As of August 1, 2021, CHELCO no longer provides Florida Energy Efficiency Code Compliance calculations. Southland Utility Services (850) 307-1183, which has been contracted for many years to provide this service to CHELCO, will continue to be available to provide fee-based code calculations directly to builders.
If you are building a new home, CHELCO and Southland Utility Services are here to help you as you coordinate your electricity to your site. Please follow these guidelines to help us provide new service when you need it.
Please note that failure to complete these steps will delay final connection of your electricity. If a CHELCO crew is dispatched to your job and requirements are not met, you may be subject to a $300 trip fee.
Click each step below for more information.
Your first step in building your new home will be to contact your county building department to apply for a building permit:
Holmes: (850) 547-1110
Okaloosa: (850) 689-5080 or (850) 651-7180
Santa Rosa: (850) 981-7000
Walton: (850) 892-8160 or (850) 267-2084
Apply for new CHELCO service online or at one of our area offices. You will need to provide the county building permit number, good driving directions and contact information. A deposit to start service may be required. Your application will be processed and a project ID number will be issued for your job. Typically, the engineering portion of this process does not require member action. If you need to talk or meet with the CHELCO engineering representative, write a note on your application so that they will contact you. It may take 2 - 3 days before you are contacted due to workload.
Temporary poles will need to be inspected by the county. When your temp pole is in place, call the county and have them inspect it. The county will notify CHELCO when it passes inspection. Our service crews will hook up the temporary pole.
This may take 2 or 3 working days after the inspection is received.
If your service is underground, the 3" Schedule 80 riser pipe must be installed from the meter base past the footer to 30" below final grade. Please let us know as soon as possible, so the service can be dug and ready before you get your final inspection.
If any easements or aid to construction costs are needed, you will be notified.
White flags will be placed in the path of the underground wire. Please make sure the path is clear of anything that could prevent our crews from being able to dig. We need a path at least 8 feet wide.
This may be 2 or 3 working days after you call in your meter base.
If your service is OVERHEAD, this may be 2 or 3 working days after the engineering representative releases the job.
If your service UNDERGROUND, this may be 5 to 7 working days, and possibly more, weather permitting.
The county will notify CHELCO when your service has passed inspection. You've almost completed your electrical connection.
This may take 2 - 3 days after CHELCO is notified by the county of your final inspection. Congratulations, you are now a member and owner of CHELCO!