New to a place on the west shore and not sure who powers your home? You are not alone. When you buy in Woods Bay or Rollins, the utility details can feel like a maze, especially near lake and county lines. This quick-start guide walks you through confirming your provider, starting service with Flathead Electric, handling outages, and finding programs that can lower your bill. Let’s dive in.
Confirm your provider
Flathead Electric Cooperative serves much of the west shore, but service boundaries can be irregular along Flathead Lake and county lines. Start by checking the seller’s disclosure or a recent electric bill to see the listed provider. You can also contact Flathead Electric directly with your physical address or parcel number to confirm if they serve your home. If they do not, ask the same question of the local investor-owned utility to identify the correct provider.
Why this matters: providers differ on connection steps, costs, rebates, and interconnection rules for solar or generators. Confirming early keeps your move-in on track.
Start service steps
Open membership and account
Most co-ops require a membership application and a one-time fee or refundable deposit. Have your ID, contact info, and proof of ownership or tenancy ready. Ask about any security deposit requirements.
Request transfer or new service
Submit an application to transfer an existing meter into your name or to set a new service. Provide your start date and property details. If the home has been vacant or de-energized, clarify any reconnection steps or fees.
Handle inspections and repairs
If the meter base, meter loop, or service entrance does not meet current standards, Flathead Electric may require repairs and an inspection by a licensed electrician before the meter is set. Local permits may also be required. Ask whether the meter is owned by the cooperative and if your meter base is compatible.
Plan for line extensions
If lines need to be extended to reach your property, expect an estimate. Co-ops commonly require a customer contribution beyond a standard distance. Easements and right-of-way clearing can add time, so raise those questions early.
Meter set and timeline
Once requirements are met, the cooperative schedules meter set and energization. Simple transfers can take days. New line extensions or major upgrades can take weeks to months, depending on access, weather, and workload.
What to prepare
- Property address, parcel number, and any legal description
- Photo ID, proof of ownership or tenancy, and billing details
- Recent electric bill if transferring service
- Electrician contact and any recent inspection reports
- Questions on single-phase vs three-phase needs and panel capacity
- Easement or pole placement details that could affect timing
- Budget for membership fees, deposits, and meter or reconnection costs
- Seasonal options if this is a vacation home and you plan to de-energize off-season
Outage tools and safety
Report and get updates
Use the cooperative’s 24/7 outage phone line for fastest reporting. Many utilities also offer a live outage map and a member portal such as SmartHub for reporting, account management, and push, text, or email alerts. You can often enroll in automated alerts and follow updates on social media or local radio during wide events.
Stay safe during outages
Report downed lines immediately and stay clear. Assume all lines are energized. Unplug sensitive electronics or use surge protection to avoid damage when power returns. Keep refrigerators closed to preserve cold. If you rely on powered medical equipment, notify the cooperative so they have this information during outages.
Portable generator safety is critical. Never backfeed a home circuit without a licensed transfer switch and the utility’s approval. Improper connections put lineworkers and neighbors at risk.
Restoration priorities
Utilities restore first by life-safety hazards, then critical facilities like hospitals and water systems, followed by the largest outages. Rural lines serving a few homes may take longer due to access and repair complexity. Storms and terrain along the west shore can affect timelines.
Save on your bill
Flathead Electric commonly offers programs that lower costs and improve comfort. Ask about current availability and requirements.
- Rebates for efficient equipment like heat pumps, water heaters, and ENERGY STAR appliances
- Weatherization upgrades and insulation incentives
- Time-of-use or off-peak rate options and controlled-load programs
- Net metering and interconnection for solar and battery systems
- Energy audits to pinpoint high-value upgrades
- Demand management for devices like water heaters or HVAC
- Budget billing and payment assistance for predictable monthly costs
To access incentives, confirm whether pre-approval, licensed installers, specific product ratings, or before-and-after documentation are required. For solar or batteries, request the interconnection application, any study fees, and information about rates or standby charges.
Local tips
If your home uses propane or fuel oil today, upgrading to an electric heat pump can reduce operating costs. Check for cross-fuel incentives before you begin. On lake-shore lots, tree cover and setbacks can affect solar siting and line access, so review placement and easements early. For seasonal occupancy, compare standard and time-of-use rates and ask about controlled-load programs to decide what fits your pattern.
Quick-start checklist
- Confirm who serves your address with Flathead Electric, and if needed, the local investor-owned utility.
- Open your membership and account, and schedule a service transfer or new connection.
- Request a service-entry and meter review. Hire a licensed electrician for any required repairs.
- If lines are not nearby, request a line-extension estimate and discuss easements.
- Enroll in outage notifications and set up your member portal or app.
- Review rebates, net metering rules, and interconnection steps if you plan solar, EV charging, or a generator.
- If you rely on power for medical needs, alert the cooperative and ask about medical priority information.
- Consider budget billing if you want predictable payments.
Questions to ask
- Is my Woods Bay or Rollins address within your service area?
- What do you require to start service and what deposits or fees apply?
- Is my meter base compliant, and will you need to set a new meter?
- Do I need a line extension or pole work? What is the cost and timeline?
- What outage alerts and tools can I enroll in, and how do I sign up?
- Which rebates, heat pump or solar incentives, and budget billing options are available now?
- What is your process for interconnecting rooftop solar, batteries, or a standby generator?
- Do you offer programs for seasonal homes or for medically dependent members?
Safety reminders
Always use licensed electricians for meter-base and service-entrance work. Never attempt to reconnect a meter yourself or backfeed power from a portable generator without an approved transfer switch and utility approval. If new poles or lines cross private property, expect easement paperwork and review your title documents.
Next steps
If you are planning a move to Woods Bay or Rollins, getting utilities lined up early keeps your closing and move-in smooth. If you want help coordinating utility setup, local electrician referrals, or insights on improving efficiency before you furnish the home, reach out. Schedule your free Flathead Valley market consultation with BuyOrSellMontana.com today.
FAQs
Who provides power in Rollins and Woods Bay?
- Much of the west shore is served by Flathead Electric Cooperative, but boundaries can be irregular along the lake. Confirm by contacting the cooperative with your address or parcel number, or by checking a recent seller bill.
How long does it take to start service?
- Simple transfers can take a few days once your account and any deposits are set. New line extensions or major upgrades can take weeks to months, depending on access, weather, and cooperative workload.
What if my property needs a line extension?
- The cooperative will provide an estimate and may require a customer contribution beyond a standard distance. Easements or right-of-way clearing may add time, so start that discussion early.
How do I enroll in outage alerts with Flathead Electric?
- Most co-ops support a 24/7 phone line, a member portal such as SmartHub, and text or email alerts. After opening your account, ask how to enroll in outage notifications and set your contact preferences.
Can I add solar, batteries, or a standby generator?
- Yes, but you will need to follow the cooperative’s interconnection process. Request the application, confirm equipment requirements, and never connect a generator without a licensed transfer switch and utility approval.
Are there programs to help lower bills?
- Ask about rebates for heat pumps and efficient water heaters, weatherization incentives, time-of-use rates, demand management, energy audits, and budget billing. Requirements and availability can change, so confirm details before you buy.
