Electric Service - Getting Started

100–200 amp overhead secondary from the pole to the building attachment point.

100–200 amp underground secondary from a transformer to the service location.

Examples include a transformer and assume approximately 250–275 feet maximum between poles. Vegetation clearing and setting poles in ledge are not included.

Examples include a pad-mounted transformer. Vaults are generally spaced a maximum of approximately 500–600 feet apart. Trenching and conduit costs are not included.

Example costs for upgrading from 100 amp to 200 amp service or converting an overhead connection to underground.

All line changes and upgrades to 400 amps or greater are billed at actual cost. A site visit is needed to provide an estimate.

• Contact an electrician early to discuss your project.
• Submit your VEC service application well before the date you need power. Easements, permits, and special construction may be required.
• Coordinate project requirements and scheduling with VEC before beginning service-related work.

If you need underground utility lines marked for the power leading to your home, please note that VEC does not provide this service.

1. Call 811 to contact Dig Safe and obtain a ticket number.
2. Contact ITG Locates at 207-852-8315 and provide the Dig Safe ticket number.
3. Coordinate the utility marking visit with ITG Locates.

New or upgraded services of 400 amps or more may experience substantial delays because of specialized electric distribution equipment supply constraints. Submit your application as early as possible. See the pricing and process details below for actual-cost and true-up terms.

Removing one of VEC's RF meters sends an outage indication to the control center. To avoid an unnecessary outage response and possible charges, call VEC at 800-832-2667 or 802-635-2331 before a planned meter pull.

Coordinate any associated service disconnection or reconnection with VEC in advance.

Before a panel upgrade, service-capacity increase, or installation of significant new electrical loads, contact VEC to confirm whether the existing transformer and distribution facilities can support the proposed work.

VEC designs facilities to meet electrical demand at the time of initial service. Additional utility upgrades may be necessary at the member's expense.

For applicable projects, use the Increase Capacity Application. Service-upgrade cost examples are listed above in Estimated Electric Service Costs.

Review the applicable meter socket, service entrance, equipment, and inspection requirements before ordering materials or starting installation. Equipment and installation details should follow VEC's current standards and service guidelines.

VEC does not provide trenching or conduit. For underground secondary service, the member or electrician must provide and install wire and conduit between the transformer and building, following applicable VEC requirements.

Coordinate conduit placement and other project details with VEC before work begins. Review the guidelines and construction standards for current technical requirements.

Requests for temporary power during construction are submitted using VEC's New Service Application. Discuss temporary service needs with VEC early so they can be included in project planning.

Use VEC's current construction standards and electrical service guidelines when planning service entrances, metering, clearances, and related equipment.

Load sheets and meter certification forms may also be available from VEC's Forms menu. Use the current version appropriate to the project.

An easement is a legal document granting VEC permission to access property to construct and maintain equipment needed to provide electric service. Completed easements are recorded in local land records at the Town Clerk's Office.

First submit the appropriate VEC service application and meet with a VEC field engineer. The field engineer helps confirm the route of utility lines on your property or neighboring property before you prepare easement records.

Complete the Easement Information Checklist and provide all of the following for each affected property:

• A full copy of the recorded property deed, including the book/page number and recording date.
• A tax map showing parcel boundaries and identifying adjoining property owners.

These records are available through the local Town Clerk's Office. Missing or incomplete records may delay service.

VEC will need an easement from each affected neighboring property owner. Complete a separate checklist for each property and speak with neighbors early to help avoid delays.

Contact the organization holding the conservation easement, such as the Vermont Land Trust, in advance to review project plans and necessary easement arrangements.

VEC does not research land records or negotiate easements for applicants. You may wish to consult a legal or land-use professional. Previously listed resources include Rob Naramore, Naramore ROW Services (802-744-6477), and Stephen Taylor, Deerleap Communications (802-349-0778).

Editor review: confirm these outside contact listings are still current before publishing.

Estimates are based on known or predicted conditions. Actual costs may vary due to items such as poles and anchors installed in ledge, permits, additional design work, specialized equipment, and changes in filed tariff rates.

All change-of-service estimates and new service installations of 400 amps or greater are subject to a true-up after work is completed, reviewed, and finalized.

Project timing may be affected by missing easements or permits, incomplete member-provided construction work, specialized equipment lead times, or other site-specific issues. Contact VEC well before your desired service date.

Depending on the project, the member may be responsible for land records and easements, right-of-way clearing, permits, trenching, conduit, backfill, underground secondary wire, and electrician-installed equipment. The project estimate and VEC's applicable tariff and service guidelines control final responsibilities.