Frequently asked questions
Click on a link below to get answers to frequently asked questions
about electric gate access:
Why is immediate 24-hour access a requirement for customers with
electrically operated gates?
With thousands of electric gates in the Valley and
numerous access codes and procedures, gaining instant entry to SRP equipment has
become difficult, and in some cases impossible. Entry delays affect SRP's ability
to provide the level of service our customers expect, and in emergency situations,
pose safety risks to SRP employees and the public.
This requirement enables SRP to respond to emergency situations and perform routine
activities through automated gates in a safe, timely and effective manner.
Who must comply?
Any customers with existing or proposed electrically operated gates must provide SRP with immediate
24-hour access by means of the approved SRP Restricted Access Switch (RAS).
Customers who fail to install the RAS pose a safety hazard to SRP
personnel and the public. SRP reserves the right to not respond to unsafe situations.
Why should SRP customers comply?
Installation of electric gates can inadvertently create safety and access problems
for our electric facilities. Electric gates that do not have the approved RAS do
not meet the requirements of our Electric Service Agreement Section 1-15.2.C.
What does 24-hour immediate access mean to SRP?
Immediate access means SRP personnel can immediately reach SRP equipment 24-hours
a day for emergencies, testing, inspection, meter reading and maintenance.
Electric gates that SRP must enter and exit through for access to our facilities
must use the RAS. Equipment located in areas where SRP personnel do not have
immediate 24-hour access prevents SRP from responding immediately and in an emergency
could cause the loss of life and/or property for the public.
What if customers with existing electric gates do not install the required RAS within the 90-day time
frame?
Customers with electrically operated gates will be held responsible for the RAS
installation and all associated costs, including the cost of the RAS.
What if a customer does not comply with the immediate 24-hour
access requirement?
Without immediate 24-hour access, SRP may be unable to respond safely to police, fire and customer
requests or to restore power following an outage. In addition, lack of access makes it
difficult to perform maintenance and other basic work activities located in communities
with electric gates.
Customers with electrically operated gates that fail to comply with the
immediate 24-hour access requirement could be held liable for any third-party claims
made by their residents or customers resulting from a denial of access for SRP response.
This potential liability should be a major concern to our customers and their insurance
companies.
Which electrically operated gates are required to include the RAS?
The access switch locations will include the existing main, guest and/or restricted
entry gate(s), but not exit only or resident only gates.
What laws require the installation of the RAS?
Section 6.10 of SRP's rules and regulations provides that SRP must have an
unconditional right of access to a customer's premises for the purpose of
accessing SRP facilities for maintenance and other work. SRP's rules and
regulations have been adopted by SRP pursuant to A.R.S. Section 48, subsection 2301 et. seq.,
Section 30, subsection 801 et seq. and other pertinent authority.
View a current copy of SRP's
Rules and
Regulations.
How much will SRP reimburse customers for installing the
RAS assembly on their existing electrically operated gate(s)?
SRP will pay gate companies up to $150 for each RAS installed within 90 days.
Who is responsible for the installation of the RAS?
Customers are responsible for contracting with their authorized gate technician for
the installation work.
Who is responsible for maintenance of the RAS once installed and operational
on customers' electrically operated gates?
Customers with electrically operated gates will be responsible, at their
expense, for keeping the RAS in good working condition.
Why is SRP using an RAS system? Can it be easily vandalized?
After researching other access entry options, SRP decided to use this RAS assembly,
which is a key assembly. SRP has been using this restricted key assembly successfully
throughout SRP territory for 20 years.
Why is SRP using the restricted access assembly rather than using a more
technically sophisticated system?
Rather than require the customers to support an expensive, sophisticated system, SRP chose to use this simple, reliable and durable RAS assembly. The RAS assembly has proven longevity, is very dependable and requires little to
no maintenance.
How do customers request the RAS for their gates?
- Existing electric gates process
Customers must complete the online restricted access switch request form. The location(s) for the RAS must be indicated in Step 1 of the request form. Upon receipt of the electronic form, SRP will mail the RAS assembly to customers' gate companies.
You can also request a print copy of the form by calling (602) 236-8833 or sending an e-mail to srpegapt@srpnet.com.
- Proposed electric gates
When submitting plans to SRP, the customer must identify all proposed electric gate and their locations. The RAS cost(s) will be included with the upfront costs paid by the customer. The SRP Design office will give the RAS to the customer upfront after the customer has read and signed the addendum agreeing to abide by the installation requirements of the RAS attached to their contract with SRP. If the RAS is not installed by the time gates are operational, SRP will charge an additional re-inspection fee.
The requirements for new construction will also apply to any electric gates added by customers to their property after Jan. 1, 2006.
Why doesn't SRP coordinate this process with other emergency response groups,
such as fire departments, police departments or other utility companies?
SRP attempted to coordinate with other groups that require immediate access through
electric gates, such as the fire department, police department and U.S. Postal Service.
SRP found that each group already has an existing, yet different, method of access
into customers'/communities' electric gates.
Due to liability issues, these groups were not willing to grant SRP, other
municipalities and other utilities the use of their existing access systems.
SRP did find that other utilities are experiencing similar safety and access
issues; however at this time, the utilities are not ready to participate for
various reasons.
What are the installation specifications for the RAS?
The installation instructions will be mailed with each RAS assembly to the delivery address on the request form submitted by the customer.
Authorized gate technicians may contact Dan Grimes at (602) 236-5900 regarding answers to
questions about the installation process.
How will customers' authorized gate installer be paid for their services?
The gate companies have two ways they can request reimbursement for their services - fill out the hard copy form they have received from their customer, or use the online reimbursement form.
- Hard copy process
Section B of the form must be filled out completely and submitted to SRP with their invoices for payment.
- Online submission
Complete and submit the online reimbursement form. Gate companies will still need to e-mail, fax or mail their invoices to receive payment.
All installation work must be completed within the stated 90-day period to receive payment from SRP.
Return to the main electronic gate access page.