Do you need CoServ to turn on the electricity at your new home or business? If so, we welcome you to this cooperative and hope your experience with us surpasses your expectations.

To set up service and officially become a member, review our membership requirements. Then contact Customer Service, and we’ll guide you through the process. When you contact us, we'll need to ask you for confidential information that helps us protect the security of your account. 

Be prepared to provide the following:

• First name
• Last name
• Social security number
• Driver's license number
• Date of birth
• Previous address

Though most new service requests can be initiated within a day, some situations may require up to three business days for our service technicians to complete your request due to regulatory requirements that protect and maintain your privacy.

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) adopted a new regulation, the Red Flags Rule, which requires companies to develop a program to detect, prevent, and minimize damage that could result from identity theft.

Most consumers who establish service will notice no difference in the set-up process, and typically we are able to begin providing service within a day. However, these new regulations could cause a delay in the process (up to three days) if identity-associated questions arise.

To give you some background, the FTC - the nation’s consumer protection agency - enforces the Red Flags Rule, created in response to the rise in identity theft. Thieves may try to buy a car, get a credit card, or establish gas, water, or electric service using someone else’s identity. Consumers may not find out they’re victims until they review their credit reports or read their monthly statements and notice charges they didn’t make – or until they get a call from a debt collector.

CoServ wants to ensure that you do not fall victim to an identity crime, as it inflicts economic, psychological, and emotional harm. Utility companies may be the first to spot the red flags that signal identity theft, including suspicious activity suggesting that thieves may be using stolen information to establish service. Below are a few commonly asked questions:

Why is CoServ required to comply?

Companies that provide utility services may be covered by provisions of the rule if they are “creditors.” A creditor is a business or organization that regularly defers payments for goods or services.

What is CoServ required to do?

Creditors under the new law must develop a written program to identify and address the red flags that could indicate identity theft in your account(s).

How does CoServ spot red flags?

Here are a few signs that may arouse suspicion:

■ Alerts, notifications or warnings from a consumer reporting agency.
■ Suspicious documents such as an altered or forged Driver License or Social Security card.
■ Suspicious identifying information that doesn’t match up with other sources.
■ Suspicious usage or payment activity relating to an account.
■ Notices from victims, law enforcement, or others about a possible fraudulent account.

While we want every CoServ member’s and customer’s service initiation experience to be hassle-free and prompt, we know that earning and maintaining your trust by protecting your privacy and identity is a critical part of doing business with you.

We’re truly glad to have you as part of our cooperative. Take a look at all the benefits you’ll receive as a member.