Find Everything You Need to Start, Stop or Transfer Electrical Services Below

Whether you’re moving into a new home, transferring service to a new address, or canceling your current service, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. This section will walk you through each step, ensuring you have all the information you need to get started, make a transition, or close out your account with ease. Explore our resources to find detailed instructions and contact information for each step of the process.

Welcome to Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative!

We’re delighted you’ve chosen Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative's service area for your new home or business. Our goal is to make setting up your electric service as simple as possible.

Electrical inspections are mandatory in Iowa for all new electrical installations before they can be energized. After the final inspection, the State of Iowa will issue a permit number. Once CVEC receives this permit number, we can begin construction on our end.

To ensure a smooth process and avoid any unnecessary delays, please follow these easy steps for electric service setup.

  • To schedule an appointment with one of our Staking Technicians, please call us at 1-800-475-1702 or 641-932-7126 or email us at mbayer@cvrec.com. When scheduling, please provide a cell phone and/or daytime telephone number so we can contact you about your request.

  • Please note that a staking fee of $150 will be required before a Staking Technician is dispatched to your location.

CVEC's Operations Department will arrange an appointment to assess your site location and discuss your preferred service route. Based on this assessment, Chariton Valley Electric will provide a detailed quote for your line extension and any additional costs related to setting up your electric service.

  • For Overhead Construction: You will need to clear a right-of-way onto or across your property and provide the Cooperative with the necessary easements.

  • For Underground Construction:  You will need to clear a right-of-way and provide the Cooperative with the necessary easements. You are also responsible for any re-backfill and reseeding required across your property.

Before construction begins, you will be required to make an advance payment for construction costs. This amount will be calculated using the Cooperative's ongoing records of property and construction data.

Once these steps are complete, your new service will move on to Step 3.

Electrical permits/inspections are mandatory in Iowa for all new electrical installations before they can be energized.

  • Once CVEC receives the permit number issued by the State of Iowa, we can begin construction on our end.

  • Or to apply for a permit number, please here.

It is recommended to have your electrician or general contractor apply for the permit. 

 

  • Pay All Required Fees and Submit Permits: Ensure that all necessary fees are paid and any required permits are submitted.

  • Complete the Application for Membership and Electric Service: Fill out and submit the Application for Membership and Electric Service to proceed.

Once these steps are complete, your electric service request will be scheduled. Please note that scheduling times may vary depending on our current workload and weather conditions. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 800-475-1702 or 641-932-7126.

Welcome to Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative!

If you're moving into an existing property within our service area, we are here to help make your transition seamless. To establish electric service, you will need to complete a few simple steps, including submitting an application, providing identification and paying a deposit or qualifying for a waiver. Our team is ready to assist you throughout the process.

Below, you will find the necessary steps to get started, as well as options for submitting your documents.

  1. Contact  Us: Call and speak with one of our Member Service Representatives to initiate service transfer.

  2. Complete the Application 
    Fill out and submit an Application for Membership and Electric Service

  3. Pay a Deposit or Provide a Letter of Credit
    Submit a deposit of $200, or provide a Letter of Credit from your previous utility showing timely payments to waive the deposit. The previous account must have been active within the past 12 months to qualify for the waiver. 

  4. Pay Connect or Transfer Fees 
    Ensure you pay any applicable connect or transfer fees.

  5. Submit Identification
    Provide a copy of your valid Photo ID.


You can submit your completed application and documents by:

  • Bringing them to our office

  • Emailing them to ebiz@cvrec.com

  • Faxing them to 1-844-605-1882

  • Mailing them to P.O. Box 486, Albia, Iowa 52531


For additional information, please contact our office at 641-932-7126 or 800-475-1702.

If you're moving and need to stop your electric service with Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, we are here to help make the process smooth and hassle-free.

Stopping Service

  1. Contact us at 800-475-1702 or 641-932-7126 to schedule your disconnection.

  2. To ensure accurate billing and service disconnection, please notify us in advance with your desired stop date. Keep in mind that reconnect fees will apply if service needs to be restored.

For any questions or further assistance, please contact us at 800-475-1702 or 641-932-7126.

Keeping your contact information up to date is important to ensure you receive important communications from Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative. Whether you’ve recently moved or changed phone numbers, updating your address helps us stay connected—especially when it comes to capital credits.

Updating Your Address

To update your address, simply complete the Change of Address Form below.

 Change of Address Form

Note: Even if you no longer receive service from us, your capital credits account remains active until all allocated funds have been paid out.

 

At Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, we are committed to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of our meters.

All of our meters must meet strict accuracy standards, operating within plus or minus 2% at both full and light load. To maintain this standard, we routinely test 10% of our meters each year.

However, if you ever suspect your meter is not functioning correctly, you have the option to request a test. Below, you will find details on the testing process, associated fees and how to request a test.

Requesting a Meter Test

At the member’s request, CVEC will perform a field test of the meter. If the meter is accurate within the limits accepted by the co-ops meter inspection and testing program, the utility may charge $25.00 for the field meter test.

The member may request a referee test. This test requires an advance deposit of $30.00 prior to performing the meter test. If the meter is found to be within the plus or minus 2% we will retain the deposit to cover the expenses of the meter test. If the meter is found to be registering outside the plus or minus 2% we will refund the deposit and review the account.


Please call our office at 641-932-7126 or 800-475-1702 to request a meter test.

Extending electric service to your property is a partnership between you and Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative. Our Service Line Extension Policy ensures a fair and structured approach to building new electric lines while maintaining safe and reliable service. Whether you're constructing a new home, expanding your business, or developing land, we will design and construct line extensions using industry-standard engineering practices. Below, you will find the details on cost-sharing, construction requirements and member responsibilities for both overhead and underground service installations.

Service Line Extension Policy

  1. The Cooperative will design and construct line extensions following acceptable engineering practices.

  2. The route of all extensions will be determined soley by the Cooperative, with consideration given to the member’s needs.

  3. The Cooperative and the member will share the costs of constructing the extension equally, up to a total cost of $10,000. This means that for any extension costing up to $10,000, the Cooperative will cover a maximum of $5,000, and the member will pay the remainder. If the total cost exceeds $10,000, the member is responsible for covering all additional costs beyond this amount. The member must provide a deposit, called a Contribution in Aid of Construction, for their portion of the estimated costs. This deposit is due before any line construction begins.

  4. For overhead construction, the member is responsible for providing a cleared right-of-way on or across their property and must provide the Cooperative the necessary easements to complete the extension.

  5. For underground construction, the member is responsible for providing a cleared right-of-way, re-backfilling the trench after construction, and reseeding the disturbed area across their property. The member must also provide the necessary easements to the Cooperative

  6. Any equipment or facilities installed or replaced for the Cooperative's convenience will be covered at the Cooperative's expense.

Charges Associated With Service Drops

For both overhead and underground service drops, the member is responsible for all costs associated with the materials and installation beyond the meter.

This applies to:

  • Residential properties: The homeowner is responsible for purchasing and installing the proper materials for the service drop.

  • Small Business, Commercial, or Industrial properties: The business owner is similarly responsible for all costs related to the materials and installation for both overhead and underground service drops.

At Chariton Valley Electric Cooperative, we understand that certain circumstances may require temporary adjustments to your electric service. Below, you will find details about temporary disconnection and idle service policies.

Temporary Disconnection

A temporary disconnection allows members to pause electric service for a specified period when it is not needed. This option is available for reasons such as seasonal use or other situations deemed appropriate by the Cooperative.

How to Request a Temporary Disconnection

  • Temporary disconnection requests must be submitted in writing to our office.

  • Requests are subject to applicable rules and charges.

  • Members are eligible for temporary disconnection only after the initial service term specified in their service contract has been fulfilled.

 

Inspection Requirements for Reconnection

If your service has been disconnected for 180 days or more, the installation must pass an inspection before it can be reconnected. This inspection must be conducted by the State of Iowa, a municipality, or another authorized governmental agency under the Iowa statewide electrician licensing and inspection program.

To apply for a permit or to find out more details about the State of Iowa electrical inspection program please click here.

 

Temporary Disconnection Charges

Reconnection after a temporary disconnection will incur a service fee as established by the Cooperative.

Idle Service

Idle service applies when facilities have been installed to provide electric service at a location, but the member or property owner does not actively use the service. This could occur:

  • When the member or owner does not begin using the service within a reasonable timeframe after installation.

  • When the member or owner discontinues service for an indefinite or extended period.

 

Idle Service Charge

To retain the Cooperative’s facilities in readiness for future use, an idle service charge will apply. This ensures that service remains available when the premises are re-occupied. Members or property owners will receive notice of these charges in advance.

Need Assistance?

For more information about temporary disconnection or idle service, or to request changes to your electric service, please contact our office at 932-7126.