Step by Step Guide & Costs

Whether your proposed project will be brand new construction on undeveloped land, the expansion of an existing business or redevelopment in an older location, we can make electric and water service available within our service area in accordance with our existing policies and procedures. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you start working with Development Services.

1. To begin, you must request a Letter of Availability from OUC to learn whether water and/or electricity are available for your location. You should receive a response in 3-5 business days confirming the services that are available.
2. Once service availability is confirmed, you'll need to submit three sets of plans (in PDF format) that include the service requirements indicated in your services availability confirmation to developmentservices@ouc.com.
3. Based on the plans submitted, Development Services will create a work order to record and track your project.
4. Your plans will be forwarded to all applicable engineering departments for review and pricing estimate.
5. Development Services will set up utility coordination meetings as needed with you and your design team.
6. OUC engineers will coordinate all electric and/or water infrastructure requirements with your design team.
7. When the reviews are complete, each engineer will notify Development Services to send you a cost letter to you.
8. Engineers will order long lead items such has transformers or large water meters. Duration may be extended due to supply chain shortage.
9. Submit payment with all of the required forms.
10. Once we've received the forms, permits are pulled and the project is added to the construction schedule.
11. Preconstruction meetings are scheduled with your contractors and construction will begin.
12. The engineer will review the completed construction. While projects vary, customers should plan on three to six months from the time plans are submitted until OUC services are installed and the OUC project is complete.

Your Guide To Development Services

Cost in Aid of Construction (CIAC) Charge - Nonrefundable

OUC Electric contribution in aid of construction (CIAC) for underground service is designed to recover the cost differential between underground and overhead distribution systems. This charge is applied to all new commercial/multi-family facilities that will be put underground and varies for service areas with and without natural gas service to appliances. 

• The feeder charge will be $25 per kVa for Customer-installed duct bank.
• The feeder charge will be $66 per kVa for OUC installed duct bank.

For new electric service in areas that are served by natural gas the cost are as follows:

• The current charge is $595 per home for Residential Single family.
• The current charge is $419 per home for Commercial and Multi-family.

Cost in Aid of Construction (CIAC) Charge - Refundable

In addition to the standard Contribution In Aid of Construction (CIAC) fee, there is a $580 per lot fee, payable before OUC orders and begins installation of electric equipment (e.g., transformers, primary cables and meters). This portion of the CIAC fee is refundable if within three years the project has permanent active meters on at least 75% of the completed lots.

Once OUC completes installation of electric equipment, the customer will receive notification that the three-year period has started. It is the customer’s responsibility to contact OUC and request a refund of their CIAC payment within the three-year period.

Additional details:

• Customer’s CIAC payment can be made by check, wire transfer or with a Surety Bond.
• The customer is entitled to receive simple interest accrued on the CIAC payment up until date of refund.
• OUC may consider the impact of circumstances beyond the customer’s control (e.g., natural disasters) in the event project doesn’t meet the three-year, 75% completion deadline.
• However, OUC will not extend the three-year 75% completion period for project delays caused by vandalism, theft or other manmade circumstances such as supply shortages, transportation delays, worksite accidents, etc.
• Active meters under the developer’s name will not be counted toward the 75% completion requirement.

Refundable CIAC Fee Frequently Asked Questions

Other Fees, Deposits and Credits