Probable Violations Identified at Corn Belt Power Cooperative's Electrical Facilities

Strategic Insights -

The Iowa Utilities Commission conducted a follow-up inspection at Corn Belt Power Cooperative's facilities in Docket No. E-21452, Amendment No. 2, to determine compliance with electrical safety rules and regulations. The commission identified probable violations, including issues with pole grounding and insulator installation. In response, Corn Belt filed a report on April 22, 2025, but the IUC has reviewed it and determined that some violations have not been cleared.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Iowa Utilities Commission identified probable violations at Corn Belt Power Cooperative's facilities, including issues with pole grounding and insulator installation.
  • The commission cited NESC 215C1 and NESC 215C2(a)(2) rule violations, specifically regarding pole top grounding and insulator installation.
  • Corn Belt Power Cooperative filed a response on April 22, 2025, but the IUC has not cleared all probable violations.
  • The IUC requires Corn Belt to provide a report of field-measured ground resistance at each pole location for review.
  • The probable violations were first cited in the field inspection report filed on February 27, 2025.

Statistics:

  • 2 probable violations were identified on December 30, 2024.
  • 1 probable violation was cleared in a Follow-up Inspection report filed on April 15, 2025.
  • 1 probable violation remains uncleared, as noted in the May 15, 2025, IUC report.
  • The IUC's electrical safety rules and regulations are set forth in Iowa Code chapters 476 and 478 and in 199 Iowa Administrative Code chapters 11, 20, and 25.

Sources:

  • Iowa Utilities Commission. (2025, February 27). Field Inspection Report. Docket No. E-21452, Amendment No. 2 (unnumbered page 1).
  • Iowa Utilities Commission. (2025, April 15). Amendment No. 2 Probable Violation Clearance Report. Docket No. E-21452, Amendment No. 2 (unnumbered page 2).
  • Iowa Utilities Commission. (2025, April 22). Response to IUC Amendment No. 2 Probable Violation Clearance Report. Docket No. E-21452, Amendment No. 2.
  • Iowa Utilities Commission. (2025, May 15). Field Inspection Report. Docket No. E-21452, Amendment No. 2.