Cowlitz County Public Utility District » New Services » New Construction or Remodel

New Construction or Remodel

If you are planning to build, remodel, upgrade your electrical panel or add extra load to your existing panel, it is important to contact our Engineering Department as soon as possible.

Use the New Service Estimator Tool to get an idea of the estimated cost for your service installation before you apply.

The first step would be completing the online application that best fits the type of service that you are needing. A non-refundable Application Fee is required and all Service Application Requirements must be met before your application can be accepted.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email or by phone at 360-501-9546. You are also welcome to stop by our office Monday through Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 961 12th Avenue in Longview.

Documents and Application Forms

Types of Construction Applications

  • Residential (single-family or manufactured residential home)
  • General (barn, shop, garage, well, RV site, etc.)
  • Temporary (seasonal / short-duration service)
  • Irrigation (agricultural pump)
  • Area Light / Street Light
  • Commercial / Industrial / Apartment Complex
  • Service Modification (meter, transformer upgrade, reconnect idle meter)
  • Overhead to Underground Conversion
  • Subdivision
  • Multi-Family Complex (4 or less meters)
  • Distributed Generation Addition (solar, wind, hydro)

You may use the New Construction Planner Map to determine the area your project location falls into and what PUD Planner manages that area.

Step-by-Step Guide for Successful Electric Connection

  1. Submit a completed Cowlitz PUD new construction application. After we receive it, we will email you a confirmation along with instructions for paying the application fee and scheduling an onsite meeting with your Engineering Planner.

*Please note: We will keep your construction project application information on file for one year. If no progress is made within that time, your job request will be cancelled, and the application fee will be forfeited.

  1. Meet with your Cowlitz PUD Engineering Planner at the construction site. This onsite meeting is required to review the project details, requirements, and next steps.
  2. After the onsite meeting, your Engineering Planner will prepare the job design and cost estimate. If they have all required information, you should receive the RFP (request for payment) within 7–10 business days.

Your cost estimate will be emailed to you and will remain valid for 180 days.

  1. To move forward with new construction, submit payment to Cowlitz PUD, complete all required site work, and provide any necessary paperwork, such as easement signatures. After finishing your onsite work (including trenching, conduit, and electrical service), contact your Engineering Planner to schedule an inspection before backfilling. You must also receive approval from the Washington Department of Labor & Industries before your service can be energized.
  2. Once the onsite inspection is complete, payment has been received, and any required easements or permits are in place, our Engineering team will release your job to Operations for power installation. Installations are typically completed within 7–10 business days after the job is released.

Congratulations! Your site is now powered and ready for construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How can I find out whether power is available at my property?

Answer: Contact the Engineering Department at 360-501-9546 or email newservice@cowlitzpud.org for more information, or submit an application to begin the installation process.

Question: What is a primary line extension?

Answer: A primary line extension extends 7,200-volt electrical facilities to a customer’s property, subdivision, or commercial building. It may be required when Cowlitz PUD does not have a usable power source within an acceptable distance of the property. A transformer is then used to reduce the voltage to 240V for single-phase service, which can be used in a home or office building.

Question: What is a secondary line extension?

Answer: A secondary line extension extends 240V electrical facilities to a customer’s home or commercial building. If Cowlitz PUD does not have a usable power source within an acceptable distance of the property, a primary line extension may be needed first.

Question: How much does it cost to install power?

Answer: The cost to install power varies based on the type of service needed and the location of the power source. To get an estimate for your project, use our online estimating tool on our website at New Service Estimator Tool – Cowlitz County Public Utility District.

 Question: Who pays for a power line extension?

Answer: The customer is responsible for all costs related to a power line extension.

Question: How will I be notified of my job costs?

Answer: Once your job is designed and approved, you will receive an email with the RFP (request for payment). After the RFP is paid in full, you may pick up any required devices from our warehouse, if applicable, and the job can be released to our Operations Department for installation. Payment plans are not available.

 Question: How long does a power line extension usually take?

Answer: Timelines vary based on factors such as the size and length of the extension and whether the customer or the PUD is doing portions of the work. In most cases, it takes two to four weeks after the initial onsite design appointment to complete the job design, RFP (request for payment), and any easement documents. After that, timing depends on how quickly the customer completes project requirements, pays job costs, and obtains any needed easement signatures. Once the job is released to our Operations Department, installation is usually completed within 7 to 10 working days.

Question: How can I check the status of my line extension?

Answer: Log in to your PUD SmartHub account to view your job status, or call our Engineering Coordinator at 360-501-9546 for an update. If you need help setting up your SmartHub account, please contact our Engineering Coordinator.

Question: What happens after the line extension is complete, and why might my house still not have power?

Answer: Service from the transformer to your home is typically a separate part of the building process and will be discussed at your onsite meeting. In many cases, a primary line extension is installed to the new transformer, and temporary electric service is energized for construction. Once the home or building is complete and the meter base is installed, a secondary service is required. If you have a meter in either your temporary or permanent service and still do not have power, check your main breaker.

Question: How do I know what size service I need for my new home or building?

Answer: Service size depends on several factors, including the square footage of the home or building, the size and type of furnace, and any additional electrical needs such as a swimming pool. Your electrician can help determine the correct service size, and your Engineering Planner can also provide guidance.

Question: Once my line extension is complete and my meter base is installed, who inspects the meter base?

Answer: The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries permits and inspects the meter base. For more information, call (360) 575-6900. Cowlitz PUD cannot energize a meter until final L&I inspection approval is received. PUD personnel will also verify that the meter base meets PUD specifications before your service is connected. To schedule an inspection, contact our Engineering team at 360-501-9546 or reach out to your Engineering Planner directly.

Question: Can I dig my own trench and install my own conduit?

Answer: Yes. On your own property, you are required to dig the trench and provide and install the conduit. A PUD Planner will determine the route and conduit size needed for your project. The trench and conduit must be inspected by a PUD Planner before the trench is backfilled to confirm the project is ready.

 Question: I already have a “green box” on my property. Why do I still have to pay for a line extension?

Answer: Not all utility boxes can be used to serve your home. During your onsite appointment, a PUD Planner will determine whether a line extension is needed or whether existing equipment can be used. Some “green boxes” are junction boxes that can be used but do not provide the voltage needed for your home. A transformer is required to provide the secondary voltage your house needs.

Question: How do I request a locate ticket before I dig?

Answer: You can request a locate by calling 811 or 1-800-424-5555, or by visiting Washington Utility Notification Center – Call Before You Dig. Locates are completed within 48 business hours, not including the day the request is made. For example, if you request a locate on Monday, the safe-to-dig date would be Thursday. This service is free and helps protect you from damage caused by striking underground utilities. Safety first!