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New Construction

New location checklist

Use this checklist to guide your project as you plan construction for your new location and request electric service. It walks you through each phase—from early planning to final completion—so you know what to expect every step of the way.

  • Verify the new location is in our service area. View our service area map or call the Idea Center at 1-800-493-3299. 
  • Complete the electric service application for new construction.
  • Stake out property lines and any privately owned underground utilities. Mark the areas where you'd like the new electric panel to be installed prior to meeting with a Service Representative. 
  • Meet with a Service Representative to go over plan details and determine cost and construction timeline.
  • Pay deposit or sign Electric Service Agreement if applicable.
  • Contact your electrician to obtain a wiring certificate after the initial work is complete and the electrical panel is installed. After this the meter set will take place.
  • Once the meter is set, billing will begin. If the account is under a different name, contact Customer Service to transfer it. Automatic payments must be set up for every new account.
  • Learn about rebates available for new construction and remodels.  

Additional information

When planning your project, important considerations include location, the complexity of the project, and time of year. Depending on the work being done, project timelines and costs can vary depending on many factors. Accuracy and completeness of forms, site readiness, weather conditions, and availability of construction crews all play a part in how quickly a project moves along. 

To determine if the location is in our service area, view our map or contact Customer Service to verify, 800-257-4044 or 218-739-8877 

Once the location is verified, fill out the electric service application for new construction.

Vital information needed includes the service address, billing address, contact information, service details and site plan (if available). It's important that you fill out the form completely for the fastest service. Once the form is submitted, you'll receive a call within 5-10 business days.

If the address hasn't been established, please use the parcel number and provide the street and/or address nearest to the location. Once the address is known, you'll need to contact Customer Service to update your account.  

Once your application has been received and reviewed, a Service Representative will contact you to discuss your project. They'll confirm your service needs and review the site plan.  

We'll contact the appropriate entities to identify existing public underground utilities. It's your responsibility to mark any private underground utilities (ie: sprinkler systems, LP tank gas lines, private sewers and septic systems, drain fields, etc.). We're not responsible for damage to any unmarked private utilities.  

If easements are necessary, we'll work with the adjacent landowners to get proper approval before construction begins.  

For your project to move forward in a timely manner, site preparation is essential. This includes marking property corners with stakes, marking privately owned underground utilities, and identifying the approximate location where the electric meter socket will be installed. 

Based on the site visit, we'll determine the cost to provide service to the location and review the Electric Service Agreement if applicable. This can take a few days to weeks to complete depending on the scope of the project.  

Before you receive a meter, you're required to obtain and submit a state electrical/wiring permit that we need to be approve. You or your electrician can submit this form to your local customer service center, or by emailing it to [email protected].  

You're responsible for any local building permits required by the county or city. 

Depending on the scope of the project, the costs will vary. Once determined, you may be required to sign an Electric Service Agreement (ESA). The ESA ensures that your electric service payment will cover the construction costs of the new location.  

At this time, you can choose to pay the total cost of the project up front or over three years interest-free through your electric service bill. There is an option to extend the term to six years if you install an electric heating technology.    

For example, if the cost of installing a new service is $15,000, a minimum monthly electric bill would be $416.67 for 36 months. If your kilowatt usage equals $200 per month, an additional $216.67 would be added. If your bill is $500 per month, nothing additional is added. If the monthly revenue meets the cost of the construction prior to 36 months, the ESA is settled. 

Now that you have completed the application process, site design, and signed the Electric Service Agreement if applicable, the work will be scheduled. The site must be ready for construction, including clear pathways where the new service will be installed and excavation activities. Construction debris in the way of installation of service or excavation that's not complete can delay the project.  

Once the meter is installed, billing will begin and include the monthly minimum agreed upon in the Electric Service Agreement if applicable. It's your responsibility to contact us to set up a new account or transfer the existing account (if in the contractor's name). Billing information such as name, address, and payment method will need to be updated by the account holder. 

We offer several rebates and programs for new construction. You can set up an appointment with an Energy Expert for more details on the programs offered and how to qualify for rebates.