictions are there to ensure we can access our equipment and continue to safely operate and maintain the electric facilities. Typical restrictions may include but are not limited to the placement of pools, sheds, or fences within an easement granted to National Grid. In addition, the planting of shrubs or trees is also prohibited within the easement.  A property owner is responsible for avoiding any actions that could interfere with National Grid’s rights as granted in the easement. This includes refraining from activities that could impact National Grid’s facilities or otherwise hinder the safe operation and maintenance of the electric infrastructure. 

Costs associated with new residential electric service depend on the specifications of your project. We offer a cost estimating tool [Note: this should link to the tool]to help you get an idea of costs based on your project needs. Our team will work closely with you to provide an accurate and transparent breakdown of the costs involved. 

There may be costs associated with the installation of your service. The specific National Grid construction charges and/or applicable fees depend on the project's nature and scope. It is important to review the proposal and estimate provided by National Grid, as it will outline the anticipated costs for the installation. Please contact us for more details about the potential costs of installing your service. 

Before we come on site, there are a few things you can do to help ensure a smooth process. First, it is important to have completed any necessary steps or requirements outlined in your project documentation. This may include signing and returning the necessary agreements, obtaining any required permits, and fulfilling any financial obligations. 

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the construction site is accessible and prepared for our team's arrival. Clear any obstacles or debris that may hinder access to the work area. If there are any specific instructions or preparations required, your job owner will communicate them to you in advance. 

Typical construction scheduling is 4-6 weeks after any necessary permits, easements and/or payments have been received. In addition, the customer is responsible for having the site ready and must complete any company-required inspections. 

Prior to the construction phase, a National Grid Operations Supervisor will conduct a pre-check of the site to ensure readiness for construction. The pre-check is essential to ensure safety and confirm that the site is prepared for our crews to begin work. It helps us identify and address any potential unsafe conditions and ensures that the job site is ready for construction activities. Please note that weather conditions, prior scheduled work, and unforeseen emergencies can impact the construction schedule. The complexity of your project along with the availability of resources, materials, and equipment can all impact the estimated timeline. We will do our best to keep you informed of any delays that may occur. 

Your service will be energized by National Grid once we receive approval from the Electrical Inspector. It is important to note that local building codes typically require licensed electrical contractors to perform all building electric work. Depending on your location, your licensed electrical contractor will initiate the necessary permits and have their work inspected by the Electrical Inspector. 

After the inspection is successfully completed and approved, the Electrical Inspector will notify National Grid to confirm that the service is ready to be energized. 

• Specifications for Electrical Installations 

Installing your meter typically occurs during the final stages of the construction process. Once construction is complete and your service has been energized, the meter installation will be scheduled. 

The specific timing of the meter installation may vary depending on service scope. Factors such as the construction's progress, any necessary inspections, and coordination with our metering team can impact your timeline. 

If our proposed timeline does not fit with your requirements, please communicate your concerns to your job owner for further discussion. We’ll work with you to explore options to ensure a successful project.