Construction Services
Whether you're starting a new construction project or upgrading an existing facility, connecting to TEP’s power system involves a series of coordinated steps. Both you – the customer – and TEP have important roles and responsibilities throughout the process. We’re here to help you every step of the way to turn your vision into reality.
Check out these steps as we work together on your project.
Step 1: Make Decisions and Submit Your Request
Once you know what kind of electrical service your project will need and have a contractor, you’ll submit a Service Request form, which we’ll process within two weeks.
Approximate Duration: 1–2 weeks
| What You’ll Do |
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 Hire a general contractor or licensed electrician (recommended and may be required by governmental agencies, known as Authorities Having Jurisdiction, or AHJs). Add link to AHJs |
| Work with your contractor to decide whether you need a new service or an upgrade to an existing service.
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| Obtain necessary permits from your local jurisdiction. |
| Submit your service request or application [Insert Link] with project details, including electrical requirements. |
| Provide engineered plans, if applicable. |
| What TEP Will Do |
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Send you an automated confirmation email with your Service Request number |
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Review your application and assign a Designer to your project |
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The Designer will conduct a site visit. You may need to be present. |
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The Designer will explain the next steps and provide a project timeline |
Step 2: Design and Discuss
Together, we’ll work out project details, such as the preliminary design, and TEP will determine connection specifics, including any required contracts and/or costs.
Approximate Duration: 2–4 months
| What You’ll Do |
|---|
| Submit electrical site and load plans, which are required for all 3-phase and 400-amp+ single-phase projects |
| Review and approve, or request changes to, the preliminary design and timeline, if applicable
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| Sign agreements and submit payment, if required |
| Ensure a registered land surveyor has staked all new and existing easements |
| What TEP Will Do |
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Determine if a line extension or additional TEP facilities are needed |
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Create a preliminary design for your electrical connection |
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Provide a preliminary drawing for your review and approval, if applicable |
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Develop an estimated timeline, cost breakdown, and contract requirements, if applicable |
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Obtain necessary permits (e.g., Right-of-Way permits) to perform construction work |
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Request 811 to mark underground utilities at TEP facilities and prepare the site for installation of new TEP facilities when applicable |
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Deliver, excavate, and install equipment as needed to support your service (e.g., poles, anchors) |
| What We'll Do Together |
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Meet on-site to discuss project details, electrical needs, and system requirements |
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Determine if you can proceed with some activities in step 3 during the installation of TEP facilities |
Step 3: Site Prep
Perhaps the most variable stage, you’ll ensure any easements are secured and staked, all existing utilities are marked before you dig, and that owner-side electrical construction is done.
This phase depends heavily on how quickly your contractor completes the required site preparation and civil work.
| What You’ll Do |
|---|
| Call AZ 811 before digging to have underground utilities marked |
| Complete all required civil construction, including customer equipment, and site prep work |
| Schedule civil and service inspections with your assigned TEP inspector |
| Contact your TEP Project Manager or Designer, if needed, to confirm site and equipment access requirements |
| Ensure all agreements are signed and any required fees are paid |
| What TEP Will Do |
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Conduct inspections (civil and/or service) to verify compliance with TEP standards |
| What We'll Do Together |
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Coordinate to ensure all legal, electrical, and site requirements are met and properly documented |
Step 4: Pre-construction Work
Together, we’ll coordinate service cutover details so TEP can complete the electric connection work.
Approximate Duration: 6–8 weeks
| What You’ll Do |
|---|
| Ensure all contingencies are met, including contracts signed, easements granted, fees paid, and inspections passed |
| Ensure TEP has unobstructed access to the work site, which means it’s clear of fences, vehicles, debris, structures, vegetation, and all paving is completed |
| What We'll Do Together |
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Coordinate progress updates between your team, the TEP Designer, and, if applicable, the Project Manager |
Step 5: TEP Construction
Together, we’ll coordinate service cutover details so TEP can complete the electric connection work.
Approximate Duration: 1-3 months
| What You’ll Do |
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| Contact your TEP Project Manager to confirm the date and time of installation and ensure site access |
| What TEP Will Do |
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Complete installation of TEP equipment, including electrical line extensions and service conductors, if applicable |
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Perform any required cutovers or power kills during installation |
| What We'll Do Together |
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Coordinate the timing of TEP’s construction activities |
Step 6: Wrap Up
Final inspections and approvals allow TEP to schedule the meter installation and energize your project.
Approximate Duration: 1–2 weeks
| What You’ll Do |
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| Obtain final clearance from your local jurisdiction (verbal or electronic) |
| What TEP Will Do |
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Conduct TEP’s final inspection |
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Energize your service once clearance is received, if not already completed during construction |
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Install the meter, if not already completed during construction |