The necessary basic paperwork includes an Application for Membership or Service, Meter Deposit/Credit Reference, New Service Fee, Easement, South Dakota Wiring Certificate. There could be other requirements depending on what type of service is required.

In most cases the Line Extension will be overhead. However, if necessary, underground service may be the most appropriate. The consumer may be required to pay 100% of the installation cost of underground service.

For any new underground installation, the Co-op is required to have an Archeological Survey, of the area, completed. The cost of the survey is the responsibility of the consumer and is approximately $500 per survey. The survey and approval from the State Preservation Officer usually takes 3 -4 weeks.

Yes, the Co-op requires easements on any property involved in the process of the installation of a new electrical service. The Co-op prepares the easement but it is the consumer’s responsibility to obtain the required signatures of the landowners(s).

The answer is no. The consumer is required to sign a 5-year (overhead line) or a 10-year (underground line) contract. In other words, continuous payment is required for the length of the contract.

WCEC needs to know what type of service and what size of service. This information is necessary in determining what size transformers, loop, etc. are needed.

The SD Wiring Certificate is a State required form. All electricians must provide this. This form states the owner, legal description of property, where the service is located, what the service size is, how many circuits, and what type of service it is. The consumer can, also, purchase a Homeowner’s Permit, from the State Electrical Commission, and do the wiring himself, if the electrical service is for personal use and the consumer owns the property. The cost of the permit is $5. There are further charges to be determined by the Electrical Commission.

The time frame on this depends on the time of year, for one thing. Usually, within a couple weeks AFTER all paperwork has been returned to WCEC, the crew will be able to build the OH line. However, if the service is underground, the installation could be as long as 4 – 6 weeks out. This depends on SHPO for the most part.

Yes, by law anyone digging, trenching, or excavating is required to call SD One Call. After supplying One Call with the appropriate information (legal description, driving directions, type of work, etc.) they then notify registered utilities with the information. The utilities then have 48 hours to respond to the call and mark their facilities with flags/paint. These are just a few questions that come before us. As you can tell there are many requirements that need to be done before an actual build of a new electrical service can be done. Just a reminder to call in early to get the ball rolling.