New construction commissioning costs as a percentage of total electrical system construction cost range from which of the following?

• A. 0.5 to 1.5%
• B. 2 to 3%
• C. 3 to 4%
• D. 1 to 2%

Answer: (D)

Commissioning costs for a new electrical installation reflect the work of planning, testing, verification, and handover needed to ensure the system operates as designed. This is a small but essential portion of the electrical construction budget, not the bulk of it, because the majority of costs come from the actual equipment, wiring, and installation. For a typical new electrical system, the commissioning portion is generally around one to two percent of the total electrical system construction cost. That range accounts for activities such as developing test procedures, conducting functional performance tests, calibrating equipment, coordinating with other trades, and providing training and documentation for the operators. If the project is simpler or the commissioning scope is lean, the cost may fall near one percent; if the system is highly complex or requires extensive validation, it can near two percent or slightly more.