Before you build – Commercial Service

Step 1: Application for Commercial Electric Service

To establish new service at a location (see service territory map) that does not have an existing meter, and you are not a current URE member, you are required to complete a New Commercial Member Application.

Step 2: Complete New Building Construction Questionnaire

Complete the New Building Construction Questionnaire and submit your load forms that will supply specific information about your energy needs. The information received must be complete before an appointment with an engineer can be scheduled.

Step 3: Meet with URE

Proposed buildings and property lines must be staked and accessible prior to any meeting in the field with an engineer. Prior to the meeting in the field, members must provide URE with a copy of the Grantor’s Deed/General Warranty Deed. This document will contain: Recorder Instrument Number, Permanent Parcel Number, and Address with Acres.

The URE engineer will cover a number of items during the meeting including:

  • Service routes/Meter locations
  • Easements
  • Tree trimming
  • Member responsibilities
  • Temporary construction
  • CIAC to be determined
  • Drainage tiles or storm drains
  • Wells
  • Septic fields
  • PDF of site/electric/gas specs and drawing

Things to provide or to do before site meeting:

  • Complete a member application (if not already a member) for electric/natural gas service. This application must be signed and returned to URE.
  • Review the New Commercial Construction Questionnaire. Be prepared to provide the information to the URE Engineer. You may submit the completed form prior to the meeting or complete it during the meeting.
  • Submit a complete set of final state/county-approved site plans with service entrance and meter locations marked. URE needs one set of plans to be submitted in PDF format and one set of plans to be submitted in Auto-CAD.
  • Provide a copy of the written legal description of the site and property as well as the survey map.
  • Stake building corners and lot lines.

Step 4: Engineering the Project

In order for engineering to proceed for a commercial building, URE requests PDFs or AutoCads of the project as soon as they become available. Any changes or updates on the project require the project manager to submit a revised PDF or AutoCads. URE engineers will review the electric load data as well as potential service routes, site conditions, and any existing facilities.

If the new utility loads do not fully justify the Cooperative’s expenses to serve the new building or residential plat a Contribution In Aid of Construction (CIAC) will be required of the builder/developer. CIAC must be paid in full prior to releasing the project for construction.

Additionally – any utility easements requested by URE for its electric facilities must be signed off and returned before site work begins.

Step 5: Member Responsibilities

There may be additional construction responsibilities that must be completed by the owner (e.g., lot staking, tree trimming, site grading) before work is scheduled. All construction specifications can be found on the Document Library page.

Step 6: Building the Service

Once all documents from the builder/developer are approved and CIAC (if required) is paid in full, noted member responsibilities are fulfilled, the job will be released for construction.

Things to do before electric or natural gas facilities construction.

  • Complete an on-site meeting with URE construction and engineering representative.
  • For Developments, sign the URE Developer’s Agreement.
  • Pay CIAC (Customer Aid to Construction) fees if required.
  • Install any roadway and driveway crossing conduits to URE specifications.
  • Any other additional construction responsibilities as identified at the site meeting.