New Service Request

We welcome you as a new member of Great Lakes Energy Cooperative!

To find out more about our cooperative, please click here or download our Welcome Booklet.

To start your request for new service from Great Lakes Energy, you must contact a Member Service Coordinator by calling 1-888-485-2537.

You may download the new service application here. A download of the application will not officially start your request, please call our office.

For information on a meter base, including special meter bases with built-in generator transfer switches, click here.

Easements

Download the easement form. The easement form is a legal sized document and must be printed on legal paper. To request an easement form be mailed to you, please contact a Member Service Coordinator at 1-888-485-2537.

Past Balances & Security Deposits

Please note that unpaid balances from previous accounts with Great Lakes Energy, O&A Electric, Oceana Electric, Western Michigan Electric or Top O’Michigan Electric must be paid (if applicable) before service can be started.

A security deposit may be requested before providing or continuing service.

New Members – A deposit may be requested for new service if you:

• Have not had utility service from us or another energy provider within the past six years.
• Requested service at a residence where you don’t live.
• Have an undisputed utility balance that remains unpaid for a site where you were a member of the household during the time the bill was incurred.
• Failed to provide complete positive identification
• Are unable to provide a favorable credit history from a former utility during the past six years or have an unpaid final bill
• Engaged in unauthorized use of utility service within the last 6 years.
• Sought relief under federal bankruptcy laws within the past 6 years.

Current or Previous Members – A deposit may be requested if you:

• Have an unpaid utility bill in your name within the past six years.
• Misrepresented your identity or credit standing or you failed to provide accurate identification when applying for service.
• Engaged in unauthorized use of utility service within the last 6 years.
• Have had your service shut off for non-payment.
• Have written an insufficient funds, “no account” check, or other form of payment that has been denied within the past 12 months.
• Sought relief under federal bankruptcy laws within the past 6 years.
• Have an undisputed utility balance remains unpaid for a site where you were a member of the household during the time the bill was incurred.

Exceptions

Deposits are not required if:

• You provide proof that you are age 65 or older and have a favorable credit history with any gas or electric provider.
• Your energy bills are paid directly to us by the Department of Human Services.

Deposit Amounts

The amount of the deposit can be twice the average peak season monthly bill or twice the utility’s system average peak season monthly bill. Deposits required due to unauthorized use, tampering or energy theft will be based on four times the average peak season monthly bills.

Interest and Refunds

Interest earned on your deposit is applied semi-annually to your account. The deposit will be applied to the final bill or refunded with interest after 12 consecutive months in which the bills have been paid by the due date and no shutoff notice has been issued.

(These guidelines are in compliance with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) rules and regulations.)