Almost any project, whether renovation
or new construction, requires some
form of temporary power or heat for
work to progress. When bidding and
negotiating on contracts, owners and
contractors should evaluate their needs
for temporary power and develop specific
terms regarding the availability of
and responsibility for such services.
The risk of failing to address these
needs in sufficient detail is demonstrated
by a recent case in Massachusetts: Joseph
E. Bennett Co., Inc. v. Commonwealth,
486 N.E.2d 1145 (Mass. App. 1985).
The case involved the construction and
renovation of a 450-bed prison facility
in Bridgewater, Mass.
Tying into Electrical Lines
As the prime contractor, Bennett was
required to have its electrical subcontractor
provide temporary light and
power at the job site