Learn the process for building electric service to your new home.
Step 1: Application for New Service
To establish service at a location that does not have an existing meter, consumers are asked
to supply some specific information about themselves and their energy needs. Before calling to speak to
a representative at any South Central Power office, please review the
list of questions you will be asked
beforehand. The information requested must
be completed before an appointment with an engineer can be scheduled.
To establish service at a location that has an existing meter, phone any South Central Power office
or send an e-mail. Requests to turn on service at an existing meter must be made at least 1
business day in advance.
Step 2: Meet with the Field Engineer
IMPORTANT! Buildings and property lines must be staked prior to any meeting in the
field with an engineer. During the meeting in the field, customers must provide the engineer a copy of the deed or survey and,
for a home or business, a well/septic permit if applicable. The engineer will provide a copy of "Consumer Procedures for Obtaining
Service" which is a new service initial checklist that the consumer should follow.
The engineer will cover a number of items during the meeting including:
- Service routes/Meter locations
- Easements
- Tree Trimming
- Consumer Responsibilities
- Temporary construction
Step 3: Engineering the project
During the engineering phase, cost estimates and construction drawings are prepared. The engineer
will gather information about existing facilities, service routes and site conditions. If needed, the
engineer will apply for easements and roadway crossing permits.
Consumers should allow 5 working days from the time
they meet an engineer in the field for completion of engineering plan. If aid-to-construction is required, a letter will be
sent to the consumer stating the required amount. If an easement or government permits need obtained or aid-to-construction
costs are required, construction plans will be held until completion of these items. Otherwise construction plans will be released to Operations department.
Please contact your local South Central Power office
for schedule of construction.
Step 4: Consumer Responsibilities
If aid-to-construction payments are required, they must be paid before construction of electric
facilities is scheduled. There may be additional construction responsibilities, as well, that must be
completed (i.e., tree trimming) before work is scheduled.
Wiring specifications can be found in the Downloadable Documents box located on the
right-hand side of the page or on Brochures and Forms.
If you are doing the trenching, please follow the below procedures:
- Contact the Operations Department a minimum of 24 hours prior to trenching to verify and
coordinate job.
- Contact OUPS (1-800-362-2764) or call 811 48 hours prior to any digging.
- If trenching to a new pole, pole must be set prior to trenching.
- If trenching to an existing pole or pad, trench must go all the way to pole or padmount.
- Current trenching specifications can be found in the Downloadable Documents box located on the
right-hand side of the page or on Brochures and Forms.
Once all requirements are satisfied, contact your nearest
South Central Power office to schedule a crew to complete
installation of electric facilities.
Step 5: Building the Line and Meter Setting
Once construction is complete, crews will build the line and set and turn on the electric meter.