Building a home and need power? Residential service construction applies to new single-phase service; service can be temporary to have power for construction and then become permanent service.
Please note that multi-family dwellings of 4 (four) or more meters are considered commercial installations. Please visit the Constructing Commercial Service page for more information.
Step 1: Know your Electrical Requirements
The MEA Service Guide provides the information necessary to ensure your installation request complies with the most recent edition of the National Electric Code (NEC), any federal, state or local codes that may apply. Diagrams and detailed instructions are included to assist and prepare your residential property to receive new electric service. Click here for a list of the make and model of prefabricated meter bases which are approved for use in MEA’s service area.
Step 2: Go Through the Construction Questionnaire & Receive a Project Cost Estimate
MEA offers a construction questionnaire to gather information and eligibility about your electric service needs. Upon completion of the construction questionnaire, you will be provided with a no-cost rough estimate valid for thirty (30) days. Click on the button at the bottom of the page to start the Construction Questionnaire. Residential service construction applies to new single-phase service for:
Your project may meet the Simple service requirements such as no improvements needed, no driveways, flowerbeds, septic crossing etc. The Simple service process is typically easier to design and construct, resulting in a shorter time frame for installation.
If your project meets the Standard service requirements, the design, route and cost will be completed by an engineering technician and will require more time for construction and installation.
Step 3: New Construction Application
Upon completing the Construction Questionnaire and Cost Estimator, if you are the property owner or an authorized agent of the property, you will have the ability to initiate your Residential Construction Application online. Based on your answers to the questionnaire, you may qualify for MEA’s Simple or Standard construction process and will have the ability to continue your online application to create a work order.
· If determined you are eligible for the Simple process, you will be able to pay the amount due during the online application process. Steps 5 and 6 do not apply to Simple process.
· If determined you are eligible for the Standard process, you will be able to initiate a work order and an engineering technician will be assigned to your project to create a more detailed, thorough cost estimate. A non-refundable $307 application advance will be required during the online application process. This advance will be applied to the overall cost of your project.
Step 4: Easements
Construction of permanent electric service requires a notarized easement in accordance with Alaska Statute 40.17.030. The easement must be the original and received within seven (7) business days of completing the application. Failure to submit the easement may delay your project from moving forward. All MEA offices are staffed with State of Alaska Notaries and can assist you with completing your easement.
Step 5: Route Design (for Standard process only)
Once your application is completed, an engineering technician will be assigned to your project and contact will be made within seven (7) business days. Your assigned engineering technician will work with you to determine design, route, and cost. Depending on the season and the complexity of your job, this process could take 60 days or more for our engineering technician to complete.
Step 6: Letter of Agreement and Payment (for Standard process Only)
Your engineering technician will provide you with a Letter of Agreement (LOA) which will include the cost of bringing in your electrical service. If you choose to proceed with the project, signing the LOA and making payment will need to be completed within thirty (30) days. This can be done electronically through DocuSign or at any of our office locations in Palmer, Wasilla, or Eagle River. MEA accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card or American Express up to $10,000.00. Let your engineering technician know your preference.
Step 7: Service Construction
Once the LOA and payment has been received, your project will be released to construction. You will receive written notification of your tentative completion date. Service construction will include clearing, scheduling location of other utilities, and energizing the meter. This process may take thirty (30) days or more.
For additional questions regarding the process of constructing new residential service, please contact us at 907-761-9300. You can also email memberdevelopmentspecialist@mea.coop for follow up and inquiries for new construction services.