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
