Electric Service FAQ

• What is the process for new electric service?
  Before a site visit is scheduled:
     •  Submit an application, provide required documents and pay engineering fee
     •  Determine where you will want the final metering point to be
     •  Identify the location of privately owned buried lines and septic facilities when applicable
  
  Site visit:
     •  The field staking technician will design the shortest, most feasible route to the desired metering point
     •  Notify the technician of concerns such as vegetation clearing
     •  Technician will place stakes along the route, collect GPS points, determine the need for easements and/or permits
  
  After the site visit:
     •  Technician will complete staking sheets, cost estimate and any other required documents
     •  Office technicians will email or mail the cost estimate, a design approval form and any other required documents
     •  Upon receipt of payment and required documents the work order will be released to construction
• What is an Electric Line Right-of-Way (ROW)?
  An electric line right-of -way (ROW) easement is a strip of land that an electric utility uses to construct, maintain, or repair a power line or a BEC fiber line. BEC does not own the land but the easement allows the utility to keep the ROW line clear of vegetation, buildings, and other structures that could interfere with line operation. The easement is generally 20 feet wide, being 10 feet on each side of the center of the power pole, power line, and/or guy wires and anchors.
• Can fiber be installed during the build or after the electric build is completed?
  Fiber is installed following the installation of electric facilities. BEC designs and constructs all overhead lines to accommodate fiber attachments. For underground services, BEC installs a conduit up to the metering point, at no cost to the member, to be utilized by BEC Fiber.
• What if the closest power line is not on my property?
  BEC will attempt to design the shortest possible route for installing electric service to your property by utilizing existing easements. If no easement exists, BEC will attempt to procure an easement from the adjacent landowners property on the members’ behalf. Should the easement request be denied, BEC will design the line using the next most feasible route.
• I want the power lines to be underground to my home. What is the process?
  BEC completes the trenching and installs the conduit and wire up to the metering point for underground installations. BEC also installs the junction boxes, pad-mounted transformers and pads they are placed on.
• What do I need to do to apply for new service and what documents are required?
  BEC requires an application be submitted for each request for service. Along with the application, a copy of the warranty deed, survey plat and the signer’s driver’s license or other form of identification are required. If the service entrance exceeds 200 amperes (amps), a load analysis is required. Each application requires a non-refundable $200 engineering fee.
• Why do I need to submit the warranty deed and survey plat?
  The warranty deed (also referred to as a deed of trust or a deed with a vendor’s lien) provides BEC with legal documentation which serves as proof of ownership. A survey plat is used to ensure we are working within your property’s boundaries.
• Will BEC install everything I need or do I have to hire an electrician?
  BEC serves up the metering point, you will need an electrician to complete all wiring beyond that point. For underground metering points or those placed on a structure, you will need an electrician to install a meter rack or loop. For your convenience, BEC sells and installs 200 amp meter loops when the requested metering point will be on a new pole.
• I want to buy raw land in the BEC service area. How much will it cost to get electric service?
  Costs vary as they are based on the scope of the project. A basic estimate can be calculated using the cost estimator available on our website. The actual cost is determined following a site visit by a field staking technician. To obtain a cost estimate, the distance from the nearest primary pole to the requested meter location is required. 
• Why is there a $200 engineering fee? What does it cover?
  The engineering fee covers internal processing as well as the tasks required by a field staking technician to complete a request. These tasks include, and are not limited to, site visits, meetings with contractors and applicants, surveying and staking the route, creating easements and cost estimates. The fee is non-refundable.
• How far must a structure be from a distribution pole?
  All permanent structures must be a minimum of 10 feet away from all BEC distribution facilities (including but not limited to guy wires and anchors). Please contact BEC regarding a transmission line on your property, as these distances may vary.
• What is the distance between each pole?
  Distances between poles may vary based on the type of wire they support as well as terrain. Poles supporting primary lines, those before a transformer, may be spaced up to 350 feet apart. Those supporting service wires, after the transformer, may be no more than 75 feet apart.
• Can power lines be hung over existing structures?
  No, a utility easement must remain free of structures. Please view our Electric Service Standards for more information.
• Can power lines run over a pool area?
  No, there are specific code violations that do not allow this. Please view our Electrical Service Standards for more information.
• Can you install the new power line over the top of my trees?
  No, the National Electric Safety Code will not allow this for safety reasons. Please view our Electrical Service Standards for more information.
• What Department do I need to speak with?
  Member Relations: 866-226-3372 Option 3
     •  Assist with billing questions
     •  Service Transfers and Disconnects
     •  Tree Trimming
     •  Outdoor Light Request
     •  Member account changes and request
     •  Fiber Applications/Questions
     •  Energy Services Applications/Questions
     •  Member Complaints
     •  Outages (during business hours)
     •  Critical Care Forms
  
  Distribution Design: 866-226-3372  Press 1, Option 4
     •  New Line Extensions (Construction)
     •  Service Upgrades
     •  Service Relocations/Retirements
     •  Scheduling of Line Staking
     •  Easment Concerns/Issues
  
  Construction: 830-331-4447
     •  Schedule Overhead Construction
     •  Construction Scheduling Questions
     •  Locates
     •  Emergency Disconnects
     •  Pole/Anchor Replacements