Members of YEC are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable membership fee of $5 and a service fee of $25. A security deposit of $295 may be required, depending on the applicant’s credit history, for residential service.
New Service FAQ
Can the deposit be waived?
Residential Accounts – If no credit history with YEC exists, the cooperative will charge the $295 deposit. However, there is a way to waive the deposit for residential service. YEC verifies the identity of new members through Online Utility Exchange; this process also generates a credit check. If the identity check meets YEC standards, then the deposit may be waived.
Commercial Accounts – Deposits must be paid on commercial accounts. Credit checks are not accepted for commercial accounts. Contractors building several homes are allowed to have one deposit for several accounts, provided these accounts are kept current.
When will my security deposit be returned?
Residential Accounts – Residential deposits are refunded, if an excellent payment history (as defined by YEC) is maintained, for 12 consecutive months. The deposit is automatically credited to the bill when the member meets the above-mentioned qualifications, or it is applied towards the final bill. If there is any remaining deposit owed to the member, a check will be mailed; therefore, it is important for YEC to have your forwarding address.
Commercial Accounts – The deposit is applied to the final bill.
How long does it take to get power to a new home and what is required?
It depends on the circumstance; therefore, YEC does not promise construction completion dates. If line construction is necessary, YEC requires a minimum notice of 10 working days. In order to begin service the following is required: county permit, service order request, meter base installed, signed underground form, and member application. Failure to provide these documents may delay the process. Connection for services, other than temporaries and agricultural uses, must have power authorization before YEC can set the meter. Other factors to consider when requesting service:
- Weather can cause delays in the construction process.
- Services in subdivisions do not take as long to connect because the primary service is already installed.
- A new home, that hasn’t had power before, may need to have right of way obtained or cleared. Also, poles may need to be set in order to get service to the home.
Can I have my overhead service changed to underground and how much will it cost?
New permanent residential services, including mobile homes, are not charged for secondary underground service. Underground service can be installed upon request for barns, wells, shops, storage buildings, and other non-permanent residences, but a charge will be incurred by the member. This charge is determined by YEC’s engineering department. Changing existing overhead service to underground will incur a higher charge. Underground service lines are more expensive to install than overhead services, but do not require as much maintenance.