New Service Connection in the ATCO Electric Service Territory
Do you live in the ATCO Electric service territory and want to start a new electrical service line? Here's what you need to know about obtaining new electrical service in the ATCO Electric service territory.
It is a good idea to use professional help when undergoing complicated renovations. You can find a list of registered electrical contractors in Alberta on the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta website.
Make a New Service Request
Your first step in getting new electrical service is to make a request with ATCO Electric. You can do this by visiting a local ATCO electric office, or by calling customer service at 1-800-668-2248. You will need to provide ATCO Electric with a detailed site plan, including a legal land description and proof of land ownership, as well as the desired voltage and service size that you need.
Receive a Quote & Review Your Plans
ATCO Electric will then prepare an initial rough estimate of the work involved (this is not a formal quote, though you may request one if you wish). Once you have accepted this ballpark estimate, ATCO Electric will meet you for a field visit and will make a more detailed design and cost estimate. You will need to provide written acceptance of the formal quote in order for the process to continue.
Detailed Design & Permits
While ATCO Gas prepares for construction (including establishing a project schedule, finalizing design details and ordering materials), you will need to obtain necessary permits and approvals (such as municipal) electrical permits. ATCO Electric may also need to seek external approvals on your behalf.
Don't forget to call Alberta One-Call at 1-800-242-3447 to submit a locate request (minimum two business days' notice required)
Construction
Before ATCO Electric starts construction, you will need to provide proof of civil electrical inspection (if relevant to your project). You will also need to fulfill your financial obligations, as outlined in your formal quote. ATCO Electric will then assess impact to those around your site and schedule any outages (if necessary), and prepare for and complete construction.
Get a Site ID
Your next step is to get a Site Identification Number (Site ID), which you can do by completing and sending a site ID request form to ATCO Electric.
Choose Your Energy Retailer
In order for your site to be energized, you will need to have first enrolled with an energy retailer for electricity supply. In Alberta you have a choice of who supplies your energy, so it is a good idea to shop around and check out your options ahead of time. You can request to have your site enrolled with your chosen retailer as soon as you have received your Site ID number. They will notify ATCO Electric that they are supplying electricity to your site ID, and they will submit a request to have your site energized once they receive notice that their enrollment is successful.
Timing Delay: Alberta energy regulations require a one-day delay to process enrollment. If you need to have service by a specific date, make sure to get your site ID and choose your retailer in advance
Get Energized!
Once ATCO Electric has received a successful enrollment and request for energy from your chosen retailer, they will install your electricity meter. They cannot connect you to the grid until your site has been enrolled by a retailer.
If you have any further questions about the process you should call ATCO Electric Customer Service at 1-800-668-2248.
Timing
It is important to plan ahead when starting new electricity connection. Count on it taking one to four weeks to receive a preliminary design and quote from EPCOR, and then a further one to four weeks for EPCOR to complete a more detailed design. Keep in mind that it may also take two to four weeks for municipal approvals, which may delay the process. It will likely take four to six weeks from the time that you send an electronic copy of your passed final electrical inspection to EPCOR to the date that your meter is installed.