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
$650.00 contribution in aid to construction (covers first 100 feet of construction)
$5.00 per foot beyond the first 100 feet

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

$50.00 administration fee
$650.00 contribution in aid to construction or actual construction cost, whichever is greater

Three phase service. Overhead and underground line extension:

$50.00 administration fee
$3,000.00 contribution in aid to construction
$9.00 per foot starting at 0 feet

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 bushing 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.

PLEASE NOTE: In addition to the normal single or three phase line extension charge, an applicant/developer will be required to pay for any road crossings, directional boring, additional conduits or permits related to the construction of the electric service. The charges for these items will be based upon the actual cost. New services are subject to Winter Construction Charges and Temporary Service fees as detailed above.