Opinion ID: 1679070
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Duplication of Electric Service

Text: To serve this subdivision, a transmission line was to have been placed along the rear lot line of each block. Neither utility had such an existing line. The cost of installing these transmission lines would have been the same for each utility company. Similarly, the cost of tapping for Block 2's transmission line would be the same for either utility. LP&L's nearest existing line was located along Highway 57, a distance of 104 feet from the lot nearest to that line. By contrast, SLECA's existing line along Denley Road is 84 feet from the lot nearest it. There is no duplication whatsoever, no difference in cost between the two utilities; LP&L was not entitled to the exclusive right to serve Block 2. Block 1 presents a more difficult situation. As mentioned above, SLECA built an underground line traversing Picone Road in order to service Block 1. LP&L contends that, had it serviced the subdivision, there would been no need to construct the underground line since LP&L already had lines located between Block 1 and Industrial Boulevard from which it could have tapped for $1500. LP&L further contends that the cost of constructing that underground line was $11000. This amount was a cost estimate by an LP&L employee who stated that this is what a comparable three phase underground line would have cost LP&L. An employee of SLECA testified that the line used was single phase, and not three phase, which is more expensive. The record before us does not show SLECA's cost of constructing the extension. Therefore, we cannot find that the Public Service Commission arbitrarily rejected LP&L's contention that it could have serviced the area more economically. The burden of proof was on LP&L to prove its contentions. [4] LP&L makes the further argument that SLECA duplicated LP&L's existing facilities because LP&L could have served Block 1 without constructing the underground line. As mentioned above, the underground line was chosen to accommodate the developer. SLECA could have serviced the block by extending its line along Denley Road and crossing Denley as it had done for Block 2. It is doubtful that LP&L's proposed method would have satisfied the developer. Therefore, we do not believe that the Public Service Commission erred because it failed to hold that SLECA's lines were duplicative of LP&L's existing facilities.