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New Construction

Additional Requirements
  • Do not build under, over or near the side of any existing overhead or underground power line. For more information, contact our engineering department at 673-6616 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
  • For job scheduling and coordination, contact our construction department at 673-6616 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
  • If member alters the work to be completed from what was originally planned by Douglas Electric and the member, Douglas Electric may charge the member for the additional cost of construction.
  • If the member causes, by the member’s actions or inactions, Douglas Electric's cost of construction to be higher than it would be otherwise, the Douglas Electric may charge the member for the additional costs.
  • After the member requests service, construction is completed and the service is available to the member, the billing will start. This will occur even if the wiring has not been completed and inspected by the electrical inspector.
  • Designated employees must have access to our facilities during normal working hours and other times during outages.
Underground System

If the system is to be underground, the member will provide the ditch and backfill:

  • The trench must be 42 inches in depth and at least 18 inches wide and meet specifications required by the Co-op and the National Electrical Safety Code.
  • The ditch will require 3-inch Schedule 40, gray PVC with 36-inch radius elbows and bushings on each end to be furnished by the member.
  • The member must provide a pull rope (minimum 1/4 inch) in conduit runs.
  • No non-electric utility facilities such as gas or sewer shall be placed in the ditches.
  • Gas or sewer ditches shall not be closer than 3 feet from inside edge to inside edge.
  • Water service may be installed in electric service ditch if prior approval is given by Douglas Electric.
  • Telephone may be placed at least 12 inches above and to one side of power line.
  • Douglas Electric must have vehicle access along entire length of ditch and access to any transformers, junction boxes, or any other above ground equipment.
  • Douglas Electric will inspect the entire length of ditch before any construction. The backfill must be completed up to grade (best to mound as the ditch will settle) before the line will be energized.
  • Douglas Electric's wire will be connected in the member’s meter base with connectors furnished by the member. If a temporary construction service is required, the member’s service panel must be within 10’ of the transformer.
  • Before you dig, call the Oregon Utility Notification Center for existing utility locations 811 or (800) 332-2344.
Overhead System

If the system is to be overhead: (New overhead facilities will only be permitted at the sole discretion of the Co-op)

  • If the system is to be overhead, the member will provide a 40-foot right-of-way by falling all trees and brush 20 feet on each side of the center line. This includes dead and leaning "danger" trees and trimming back all limbs.
  • The right-of-way must meet the specifications required by Douglas Electric and the National Electrical Safety Code.
  • Stumps can be no more than three inches high.
  • Douglas Electric must have access along the entire length of the right-of-way and will inspect the entire length of the right-of-way before any construction will begin.
  • When the service is to a mobile home, the permanent service pole must be placed as required by Douglas Electric the State, and the County inspectors. The member’s weather head must be at the top of this pole.
  • When service contact is to a building, the contact location will be mutually agreed upon by Douglas Electric and the member.
  • If a temporary construction service is required, the member’s temporary pole and service panel must be within 10 feet of the transformer.
Applications, Permits, & Inspections
  • An application for new service shall be filled out and the fees paid at the Roseburg office. Advanced payment, for new members, may be waived for non-commercial/industrial if the applicant’s Equifax rating is 2 stars or a letter of credit from a previous utility with acceptable credit history in the past 12 months. An existing member’s Co-op credit history will determine if an advanced payment is required. Applications expire one year from the date of application with all fees nonrefundable except deposit fees.
  • In order to receive a credit (up to $1,800) towards the cost of construction, a building or mobile home placement permit or completed worksheet from the Douglas County Planning Department, indicating septic approval is required.
  • Sign right-of-way easements as provided and/or permits as needed. Easements to be signed by all parties listed on Easement.
  • Any necessary contract or agreement furnished by the Cooperative including costs, fees, or monies which must be paid in advance.
  • Member shall provide and maintain all his/her facilities beyond point of delivery, except the meter.
  • Before connection can be made, the member must obtain an electrical permit and be inspected (Green tagged) by the Electrical Inspector.