Getting Started
- Determine if your property is served by SE by viewing our service territory map.
- Review our Service Requirements & Guidelines and Electric Service Installation requirements prior to construction.
- Refer to our Schedule of Charges for line extension and new construction fees.
- For solar projects, please review our Net Metered PV Installation guidelines and Solar Installation page.
- Complete a membership application prior to energizing a new service if not already a member.
- Contact our engineering department at (503) 362-3601 for more information.
- Need help choosing a contractor? Check out the Consumer Tools on the Oregon Construction Contractors Board website. Our Electrical Contractor List is also available if you need contact information on local electrical contractors.
New Service Construction
- Request temporary power for your project by calling our engineering department at (503) 362-3601.
- Members are responsible for providing the meter base (location approved by SE) for all new services. For new underground services, members must also provide the trench, conduit, and pull string.
- Trenches must be inspected and approved by SE. Inspections may be requested by calling (503) 362-3601 and are typically completed within 2 working days.
- Once SE has been notified that a meter base is “green tagged” and approved by the inspecting authority (City/County), an SE engineer will inspect the new service before scheduling work with our operations department.
- Typically, work can be completed within 2 weeks. During heavy construction season, project completion may be closer to 3 weeks.
- Construction material costs and procurement lead times have risen drastically in the past 12 months. Please be advised this may impact the timing and total cost of your project.
Large Load Power Inquiry
Large power loads require a site evaluation and research to determine feasibility. In addition to appropriate distribution facilities, we need to ensure Bonneville Power Administration can deliver the energy requested. If you have questions about electric service in a high density or large load application, please contact our engineering department at (503) 362-3601.
Construction FAQs
Transformers and enclosures are green metal boxes, pedestals may be either subsurface or a fiberglass box. Many times, this equipment is located within public utility easements or on private property. Not every house or business has this equipment.
Transformers, enclosures, pedestals, and meters need to be accessed by SE lineworkers and inspectors during power restoration, routine maintenance, and during our mandated inspection programs.
Most electrical equipment requires 10 feet of clearance in front and at least 3 feet on the remaining 3 sides. The front is where the equipment opens (door, lid, cover, etc.) and the front should contain a padlock.
Be sure not to obstruct the front of the equipment. Obstructions create safety risks to the personnel trying to access the equipment, delay service restoration during power outages, and cause problems during routine maintenance.
SE must have access to your meter during power restoration, routine maintenance, and during our mandated inspection programs. The meter must be installed on the outside of the building according to our Electric Service Installation guidelines. Don’t put the meter base in these locations:
- Behind a locked gate.
- In a carport or other location that may be enclosed later.
- In the same area that your dog will be kept.
- Anywhere you want absolute privacy.
SE prohibits any electrical equipment (poles, transformers, enclosures, pedestals, etc.) from being painted or altered. These devices require standardized labels to alert the public of safety concerns and to help SE employees easily identify them during an emergency or during required maintenance/inspections.
Non-uniform colors, covering labels, and not maintaining clearances from equipment can prolong outage restoration efforts.
Members must call 811 at least 2 full working days before digging so all underground utility locations can be marked with flags or paint. Following these safeguards can prevent members from digging near underground lines and risking an electrical shock. Visit Dig Safely Oregon for more information or to request locates for underground facilities.
Underground locate markings do not specify an exact location but an area or route with a margin of error of two feet any direction. If you need to dig to install a fence, playground equipment, landscaping, or anything else, always stay at least 2 feet away from the markings and take extra care when digging near underground utility lines.