New Member Application Info

Start Your Electric Service with Mt. Wheeler Power

Thank you for choosing Mt. Wheeler Power. As a member-owned cooperative, we’re committed to serving our community with reliable, affordable electricity. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about becoming a member and starting electric service. 

Becoming a Member of Mt. Wheeler Power 

Mt. Wheeler Power is a not-for-profit electric cooperative, which means we’re owned by the people we serve, our members. When you apply for electric service, you’re not just signing up for power; you’re becoming a member-owner of our cooperative. Membership is required to begin service and includes completing an application and meeting deposit requirements. 

How to Apply

To apply for electric service, visit the Electric Service section on the home page. There, you’ll find both residential and business applications, which can be submitted electronically. At the bottom of the application, you’ll be able to upload the required identification. 

You may also download the application here. 

If you provide a REAL ID or a passport, only one form of ID is needed. If you use a standard driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate or other supporting documentation, two forms are required. All identification submitted electronically must be notarized. To avoid the notary requirement, you may bring your IDs in person to our Ely or Eureka office. 

untitled_copy_1

Deposit Requirements and Options 

Because Mt. Wheeler Power is a member-owned cooperative, we work hard to keep costs low for all members. Requiring a deposit helps protect the cooperative and our members from the financial impact of unpaid accounts. 

Deposits for electric service are calculated based on the four-month average historical usage at the service location. All deposits are held on the account until you’ve completed 12 consecutive months of on-time payments. At that time, the deposit becomes eligible for credit to your power account and is applied toward future billing. 

You have three options to meet the deposit requirements: 

  • Split Deposit Option: Pay half of the deposit up front to activate service. The remaining balance will appear on your first billing statement and must be paid by the due date. You may also choose to pay the full deposit at the time service is connected.
  • Credit Check Option: Choose to have your credit checked for a $15 fee, which is due at the time of application. This soft inquiry evaluates your payment history. If your delinquency risk rate is under 7% the deposit will be waived. If your account becomes delinquent three times within 12 months, we reserve the right to require a deposit.
  • Co-Signer Option: Add a co-signer to your account in place of a deposit. An eligible co-signer must be an existing Mt. Wheeler Power member with a 12-month on-time payment history. The co-signer assumes full responsibility for the account, including any unpaid balances, and will receive all capital credits earned during that time. After 12 months of on-time payments, the co-signer can be removed from the account. 

Important Disclosure

Mt. Wheeler Power reserves the right to require a deposit on any account that becomes delinquent or to increase deposit requirements on existing accounts with a history of late payments. 

We Are Here to Help

If you have any questions about becoming a member, completing your application, or choosing the best deposit option, our Member Services team is ready to assist. Give us a call at 775-289-2981 or 800-97-POWER or stop by our Ely or Eureka office during business hours. We look forward to serving you.