Thursday, October 22, 2009

Electrical Reconnection Program

Media Release

October 22, 2009

Changes in Electrical Reconnection Process
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 21, 2009

Hernando County Development Services (HCDS) announces changes to electrical reconnection program

Recognizing the increasing number of foreclosed or vacant homes which are returning to the market, the Hernando County Development Department has implemented a change to a program which aids homeowners, realtors, and contractors with reestablishing electrical service to homes that have been without electrical service for six months or more.

This program has been in effect since 2004 and is the result of a collaborative effort of the Department and Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative (WREC). The program was established to ensure the safety of utility personnel and the potential occupants of vacated homes prior to reconnecting electrical service. These properties are often targets of vandalism and theft which can create unsafe electrical conditions.

Homeowners or realtors desiring to have electrical power reconnected to a property meeting the program criteria have the option of contacting a licensed electrical contractor to certify the electrical system or contacting the Building Division to request a visual inspection to ensure all electrical devices are intact. Both options require application for an electrical release from the department.

Most recently a meeting was held with the department, WREC, and the Board of Realtors to discuss ways to make the program more efficient and timely. The Department was able to implement a procedure for the visual inspection to be performed by a licensed county inspector. The inspection is coordinated with the applicant, County inspector, and WREC, which has expedited the reconnection process. If problems are identified during the visual inspection performed by the County inspector, a report is provided to the homeowner or realtor so that the items can be repaired by a licensed electrical contractor. The change to this program became available October 1, 2009.

About Hernando County Development Services:

In 2009, the Department will issue over 9,200 permits and complete 28,000 inspections on residential and commercial properties in Hernando County.

For more information:

Hernando County Development Department, Jodi Singer, Operations Manager
352-754-4050

Withlacoochee River Electric, Mike Duncan, 352-596-4000

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