Be sure to request utility service early in the construction process and well in advance of the date you will need it. After you complete your online form, your information will be sent directly to the Black Hills Operations team in your area.
If you submitted a service request before May 1, 2017 and need more information about the request, you can email us.
Enter your ZIP code to view resources in your area.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
Planning and costs
We will use your construction request to prepare a cost estimate. If the construction site is not near distribution lines, the estimate will include the cost to extend distribution lines to your site.
One of our representatives may need to meet you at the site to gather additional information. We will contact you after we've completed the estimate to discuss the plan and any costs you'll be responsible for.
If you are required to pay any construction costs, we'll need a signed construction agreement and full payment before we can proceed. You also may be required to furnish right-of-way easements necessary to install the electric distribution line extension and service.
Inspection and permits
All natural gas pipelines must be pressure-tested before use. The contractor or property owner is responsible for arranging the pressure test in accordance with applicable national, state and local codes for installation of natural gas systems.
You must install all customer piping, vents and related materials in accordance with federal, state and local codes.
You may be required to obtain a permit and or have your appliances and piping inspected before we can set a meter and turn on natural gas. Please refer to local regulations for your specific area.
Natural gas metering standards
Meters are normally placed outside and must be readily accessible and protected from corrosion. Other requirements, such as location on the property, distance from windows and ignition sources, are determined by local, state or national code and strictly enforced. Contact your local inspector or Black Hills Energy at 888-890-5554 for details.
To continue improving upon our safe and reliable service, we now have an inspection process for all conduit systems that contain Black Hills Energy wire. Please review this process to ensure your conduit system is inspected prior to backfill.
Builder and developer resources
- Commercial Construction Handbook
- Residential Construction Handbook
- Standards for Electric Meter Installation and Use
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact one of our construction representatives.
Tariff
Builder and developer resources
Commercial Construction Handbook
Standards for Electric Meter Installation and Use
More information
Download our printable Net Metering packet for more information about Net Metering.
Builder and developer resources
Standards for Electric Meter Installation and Use (PDF 3.2 MB)
Frequently asked questions
Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about utility service to your new home.
What is the first step in setting up new electric service?
The service request is the starting point for all electric utility needs whether it is a new service request, a change service request, temporary service request, etc. This first step creates a service request number for the customer and establishes the routing for a customer's particular request. No activity/work will commence until this request is made. A customer can make the request by using the online Black Hills Energy portal or call the call center and speak to a representative of Black Hills Energy.
How much will it cost to get electric utility service to my new home?
Multiple factors determine the cost of electric service. First and foremost is the proximity to existing electrical distribution facilities. Secondly, the location of your house relative to the lot size, will affect the cost. Occasionally additional cost is incurred due to cost sharing with customers who have built their lines within the last 5 years. This cost is generally referred to as tap fees. Once a route and location of requested service have been confirmed, a design and estimate of construction charges will be prepared. Black Hills Energy will invest a construction allowance against the estimated cost of construction. This amount is determined by the current tariffs on file with the Public Utilities Commission. If the expected cost exceeds this amount, you will be asked to make a contribution before installation of any electric utility facilities.
Can the phone wires and television wires go in the same trench?
Yes. Phone wire and television wires can be laid directly with the power cable in the trench. Proper spacing between these facilities and electric lines are required and outlined int he National Electric Safety Code. Advanced coordination with the utility companies is required for this to be successful.
What about water, sewer, and gas lines?
Generally, water, sewer, and gas lines are installed in separate trenches.
Does it matter if my buried electric service goes under a driveway or patio?
You should make every effort to place the buried service in areas that will not be paved. Black Hills Energy installs all underground electric services in conduit and therefore can accommodate these scenarios. To avoid additional installation cost you should coordinate with Black Hills Energy if you need to install pavement or concrete prior to the installation of electric service or that we can install the appropriate conduit under your facilities.
Is there a preferred location for the meter?
Yes. Having the meter in an easily accessible location for our advanced metering system is important. This ensures accessibility to the meter if Meter Technicians need to perform maintenance. Normally, the side or rear of the home, in closest proximity to existing electrical facilities, is preferred but in no instances should a meter be located inside a building, structure, or enclosure.
Is temporary construction power optional?
Yes. Temporary construction power is optional but can be provided at customer request. There is a small fee of $160 (at time of writing) for this service and customer must provide the temporary meter facilities inspected by local agencies. If electric facilities already exist in close proximity to the customer's building site temporary service can be provided in a short time frame. If existing electrical facilities do not exist near the customer's building site then alternative energy sources may be necessary prior to extension of electric line to customer's property. In this case, temporary construction power would be available only after completion of the line extension.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the service line?
We maintain overhead and underground services up to the customer connection.
Where is the customer connection?
For overhead services, the connecting point is the customer-owned weatherhead. For underground services, the connecting point is the customer-owned peter can. We provide the meter, which you pay for as a part of your monthly service charge.
Can I request underground electric service?
Yes, overhead or underground extensions are covered by the Line Extension Allowance for a new home.
Frequently asked questions
Below are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about utility service to your new home.
What is the first step in setting up new electric service?
The service request is the starting point for all electric utility needs whether it is a new service request, a change service request, temporary service request, etc. This first step creates a service request number for the customer and establishes the routing for a customer's particular request. No activity/work will commence until this request is made. A customer can make the request by using the online Black Hills Energy portal or call the call center and speak to a representative of Black Hills Energy.
How much will it cost to get electric utility service to my new home?
Multiple factors determine the cost of electric service. First and foremost is the proximity to existing electrical distribution facilities. Secondly, the location of your house relative to the lot size, will affect the cost. Occasionally additional cost is incurred due to cost sharing with customers who have built their lines within the last 5 years. This cost is generally referred to as tap fees. Once a route and location of requested service have been confirmed, a design and estimate of construction charges will be prepared. Black Hills Energy will invest a construction allowance against the estimated cost of construction. This amount is determined by the current tariffs on file with the Public Utilities Commission. If the expected cost exceeds this amount, you will be asked to make a contribution before installation of any electric utility facilities.
Can the phone wires and television wires go in the same trench?
Yes. Phone wire and television wires can be laid directly with the power cable in the trench. Proper spacing between these facilities and electric lines are required and outlined in the National Electric Safety Code. Advanced coordination with the utility companies is required for this to be successful.
Water about water, sewer, and gas lines?
Generally, water, sewer, and gas lines are installed in separate trenches.
Does it matter if my buried electric service goes under a future driveway or patio?
You should make every effort to place the buried service in areas that will not be paved. Black Hills Energy installs all underground electric services in conduit and therefore can accommodate these scenarios. To avoid additional installation cost you should coordinate with Black Hills Energy if you need to install pavement or concrete prior to the installation of electric service so that we can install the appropriate conduit under your facilities.
Is there a preferred location for the meter?
Yes. Having the meter in an easily accessible location for our advanced metering system is important. This ensures accessibility to the meter if Meter Technicians need to perform maintenance. Normally, the side or rear of the home, in closest proximity to existing electrical facilities, is preferred but in no instances should a meter be located inside a building, structure, or enclosure.
Is temporary construction power available?
Yes. Temporary construction power is optional but can be provided at customer request. There is a small fee of $160 (at time of writing) for this service and customer must provide the temporary meter facilities inspected by local agencies. IF electric facilities already exist in close proximity to the customer's building site temporary service can be provided in a short time. If existing electrical facilities do not exist near the customer's building site then alternative energy sources may be necessary prior to extension of electric line to customer's property. In this case, temporary construction power would be available only after completion of the line extension.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of the service line?
We maintain overhead and underground services up to the customer connection.
Where is the customer connection?
For overhead services, the connecting point is the customer-owned weatherhead. For underground services, the connecting point is the customer-owned meter can. We provide the meter, which you pay for as a part of your monthly service charge.
Can I request underground electric service?
Yes, overhead or underground extensions are covered by the Line Extension Allowance for a new home.