New Construction Information

Information and processes for acquiring new electrical service from the PUD.

Step by Step Procedure

  1. Mail or deliver a copy of your site plan to the PUD Engineering Department.  One of the PUD's Engineering Technicians will review your site plan and contact you to arrange a site visit.  
  2. Send in your application for a County Electrical Permit to St. Helens Land Development Services office with the required fee.  A copy of your building permit or permit number must accompany the County Electrical Permit.
  3. Following the site visit, the technician will design a new electrical service for you and mail you a letter explaining what is required and what it will cost, along with paperwork for you to fill out.
  4. Complete the PUD paperwork and return it to the Engineering Department, along with payment for your new electrical service. 
  5. Temporary Service - You may request a temporary electric service be installed so that you have power during construction. A temporary overhead service drop costs $100.  A premium temporary service drop costs $210.  Premium temporary services are only available in subdivisions. Please allow up to five business days for your temporary service to be installed.   
  6. Trenching
    1. If you are installing an underground service, Oregon law requires you to call the Oregon Utility Notification Center at least 48 business hours before you dig.  Their number is (800) 332-2344.  
    2. The PUD will also need to inspect your trench and conduit before you fill it in.  Please call the Engineering Department at (503) 397-0760 at least five days before you need the inspection so that we can schedule appropriately. 
  7. Permanent Service - Notify the PUD Engineering Department once you receive a green tag of approval from the County Electrical Inspector. A green tag of approval must be on the meter base before your permanent electrical service will be installed. Please allow up to five business days so that we can schedule appropriately. 

What it costs

The cost of new electric service varies depending upon several factors, including type of service required and distance from existing PUD facilities. Our Engineering Technicians will review your site plan and provide you with a cost estimate for the job. If the actual job costs more than the estimate, you will not be charged for the difference. If the job costs less, you will receive a refund.

For More Information

Contact Engineering Coordinator Sherry Welter at engineering@crpud.org or (503) 397-0760.