For All Installations:
The first step in getting power to a new installation is to call TSEMC’s engineering office for an appointment. The engineers can be reached at 706-492-3251 between 7:15 AM and 4:00 PM. The engineer will make an appointment to meet you on-site to evaluate what needs to be done. The engineer will need a callback number (for re-scheduling) and specific directions to the site. The engineer will spot the meter base for each installation. If you spot your own meter base and the location is unsuitable, the meter base will need to be moved before the installation can be completed.
Additional Information for Overhead Installations:
For any portions of the new line to be built that will be overhead construction you are responsible for clearing the right-of-way. TSEMC will maintain the right-of-way after the line is built. The engineer will advise of pole locations and necessary right-of-way widths for each line section. For primary lines (high voltage) the required clearing is 40 feet (20 feet on each side of the line location). For secondary lines (low voltage) the required clearing is 20 feet (10 feet on each side of the line location). All right-of-way widths must be clear from ground to sky. There must not be any overhanging limbs in the easement area. All timber and brush will need to be removed from the right-of-way area and all stumps need to be cut off as close as possible to ground level. If easements for adjacent property owners are required, DO NOT perform any work on their property UNTIL you have all necessary easements signed. The job cannot be worked until all the right-of-way has been cleared.
Additional Information for Underground Installations:
For any portions of the new line to be built that will be underground construction you may pay TSEMC to dig or you may contract with a third party to dig. The engineer will advise of the necessary route for the line. All ditches will be laid out as straight as possible. All ditches must be dug with a bucket. NO ditch witch type trenches will be allowed. For primary (high voltage) lines, the ditch must be 42 inches deep. For secondary (low voltage) lines, the ditch must be 36 inches deep. The engineer will advise of the necessary depths for each line section. If easements for adjacent property owners are required, DO NOT perform any work on their property UNTIL you have all the necessary easements signed. If you choose for TSEMC to dig your ditch, a 10 foot path will need to be cleared along the designated route. If digging the ditch yourself or contracting with a third party to dig, DO NOT dig the ditch until you have completed all necessary steps (paperwork, charges, etc.) and verified that the job has been released to construction at TSEMC. Once the job has been released to construction, you may contact the Manager of Operations to schedule when the job can be worked and dig the ditch accordingly.
Completing the Process and Getting Connected:
- Call TSEMC engineering office for an appointment to meet on site
- Obtain all necessary easements
- Clear all necessary right-of-way
- Complete all paperwork
- Pay all charges
- Have the electrical installation inspected by the appropriate inspector listed below (all inspections are submitted to TSEMC by each county when the inspection is passed)
- Georgia: Fannin County Land Development 706-632-8361
- North Carolina: 828-837-6730
- Tennessee: City of Copperhill 423-496-5141
Once all of the above steps are completed, your job will be given to construction. It typically takes 3 to 5 days for each job to be completed once they are given to construction. If you are digging your own ditch or contracting with a third party to dig, you may schedule the job with the Manager of Operations. The Manager of Operations is Terry Arp, and he can be reached at 706-492-3251.
Documents and Forms
Adobe Reader is required to view these documents.