New Service Connection Process

1:1 Call our Contact Center at 800-477-5050.

• Please have the following information available when you call:
• Personal information for identity verification
• Social Security number, Tax ID#
• The address where you are requesting service
• Contact information

1:2 The Contact Center will issue you a Notification Number.

1:3 You will receive a return call within 1-3 days.

• During the return call, the ERC will give you the name of the Project Coordinator or department who will be handling your request.

2:1 Download Form 1483 and submit a site sketch.

2:2  If required (usually only for gas services), download Form 1481 , the Residential Scoping Form.

• Complete and submit the form.
• If you have any questions, your Project Coordinator will be glad to answer them for you.

2:3  Discuss elevated pressure needs with us.

• If needed, download Form 662 , and submit the completed form to your Project Coordinator via email or standard mail. Your Project Coordinator will provide you with their mailing address or email address.

2:4  Discuss your site conditions with us.

• If needed, download Form 493 , the Environmental Contamination Letter. Fill it out and email or mail the completed Form 493 to your project coordinator.

2:5  Agree on an installation date with the Project Coordinator/Technician.

2:6  Set the date your site will be ready.

2:7  Be ready to have a detailed discussion about your natural gas or electric needs. This will help us determine the load you will place on our service, and what level of service to provide for you.

• Please be aware that some areas may not have sufficient gas pressure for equipment with high gas pressure needs, such as large furnaces, on demand water heaters or whole house generators.
• Some areas only have single phase electric available. So if your project includes welding units or needs three phase power, it is possible that your local infrastructure may not support it.
• In order to properly size your service, it is vital that you clearly communicate your current and future energy needs in detail. The information you provide will determine the size of your service, and our PCs/Techs will select the proper electric cable to deliver the determined size of service. That is why listing your current and future energy needs is so important.

3:1  Get copies of the deed to your property and any trust documents you may have.

3:2  In some cases you will need to have a neighbor sign an easement for you in order to get energy service installed. Be prepared to discuss this. Find out more about easements and the easement process in our Real Estate Considerations guide.

3:3  If needed we will ask you to meet your Project Coordinator or other tech on the site of your energy installation.

3:4  Review, step-by-step, the gas route and other existing or planned services, buildings, pools, or other items.

• If you plan on planting anything other than grass, please share this with your Project Coordinator.

3:5  If further details are needed our Permitting Group will contact you.

3:6  Analyze, review and discuss your proposed service route with your Project Coordinator, based on current conditions and future needs.

3:7  We will send you a customer packet with a number of documents, including your cost estimate. The estimate will be provided on Form 97.

3:8  Discuss any issues with site preparation or coordination with your Project Coordinator.

3:9  Your Project Coordinator and other representatives will be available any time in the project to answer your questions.

4:1  Pay the amount we provided on your estimate.

• The easiest way to pay is by paying online. When you log into your account you will see that you now have a construction account, which is separate from your normal energy account.

4:2  Do a final site walkthrough with a representative.

• Be mindful of changes made during construction that may require altering your installation plan.
• For example: Your natural gas line was initially designed to enter the west side of your house but during construction a window or door was added to this area. It is a code violation to have a gas meter near a door or window; therefore, the gas route requires a change.

4:3  Discuss possible tree trimming with your Project Coordinator.

• If your Project Coordinator determines that you need to trim some trees or bushes, get a clear understanding of exactly what you need to be doing. Improperly trimmed trees or bushes can delay your installation.

4:4  If needed, sign and return any contracts.

4:5  Get the legal documents you need for your installation. Your Project coordinator will help you determine what you need, and where to get them.

• Right of Way documents
• Easements
• Deeds
• Trust documents

4:6  Share site coordination requirements (from your electrician, for example) with your Project Coordinator.

4:7  At this point we will send you your Go Ready form.

4:8  Provide us with documents that indicate the required inspections are complete.

4:9  Prepare your site within 3 inches of final grade.

4:10  If needed, have conduit installed per Consumers Energy requirements.

• Download the Conduit Installation Guidelines , or get them from your PC. Please follow the instructions carefully. If anything seems unclear to you, please call for clarification. We’ll be glad to help.

5:1  Pay for any additional charges you have incurred.

5:2  Make sure your site is fully prepared and maintained for installation.

• Any barriers or obstacles removed
• Site is properly graded

5:3  Download, complete and return the Go Ready Form.

5:4  If you agreed to trim trees, confirm that tree trimming is complete according to specifications.

5:5  Contact us if anything has changed that will prevent crews from completing your installation.

6:1  Make sure crews have access to your property.

• Unlock any gates, etc.

6:2  Final check to make sure the site is ready for installation.

6:3  Stake all customer-owned features on the property before the crew arrives. Be aware that any damage to unmarked features or utilities is your responsibility to repair. Features or utilities to mark include, but are not limited to:

• Propane lines
• Utilities to pole barns or other out buildings
• If it doesn’t have a meter on the building it is customer owned and you must mark it for the crews
• Pool heaters, natural gas or electric lines feeding the heater
• Water lines to pool
• Inground pool underground water line to filter
• Gas or electric lines to outdoor kitchens
• Power lines to outdoor pumps
• Power lines to outdoor lighting
• Septic systems
• Electric fence (invisible or other)
• Power lines to outdoor fountains or wells
• Sprinkler systems
• Drain tiles
• Charging stations for any sort of electric vehicle

6:4  If desired, have your electrician or plumber on site during installation.

7:1  Pay for any additional charges you have incurred.

• These are most often the result of last-minute requests to alter the service route.