Secondary Service Trench Process Frequently Asked Questions

We are here to ensure there are no issues with your temporary service or trench.  The PUD is here to serve you, enhance your experience, and minimize installation delays.

Application for service can be made online at www.chelanpud.org/newservice, by mail at PO Box 1231, Wenatchee, WA 98807 or in person at:

• Through September 2023 at 327 N Wenatchee Ave, Wenatchee (Service Building – behind the main building).
• Beginning in October 2023, at the PUD’s New Service Center at 203 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee (follow the PUD’s website at www.chelanpud.org for the New Service Center grand opening date).

A secondary trench is the path for the conduit and electrical conductors between the PUDs point of contact (pole, transformer, or handhole) and the residential meter base.  

Customer Service Engineers strive to review applications within 10 business days.  Please understand that timelines adjust throughout the year.

Once your application has been received and reviewed, a PUD Customer Service Engineer will determine the path for the trench and conduit.  Following the Customer Service Engineers design and installation, you may request inspection by calling (509) 661-8011.  Inspectors typically conduct the inspection within 2 business days.

Early application and information promotes a stream-lined installation.

Please coordinate installation by calling (509) 661-4325 option 2.  Do not attempt to install conduit into PUD facilities or access points without a PUD representative onsite. 

Through December 31, 2023, the PUD will continue inspecting secondary trenches prior to receiving an application.  Please understand, because the path was not determined by the Customer Service Engineer, you may need to adjust your trench and conduit to meet PUD specifications.  Beginning January 1, 2024, you will be required to submit an application and follow the Customer Service Engineers design for installation prior to requesting a trench inspection. 

No, a visual inspection onsite is required by the PUD.

Weather and other unforeseen events may delay the ability for the PUD to inspect a trench within 2 business days.  We appreciate your patience during these times.

Application prior to trench inspections will become a requirement on January 1, 2024.  We encourage you to use this process earlier.   

Corrections, as determined by the PUD representative, will need to be made by you or your contractor.  Once completed, reinspection and trench approval are required prior to backfill.

Often, the PUD schedules a time to meet you onsite. However, if this is a challenge for you, please request the PUD contact you with inspection details. 

No, however, the PUD prefers you to be onsite as this helps expedite the approval process.

Requirements can be found in the PUDs Connection and General Information books.  For residential information, click here.  Note:  non-residential conduit between a PUD access point and the meter base must meet installation and approval requirements through Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

For residential secondary inspections, please call (509) 661-8011.  For non-residential secondary inspections, please call Washington State Department of Labor and Industries at (509) 886-6500.

After inspection and approval, you may backfill your trench following the PUDs Connection and General Information book requirements found here. 

You, your electrical contractor, or excavation contractor may request inspection.