New Construction Guidelines

New construction and major renovation projects require considerable foresight to ensure that the job will run smoothly. One element of proper planning is to coordinate your new service in a timely manner.

Follow these guidelines to help move your request for electric or natural gas service along from start to finish.

See Electric specific guidelines or Gas specific guidelines as addendums to the general guidelines below based on your project needs.

Step 1 - Service Request

To request electric or natural gas construction services, complete an application by

completing our online Construction Request form, or
calling our toll-free customer service number at 1-888-890-5554.

Step 2 - Estimate Preparation

After we receive your completed application, an Black Hills Energy representative will prepare a cost estimate. An approved plat diagram may be necessary. If you're requesting service for a commercial project, a detailed site plan is required, including electric and natural gas load information.

If the construction site is not located near existing electric or natural gas distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend these lines to your site. An Black Hills Energy representative may need to meet with you on-site to gather additional information about your requirements. Be sure to ask either your local representative or one of our Consumer Market Sales representatives if any energy efficiency or rebate programs apply to your project.

Once the estimate is complete, we will notify you of any costs that - per applicable state tariffs - for which you would be responsible. If you are required to pay any construction costs, a signed construction agreement and full payment may be required before we can proceed with the project.

Step 3 - Site Preparation

Before Black Hills Energy can install service to your building, you are responsible for preparing the site:

Clear trees, brush, dirt piles, building materials and other obstructions from the right-of-way and service/trench route. Please allow at least 10 feet of clearance for equipment.
Obtain right-of-way easements if required.
Arrange for state or local electrical permits if required by local regulations. Please refer to the state tariff information.
Have the service route across your property backfilled and compacted within 4 inches to 6 inches of its final grade (ground level). Note: Excessive settlement due to lack of proper compacting could damage utility service lines.
Identify your property boundaries with stakes or flags.
Complete the building's foundation, or the site must show evidence of construction in progress.
Install the meter base or base pedestal for electric services and, if required, have it inspected by the appropriate government agency.
Identify existing driveways, septic systems, drain fields, sprinkler systems and other underground facilities that may impact our service route. View a list of free line-locate services. Black Hills Energy is not responsible for damage to any unmarked facilities.
Indicate future building plans such as decks, patios, landscaping or fencing that might interfere with the location of your electric or natural gas installation.

Step 4 - Meter Set

When the contractor digs your basement/foundation, call Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554 to schedule setting of the meter. This will need to be done after the foundation has been backfilled and the service route is to grade (final ground level). Your service installation cannot be completed until you or your contractor has notified us that the construction site is ready.

In Missouri, the electric customer is responsible for installation of the meter enclosure, ground rod, trench, conduit and backfill to company specifications. In Colorado, the customer is responsible for installation of the electric meter enclosure, ground rod, conduit riser, weatherhead and conductors from the service entrance to the meter enclosure.

Other requirements before the meter can be set:

If state, county or city inspections are required, Black Hills Energy must receive approval from that agency before we can set a natural gas or electric meter.
You must permanently mark the address on your house or business. For multiple-occupancy buildings, each meter set needs a separate identifiable address.
Meter locations must be accessible. The preferred location is on the side of the building closest to the electrical source.

After construction of the building has been completed, the lines from the meter to the appliances have been connected and all other requirements have been met, the last step is to contact Black Hills Energy at 1-888-890-5554 to turn on service.