Installation of Commercial Electric Service

The installation of electrical facilities is governed by federal, state and local regulations and guidelines, as well as CEC policies. These regulations, guidelines, and policies identify the terms of the business relationship between the customer and CEC, and, ensure electrical facilities are designed and installed equitably, legally and safely. The designer will provide the following documents to help you understand the guidelines for the construction of new service.

New Service Info (For new construction – location has never had electric service)

• Site Plan with meter base location marked if there is no well and septic for this area
• Copy of the recorded deed (legal description of property including Deed Book and Page or instrument number 
• Plat (showing property lines)
• Copy of Well and Septic Permit (showing proposed building(s), driveway(s), meter location(s), well, septic and drain field location)
• Copy of the Residential Building Permit
• Completed Application for Membership (PDF)
• One valid form of identification (Passport, Drivers License, etc.) 
• Commercial Load Letter
• Member Information Card
• Cooperative Living Subscription Card
• Proxy Card

At the meeting with the designer, please bring a site plan or plat depicting the proposed construction and the desired meter base location on the structure.

Cost of Service Installation

CEC provides, at no cost, one single-phase overhead electric service connection for each class of service. Three-phase overhead and underground services are available as outlined in the "Underground Service Plan" of CEC's Terms and Conditions for Providing Electric Service. Representatives in the distribution engineering department can provide you with additional information regarding requirements of commercial, industrial, governmental, or any other services. They may be contacted at 757-242-6181.

Security Deposit

 security deposit of up to $300, if required, will be included on your first bill. The deposit may be paid in full on the first bill or in three monthly installments. The security deposit will be an amount not to exceed an estimated two months use. The Cooperative pays interest as determined by the State Corporation Commission annually on each security deposit net aired longer than 90 days. The security deposit is refunded if your account remains in good standing for 12 consecutive months. The refund is shown as a credit to your account on the 13th bill. If a customer terminates service and membership before the 13th bill, the deposit plus interest and the membership fee will be applied to the final bill.

Transferring or Terminating Service

Whenever a change of occupancy or legal responsibility takes place on any premises, notice of such changes must be given to CEC within a reasonable time prior to the date of the change. Failure to do so may result in the departing customer being held responsible for all service supplied until such notice has been received. Keeping the Cooperative informed of address changes is also necessary so checks may be mailed to the appropriate address.

Be prepared to provide us with the following information:

• Name on the Account
• Physical Location of Service
• Mailing Address
• Telephone Number

If we are unable to verify the location of service from the physical address, we may need to ask you for the previous occupant's name, a service pole number, or a meter number.

You will be asked to complete and sign an Application for Membership (PDF) form and provide the date you request service to be transferred into your name. Please allow five days for the transfer to take effect.

A non-refundable $30 service connection fee per a meter or outdoor light will be due and payable prior to any service connection or transfer. 

CEC will conduct a credit check to determine if a security deposit is necessary.

AREA Lighting

Area lights are an additional safety measure homeowners can use to protect their property.  Upon request, CEC can install an area light on most existing poles on a customer's property.  Monthly light fees (fee will vary depending on light) will be included on your monthly CEC billing statement.  To schedule an appointment to review your security lighting options and get pricing information, please contact our member services department at 757-242-6181, or via email at member@comelec.coop 

Area Light Benefits:

• Better color rendering
• More consistent light distribution
• Improved visibility for drivers and pedestrians
• 40-80% energy savings
• 50-75% relamping and maintenance savings

Area Light Costs:

• Outdoor security light features 8,500 Lumen and is available for $8.40* per month
• Outdoor floodlights features range from 24,700 Lumen ($16.45*/month) to 45,000 Lumen ($22.96*/month)

A $30 connection fee is required, and no installation charge is required when area lighting is installed on an existing CEC pole.

Area lighting is serviced and maintained by Community Electric Cooperative.

*Does not include PCA charges.