If you’re building a home, installing a mobile home, or buying land in a rural part of Polk County, one of your first steps will be setting up electric service. But in rural areas, it’s not always clear who your utility provider is—or what steps to take.
Here’s a simple guide to finding and contacting your electric provider in rural Polk County, Florida.
Step 1: Find Out Which Power Company Serves Your Property
Unlike in cities where one utility serves the entire area, rural Polk County is divided among multiple electric providers, and your exact location determines which company you’ll work with.
The main providers are:
- Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO) –Covers much of eastern and southern rural Polk, including areas like Fort Meade, Babson Park, Alturas, and Frostproof.
- Tampa Electric (TECO) – Covers central Polk, including some rural areas near Auburndale, Mulberry, and Bartow.
- Lakeland Electric –Mostly urban Lakeland, but reaches some rural areas west of Bartow or north of Mulberry.
- Duke Energy Florida – Serves parts of northeastern and northwestern Polk, including rural zones near Lake Alfred and Polk City.
If you’re unsure which company serves your land, try one of these methods:
- Call Polk County Utilities at (863) 298-4100 and ask which power provider covers your address.
- Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office or check your land’s tax bill for utility info.
- Ask a neighbor who their provider is (especially helpful in unincorporated areas).
Step 2: Prepare Your Information
Before contacting the power company, gather the important information below.
- Find Your Parcel Number
Use the official Polk County Property Appraiser’s website:
- Parcel search page: Start your search by owner name, address, or parcel ID. This will give you the parcel number and detailed property info.
2. View or Obtain a Deed
Access Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s public records search for deeds and other land documents:
You can search and print uncertified deeds for free, or request certified copies through their online system.
For raw land, the utility company may need to assess whether infrastructure (like poles or transformers) already exists, or if line extension or easement work is needed.
Step 3: Contact the Utility Company
Here are the contact details for each provider that serves rural Polk County:
Peace River Electric Cooperative (PRECO)
Website: www.preco.coop
Phone: (800) 282-3824
Service Request Page: New Service Info
Office Location: 2225 US Hwy 60 E, Bartow, FL 33830
Notes: PRECO specializes in rural electric service. They often serve areas without access to city-owned utilities. Ask about service availability and possible installation fees.
Tampa Electric (TECO)
Website: www.tampaelectric.com
Customer Service: (888) 223-0800
New Construction Line: (813) 635-1500 (for new service installation)
Start Service Online: Start Service
Notes: TECO handles many rural accounts near Mulberry, Bartow, and Medulla. Line extensions for new properties may require a site visit and additional agreements.
Lakeland Electric
Website: www.lakelandelectric.com
Phone: (863) 834-9535
New Account Setup: Requires an online account or in-person visit
Location: 501 E Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33801
Notes: Limited rural coverage. Check your address first before applying.
Duke Energy Florida
Website: www.duke-energy.com
Phone: (800) 700-8744
New Service Page: Move or Start Service
Notes: Duke often serves rural areas north of Auburndale and Polk City. You may need to schedule a field visit for remote properties.
Helpful Tips
- Ask about line extension costs: If your rural property doesn’t have power poles nearby, the utility may charge for running new lines.
- Allow extra time: Installing new service in rural areas can take several weeks if inspections, permits, or construction are needed.
- Check for underground service: Some areas may allow or require underground electric lines—discuss this during your setup call.
- Verify building code compliance: Power won’t be connected until your electric panel and meter location pass inspection.
Final Thoughts
Getting electric service in rural Polk County takes a few extra steps, but it’s manageable with the right info. First, find out which company serves your land, then contact them with your parcel details and plans. Be prepared for a site visit or installation timeline if your land is undeveloped.
Whether you’re setting up a homestead, installing a manufactured home, or starting construction, early contact with the utility company ensures fewer surprises down the road.
