What is the difference between single-phase (1-Ø) and three-phase (3-Ø)?
Residential connections are typically single-phase (1-Ø). Many commercial and irrigation customers use motors that require three-phase (3-Ø) power. Those loads tend to be a mixture of single (1-Ø) and three-phase (3-Ø).
I’m a new builder/contractor. What are Idaho Power’s requirements?
Refer to the Residential Overhead or Underground Requirements or the Commercial/Irrigation Overhead or Underground Requirements.
I just bought a house. Can I have my power turned on or changed into my name online?
Yes. Go to the start service form or call 208-388-2323 from the Treasure Valley, or 1-800-488-6151 with your name, new address, old address and date you want service activated.
Can my panel or service be changed?
Existing service can often be changed. Refer to Changing Your Existing Electrical Service. For information about Idaho Power-approved meter bases, refer to Meter Base Identification for help prior to purchasing.
Where does Idaho Power want me to put the meter at my new house?
On the side of the house toward the front, not in back or behind a fence. Refer to the Residential Requirements or the Underground Residential Conduit Installation for details.
Are there requirements for temporary poles?
Refer to the Temporary Service Requirements and our Definitions for Electric Service.
What are the height requirements for attaching an overhead service?
Minimum height requirements vary depending on the service voltage and where the service is installed. There are also some limits on mast heights above ground and above roofs for Idaho Power to safely connect a service. Refer to our Overhead Residential Requirements or Commercial/Irrigation Requirements for details.
Will I save any money by putting in my own trench and conduit, versus Idaho Power doing it for me?
You will pay Idaho Power less if you provide the trench and conduit, but your savings will depend on what it costs you to do the work. Idaho Power costs can be obtained many ways. See Idaho Cost Information or Oregon Cost Information for details.
What are the requirements for putting in my own trench and conduit?
For residential services, refer to the Underground Residential Conduit Installation.
How deep does a trench for electric service need to be?
The trench needs to be deep enough to allow for a minimum of 30 inches of cover above the conduit. Refer to the Underground Residential Conduit Installation for details.
How many conduit bends (curves) am I allowed to use?
Not including the bend up to the meter or at Idaho Power’s equipment, 135 degrees total. Refer to the Underground Residential Conduit Installation for details.
What is the maximum length my underground service can be?
What size and type of conduit should I use?
Subject to the maximum length of 125 feet and 135 degrees of bends. Use grey, UL-listed, schedule 40 conduit, bends and fittings. Residential services up to 200 amps require 2-inch conduit. Residential services larger than 200 amps and up to 400 amps require 3-inch conduit. For residential services, refer to the Underground Residential Conduit Installation for details. For commercial or irrigation services, call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.
I am a large subdivision builder. Can I go online to submit several building lots that are ready for Idaho Power to install services at the same time?
Yes. Use our online service request form or call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley. You will need to know the lots, blocks, and addresses. You might need to provide additional information to get services installed.
Is there a way to submit my request to start new or temporary electric service for my construction project online?
Yes. You can register for the Construction Portal to submit or view requests. You can also call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley. You will need to know the lot, blocks, and addresses. You might need to provide additional information to get services installed.
What do I need to do to prepare my site for construction?
Call Dig Line (toll-free at 811).
What is maximum available fault current?
Maximum available fault current refers to the amount of electrical current from a short circuit. Refer to Definitions for Electric Service or submit a fault current request for a particular location (address).
When should I contact Idaho Power?
If your installation does not meet any of the above or other requirements, or this is the first time you are getting service with Idaho Power, or you have any questions not answered here, call 208-388-2323, or 1-800-488-6151 from outside the Treasure Valley.
Para más información en español, por favor llame a nuestro número de servicio:
208-388-2323 o 1-800-488-6151 (oprime 5).
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