If you are building a new home or facility and would like to get a head start on establishing new service, please review the information for the type of service you plan to install. A licensed electrician can help you determine the appropriate service type.
Here are the four service types covered on this page:
- Residential 200 Amp (standard service)
- Residential 350 Amp or greater
- Commercial or Residential Developer
- Data Center
All customers should review the information below. For 350-amp service, commercial facilities, and residential developers, additional information is included at the bottom of the page.
Meter Bases
Electricians who install wiring and electric panels in homes and commercial facilities can purchase a SMECO meter base at their local electric supply house.
Vendors continue to manufacture the meter bases to meet SMECO’s specifications, and each one is embossed with SMECO’s name. Contractors who work in areas served by different utilities must be sure to install the appropriate meter base in each utility’s service area. If a contractor installs a meter base that does not comply with the Co-op’s requirements and does not have the embossed SMECO name, SMECO will not install an electric meter.
Emergency Disconnect Switches
Article 230 of the 2020 National Electrical Code includes a requirement (230.85 Emergency Disconnects) to provide safety for firefighters and other first responders. The requirement applies to new one- and two-family dwellings. An emergency disconnect must be installed in a “readily accessible outdoor location” so first responders can cut the power during a house fire or other event. Your local electrical board or inspection agency should provide details regarding the adoption of this requirement.
SMECO will not approve or connect service to any enclosure that houses both the meter base and disconnect device; the emergency service disconnect must be a separate device, not part of the meter base. A service point arrangement where the service disconnect is part of the meter base will not be connected; it must be replaced with an approved SMECO meter base at the expense of the electrician or customer. (Posted April 29, 2020)
Section 230.85, Emergency Disconnects:
For one- and two-family dwelling units, all service conductors shall terminate in disconnecting means having a short-circuit current rating equal to or greater than the available fault current, installed in a readily accessible outdoor location. If more than one disconnect is provided, they shall be grouped. Each disconnect shall be one of the following:
(1) Service disconnects marked as follows: emergency disconnect, service disconnect ;(2) Meter disconnects installed per 230.82(3) and marked as follows: emergency disconnect, meter disconnect, not service equipment; (3) Other listed disconnect switches or circuit breakers on the supply side of each service disconnect that are suitable for use as service equipment and marked as follows: emergency disconnect, not service equipment. Markings shall comply with 110.21(B).
Local Electric Supply Houses
Applying for Service
Apply early. We’ll need time to engineer your electric service, acquire right-of-way, and order equipment.
If you’re building a home, call SMECO’s service department as soon as the footers are in. Remember that the meter on your home must be located outside on the corner of the dwelling closest to where the electric service enters the property. Meters must be accessible to SMECO at all times, not located behind a fence or in a garage.
Customers who need standard residential 200-amp service can call SMECO at (888) 440-3311.
Right-of-Way
The customer’s request for service will be considered as a grant of right-of-way for SMECO personnel to enter the customer’s property to install SMECO’s lines and equipment.
There should be a clear 10-foot wide area for the installation of underground facilities. This area must be cleared of any obstructions and be within six inches of final grade. The customer must not change the grade after SMECO’s facilities are installed. If underground lines or other SMECO facilities must be relocated because of grade changes, the customer will be liable for charges incurred.
Private Underground Obstructions
Any private underground obstructions—water or sewer lines, etc.—must be identified. When SMECO installs lines, any damage caused to other unmarked or unexposed underground facilities will be repaired at the expense of the customer.
Relocations
If SMECO’s service line or main power line will cross a customer’s driveway or other future paved area, SMECO will install PVC conduit under these areas. The customer will be charged for the conduit.
The customer will be responsible for any cost incurred to repair or relocate SMECO’s facilities in the event the customer paves the driveway or places any obstructions (such as fencing, etc.) in SMECO’s right-of-way.
Payment for Service
The customer must pay the invoice for installation of service prior to installation.
Electrical Inspection
The customer must obtain approval of the building wiring by a county-approved electrical inspector. This is a requirement of the Public Service Commission and is for the safety of the customer.
Your job will proceed when all customer responsibilities are met, payment is received, and infrastructure prerequisites are completed. Then, you can expect your connection within 15 working days.
Residential Service, 350 Amp or Greater
In addition to the requirements listed above, you must complete the Electric Service Request Information Requirements and Form. Mail the form to the address on Page 1 of the document, or scan the form and send it by email: Email SMECO CS Requests.
Commercial Facilities or Developers of Residential Properties
In addition to the requirements listed above, you must review our Guide. It provides detailed information and instructions on how to establish new electric service. The Electric Service Request Information Requirements and Form must be completed. Mail the form to the address listed in the document, or scan the form and send it by e-mail: Email SMECO CS Requests.
If you’re building a commercial establishment, call SMECO as soon as your plans have been approved by the planning and zoning officials.
Conduit
The customer is responsible for installing conduit before and after the transformer for all new or revised commercial service requests.
Fault Current Request
To request a Fault Current letter, please fill out and submit the form below.
Data Center Services
