Power Planning Guide: Electrical Service for Your New Home Build

Why Power Planning Matters?

When building a home on your own land, electrical service planning is often underestimated but absolutely critical. At Sand and Sage Solutions, we’ve seen power planning become the #1 cause of construction delays for new home builds. Many first-time builders assume it’s as simple as making a phone call to the utility company, but the reality is far more complex.

Real-World Impact: One of our clients faced a six-month delay because they didn’t account for the lengthy approval process required for underground road crossing permits. Another had to add $15,000 to their budget when they discovered their home site required additional transformers due to its distance from existing power lines.

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the power planning process successfully and avoid costly mistakes and delays.

Power Planning Timeline: Start Early!

KEY TAKEAWAY: Begin your power planning 6-12 months before construction to avoid delays.

Before diving into the technical details, understand that power planning has one of the longest lead times in your entire building process:

Pro Tip: Contact your utility company as soon as you purchase your land, even if construction is months away.

Understanding Basic Terminology

Before we go further, let’s clarify some terms you’ll encounter:

• “Will serve” letter: A utility company’s confirmation that they can provide power to your property (just the starting point)
• Transformer: Equipment that converts high-voltage electricity to household voltage
• Service drop: The wires connecting the utility power lines to your home
• Conduit: Protective piping that houses electrical wires
• Meter base: The equipment that holds your electric meter
• Amperage: A measure of how much electricity can flow into your home (typically 200 or 400 amps)

Beyond the “Will Serve” Letter

A “will serve” letter merely confirms the utility company can provide power to your property. This is only the beginning! To ensure smooth implementation:

1. Request a site meeting with a utility estimator
2. Have them review your home’s planned location on your property
3. Discuss options for bringing electricity to your new home
4. Get clarity on responsibilities, timeline, and costs

Choosing Your Service Type: Underground vs. Overhead

KEY TAKEAWAY: Your choice between underground and overhead service affects aesthetics, cost, and installation requirements.

One of your first decisions is how electricity will be delivered:

Underground Service

• Pros: No visible power lines, more aesthetically pleasing, less vulnerable to weather
• Cons: More expensive, requires trenching, more complex installation
• Cost range: $10-25 per foot plus equipment costs

Overhead Service

• Pros: Generally less expensive, faster installation
• Cons: Visible power lines, more vulnerable to weather damage
• Cost range: $5-15 per foot plus pole costs ($2,000-5,000 per pole)

Combination Service

• Often the most practical solution
• Overhead lines to your property boundary
• Underground lines from property boundary to your home

Factors affecting your decision:

• Distance from existing power lines
• Property terrain and accessibility
• Budget constraints
• Local regulations and HOA requirements
• Personal preference for aesthetics

The Road Crossing Challenge

KEY TAKEAWAY: Road crossings can add significant time and expense to your power installation.

One common challenge is getting electricity from the utility’s infrastructure to your property when they’re on opposite sides of a road.

Overhead Road Crossings

• Requires 15-18 feet clearance above roadways
• May need additional poles ($2,000-5,000 each)
• Special permits from local government
• Possible temporary road closures

Underground Road Crossings

• Boring (drilling horizontally beneath road): $15-50 per foot
• Open cutting (trenching across road): Requires road repair afterward
• Stronger protective conduit required (schedule 80 PVC or steel)
• Deeper burial under roadways (36-48 inches minimum)
• Specialized permits that can take weeks or months
• Traffic control costs: $500-2,000 depending on road type

Planning Tips for Road Crossings:

• Coordinate with other utilities (water, gas, internet) to share costs
• Check for restrictions on cutting newly paved roads
• Install extra conduits during initial crossing for future needs
• Allow extra time for specialized permitting

Distance Considerations

KEY TAKEAWAY: Homes more than 200 feet from existing power require special planning and may incur additional costs.

If your home will be more than 200 feet from the nearest transformer, you’ll need to address:

• Potential need for a new transformer closer to your home ($3,000-10,000)
• Junction boxes or secondary handholes (underground access points)
• Larger conduit for longer runs
• Voltage drop issues that may require larger, more expensive wiring
• Limitations on conduit bends (typically no more than three 90-degree bends)

Pro Tip: For distant home sites, consider bringing the transformer closer to your building site rather than running extremely long electrical lines.

Who’s Responsible for What?

KEY TAKEAWAY: Get clarity on who provides each component of your electrical service to avoid misunderstandings.

Different utility companies provide different components. Always clarify who is responsible for:

Recommendation: Have your excavator present during your meeting with the power company to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities.

Determining Your Power Needs

KEY TAKEAWAY: Calculate your electrical needs early to ensure proper system sizing.

Work with your builder to verify your electrical service requirements:

• Standard home: 200-amp service is typically sufficient
• Upgrade to 400-amp service if you’re planning:
  • Workshop or detached garage with power tools
  • Well pumps or irrigation systems
  • Electric vehicle charging stations
  • Extensive electric heating or cooling
  • Future expansion plans

The utility company needs this information early to properly size transformers and other equipment.

Don’t Forget Temporary Power

KEY TAKEAWAY: Construction requires power from day one.

Temporary power is essential for construction and requires:

• Temporary meter base meeting utility specifications
• Proper grounding connections
• Weather-resistant connections
• Strategic placement for accessibility during construction

Coordinate this alongside your permanent power planning.

Cost Considerations

KEY TAKEAWAY: Power infrastructure may be one of your highest site development costs.

Request a detailed written estimate that includes:

• Line extension fees
• Transformer costs
• Conduit and trenching expenses
• Meter installation fees
• Temporary power costs

Important: Many utility companies require payment upfront before ordering materials or scheduling work. Budget $5,000-25,000+ depending on your situation and location.

Permitting and Inspection Process

Before any electrical work begins:

1. Obtain proper permits
2. Attend any required preconstruction meetings
3. Schedule inspections for trench, conduit, and vault system work
4. Ensure all work meets utility company specifications

Power Planning Checklist

Use this checklist to ensure a smooth power planning process:

• [ ] Meet with utility company estimator at your property
• [ ] Determine service type (underground, overhead, combination)
• [ ] Identify and plan for any road crossings
• [ ] Calculate your power needs (200 amp vs. 400 amp)
• [ ] Get clarity on who provides what components
• [ ] Understand permit requirements and timeline
• [ ] Budget for all associated costs
• [ ] Plan for temporary construction power
• [ ] Ensure meter and transformer locations meet requirements
• [ ] Install approved conduit with pull rope for underground service
• [ ] Schedule required inspections

Final Thoughts

Planning for power is a complex but manageable process when approached methodically. By understanding the requirements, timeline, and costs involved, you can avoid delays and ensure your new home has reliable electrical service from day one.

Remember that this guide provides general information applicable across various regions and utility providers. Always consult your specific power company’s Electric Service Requirements manual for detailed specifications relevant to your area.