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Electric Service Installations & Modifications

Wasco Electric Cooperative (WEC), will provide electric service to all applicants within the boundaries of its service territory according to the policies approved by the board of directors.

The following items are needed prior to activating, modifying, or constructing your service:

Steps to Installing Electrical Service

The following steps are a list of events that will lead up to obtaining electrical service:

Step 1:  Application for Electric Service

The applicant will need to complete a WEC Application for Electric Service (PDF). The application must be fully completed and submitted along with a site plan and all other associated paperwork. This may include applicable loading information.

Step 2: Field Review/Appointment

A representative of WEC will meet with the applicant and/or representative/agent at the project site so WEC can design the new service facilities. The meter location will be approved by the WEC representative.

Step 3: Cost of Construction & Documentation

Service Plan Estimates will be generated by WEC and submitted to the applicant for completion. Right-of-Way Easement (PDF) and Membership Forms are available for the applicant to complete and submit. The applicant is responsible for getting all necessary documents signed by the appropriate parties involved.

Step 4: Construction Scheduling

Construction will be scheduled only after all easements, copy of county permits, service plan, estimated cost, membership form, and deposit have been received and the applicant’s service equipment has been properly installed. This includes having the meter panel in the proper location with the proper conduit in place. Additionally, the new service must have a valid State of Oregon electric permit number in place and have been approved by the Oregon State electrical inspector prior to energizing.

Step 5: Construction & Energization

WEC crews construct the new facilities and energize the new service.

Required Items, Information, & Documents

Before WEC can complete the Applicant’s service request and begin construction, the WEC office will require the following information:

Completed Application for Service Request

  • The Application for Electric Service (PDF) is the initial contact between the applicant and WEC. It gives WEC information that is necessary to provide electric service. In addition, the Application for Service provides WEC with the desired secondary voltage, service disconnect size, and electrical load breakdown.

Property Description, Identification & Site Map

  • Proof of ownership and legal description is required for all properties involved where new electric facilities are to be installed, from the source of power to the service location.
  • Legal Names, addresses, and phone numbers of all property owners involved.
  • A map or drawing of the property or submitted county site plan.

On-Site Appointment & Field Review

  • An on-site appointment needs to be completed by WEC to design the electric service. The applicant or their representative needs to contact WEC to schedule this on-site visit.

Plan of Service/Estimate Letter

  • WEC requires a Plan of Service for all new services. This document will be generated by WEC upon completion and approval of the Application for Service, design, and after all associated costs are paid. This is an agreement between WEC and the applicant to provide a new line extension, a modification of existing service, or installation of temporary power. Costs may include, but are not limited to: materials, labor/transportation costs, permit fees, filing fees, independent consultants, overheads, and contractors.
  • The Plan of Service / Estimate letter requires a signature by the applicant.
    • Note: Payment is due in advance of construction.

WEC Membership & Deposit

  • New applicants of WEC need to apply for membership and pay a deposit or provide a letter of credit prior to receiving electric service. An existing member of WEC will be required to pay an additional meter fee for more than 1 service.

Easements

  •  As a condition of service, WEC will require easements providing suitable access for the construction and maintenance of WEC facilities. With the easement acknowledgment, the Grantor agrees to keep the easement site clear of all obstacles restricting access to maintain the electric facilities.
  • Easements shall be signed and notarized by all property owners. Easement forms will be provided by WEC upon completion and approval of the Application for Service, site visit and design. The applicant requesting the new service will be responsible for completion of the easement form and acquiring all necessary signatures.

State Electrical Permit

  • A State of Oregon electrical permit must be obtained, and the permit number must be provided to WEC. The installation of the meter base must be performed by a licensed electrician or the property owner, and the installation must be inspected by a State of Oregon electrical inspector.

Codes & Ordinances

The construction of new or upgraded electric facilities must conform to the current and applicable provisions of the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electric Safety Code (NESC), Federal and State regulations, and WEC specifications.

Installation of Service

Before WEC can begin construction of a new electrical service, the following requirements must be met:

  • The applicant must furnish and install the service entrance equipment as outlined in WEC’s specifications and drawings.
  • Required equipment includes:
    • Meter base
    • Conduit entering the meter base
  • Meter bases, main breakers, and components must meet the following standards:
    • UL listed
    • Weatherproof
    • Manufactured for the intended installation type (overhead or underground)
  • The location of metering equipment will be:
    • Solely determined by WEC
    • Accessible by WEC at all times
  • The entire service entrance installation must be approved by a WEC representative prior to energizing the service.

 Note:

  • Changes to the requested service prior to construction may result in developing a new Plan of Service and Estimate prior to rescheduling the work.
  • The time required to complete the steps to provide electrical service depends greatly on how long it takes the applicant to complete and submit the necessary documents and payment. It is important that the applicant indicates when the electric service needs to be available and to apply for service as early as possible.
  • Also, please consider that WEC crews may already have several weeks of work scheduled at any time. This may affect the connection date of the applicant’s service. Please allow ample time for WEC to design and schedule the new service installation.

Fees, Deposits, & Credits

Membership Fee & Membership Form

  • A $5 membership fee and an original signed Membership Form (PDF) or Business Membership Form (PDF) must be received in the office prior to receiving electric service.
  • If a member receives electric service through more than 1 meter, a $5 transfer fee is charged for each additional service.

Deposits

  • Residential and low-use services: $200 deposit
    • May be waived with a satisfactory letter of credit; at least 12 months of service ending no more than 6 months ago, no more than 2 late payments, and no returned checks within the last year.
  • General services: $500 deposit.
  • Irrigation services: $15 × horsepower nameplate.

For questions about the membership fee, membership form, or deposit, contact Member Services at 541-296-2740 or memberservice@wascoelectric.com.

Construction Credit Allotment

Wasco Electric Cooperative will credit an amount of $2,500 towards the cost estimate for a new electric service to a full-time residence resting on a permanent foundation. If the cost estimate for service is greater than the construction credit, the applicant shall pay the differential amount prior to the construction or releasing materials for that service. Line extension for all other services will be constructed upon payment of the estimated construction costs.