Fritz;
You said that your power co. doesn't allow that, but, since you didn't update your profile, I can't tell where you're from.
Yes, regional differences do make for confusion as each locality adopts their own form of the code.
Even if that was per NEC, I believe that local code enforcement can supercede the code and adopt their own.
That being said, all I can hope is, that when the system was approved, the AHJ had his glasses on.
I'm still going with the "hazardous water puddle under the electrical service " thingy.....
just common sense...