New Construction FAQ

Once construction is complete, crews will build the line and set and turn on the electric meter.

If aid-to-construction payments are required, they must be paid before the construction of electric facilities is scheduled. There may be additional construction responsibilities that must be completed (e.g., tree trimming) before work is scheduled. Wiring specifications can be found in Brochures and Forms.

If you are doing the trenching, please follow the below procedures:

• Contact the Operations Department a minimum of 24 hours before trenching to verify and coordinate the job
• Contact OUPS (800) 362-2764 or call 811 48 hours before any digging
• If trenching to a new pole, the pole must be set before trenching
• If trenching to an existing pole or pad, the trench must go all the way to the pole or padmount
• Current trenching specifications can be found in the Downloadable Documents box located in Brochures and Forms.
  

Once all requirements are satisfied, contact your nearest South Central Power office to schedule a crew to complete the installation of electric facilities.

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 the completion of the engineering plan.

Aid-to-Construction

If an aid-to-construction fee is required, a letter will be sent to the consumer explaining the required amount. If easement or government permits need obtained or aid-to-construction costs are required, construction plans will be held until the completion of these items. Otherwise, construction plans will be released to the operations department.

Please contact your local South Central Power office for a schedule of construction.

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

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 speaking with a representative at any South Central Power office, please review the list of questions (PDF) you will be asked. 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 email. Requests to turn on service at an existing meter must be made at least one business day in advance.