Construction Charges

Stearns Electric Association installs overhead and underground line extensions upon request. Charges for new power line construction are outlined here.

Single phase service to permanent residence or commercial building. Overhead and underground line extension:

$50.00 administration fee
plus $650.00 contribution in aid to construction
plus $5.50 per foot beyond the first 100 feet (footage based on conductor footage needed to make connections)
plus Additional Charges, as detailed below

Single phase service to campers, sheds, fencers, telephone peds, wells and other similar loads. Overhead and underground line extension:

$50.00 administration fee
plus estimated actual construction cost or $650, whichever is greater
plus Additional Charges, as detailed below

Three phase service. Overhead and underground line extension:

$50.00 administration fee
plus $3,000.00 contribution in aid to construction
plus $10.50 per foot starting at 0 feet (footage based on conductor footage needed to make connections)
Plus Additional Charges, as detailed below

Additional Charges

In addition to the normal single or three phase line extension charge, an applicant/developer will be required to pay for additional charges, based upon actual cost. These additional charges include:

road crossings
directional boring
additional conduit
permits related to the construction of the electric service
Temporary Service Charge, as detailed below
Winter Construction Charges, as detailed below

TEMPORARY SERVICE CHARGE

Temporary Service Charge of $100.00 where 120/240 volts is available. A member may request a temporary service in the event they have a billing account established. The member shall furnish enough secondary wire to reach the transformer for Stearns Electric to make connections unless otherwise agreed to. In addition, installation of the meter socket along with a copy of the electrical permit must be provided to Stearns Electric. For homeowners performing their own electrical work, refer to the Self-Wiring Requirements section here.

Temporary service charge of $100.00 plus the estimated cost of installation and removal of all facilities necessary to connect to 120/240 volts source where 120/240 volts is NOT available.

WINTER CONSTRUCTION CHARGES

If a member requests underground service be constructed by Stearns Electric Association during the winter construction season, typically between October 15 and April 15, additional charges are necessary to support the extra cost associated with winter conditions that are affected by frost, snow, and/or cold temperatures. These charges can be avoided by providing a trench dug to the proper depth and having Cooperative personnel on-site during the back-fill process. You can also avoid these charges by delaying the construction of the new service until winter conditions will no longer hinder construction efforts. When winter construction conditions warrant, Stearns Electric reserves the right to postpone the construction activity until such a time when the work can be accomplished without damage to Cooperative equipment.