New or Upgraded Utility Service Connections (New Construction) Process Guide
Step 2 of 6: Field Meeting
For most projects, your PG&E representative will schedule a field meeting to discuss gas and electric service requirements and construction process in more detail. Your PG&E representative will normally confirm your service arrangements in the field or follow up with a letter. Please review this information carefully. Any changes you make after this time that result in engineering or field changes may be billed to you directly or deducted from your engineering deposit.
Here are some of the items your representative may cover:
- Project Conditions
- Engineering Advances
- Service Routes/Meter Locations
- Rights-of-Way
- Tree Pruning
- Construction Responsibilities
- Temporary Construction Power
- Date Service is Needed
- Preliminary Costs
- Rates
Project Conditions
In order to complete the design and plan for timely construction of gas and/or electric service for your project, please insure that all conditions (listed within granted approvals and permits) that must be adhered to are fully disclosed and shared with your PG&E representative. These conditions may include (but are not limited to) those for your project site as well as off-site.
Engineering Advances
You may be required to pay an engineering advance to cover PG&E’s expenses for revisions to, or cancellations of, service requests. When your project is complete, we will credit the advance against the amount you owe, apply it to the amount you owe on the resulting line extension agreement or refund any unused portion to you without interest. Project advances also may be required for any preliminary cost estimates you may request.
Service Routes/Meter Locations
CPUC rules say that PG&E must install gas and electric facilities along the shortest, most practical route. If you want another route because of aesthetic or other non-financial reasons, you'll normally pay the extra cost. In addition, we are required to install all gas and electric meters to meet certain clearance standards and be readily accessible for reading and maintenance.
Rights-of-Way
Rights-of-way may be needed for service to your project, depending on the length and location of the service route. If so, you'll be responsible for contacting your neighbors when the rights-of-way are needed from them. If you prefer, we can prepare the appropriate documents and get the needed signatures at your expense. For many projects, securing a right-of-way could be the single biggest factor in arranging for the shortest, least expensive route for gas and electric lines to your project. Your good relations with your neighbors can help!
Tree Pruning
If we need to install poles and power lines, we'll need a clear path on your property. You or one of our contractors can prune or remove trees at your expense before construction begins. The path around the power lines will need to stay clear in the future, too, for safety and access. Always think of the size of your trees at maturity and plant the right tree in the right place so as not to pose a safety hazard. Consult a licensed arborist, a nursery or us for suggestions on appropriate trees.
Construction Responsibilities
Some tasks can be done by you or by us at your expense. For projects involving underground gas or electric facilities, the most important decision you'll need to make is who will do trenching and install the electric conduits and pull-boxes. The trenching party will also need to coordinate the installation of other utilities (telephone and cable TV). Make this decision early in your planning.
Temporary Construction Power
There's usually construction power available if we have existing facilities with enough capacity next to or on your construction site. Your PG&E representative will let you know the costs for construction power, which vary from site to site. If construction power is available, we may be able to install it within three to five working days. You'll need to pay these costs, and the city or county building department will need to inspect and approve your temporary meter panel before we can install the temporary service and meter.
Date Service is Needed
While our lead-times vary from project to project, we will make every attempt to meet your service needs. If there are scheduling conflicts, we'll give higher priority to projects that have received final building inspections, signed all contracts, paid all service costs, secured all rights-of-way and necessary permits, and met all agreed-to construction responsibilities.
Preliminary Costs
We can give you preliminary cost estimates when we've completed our engineering. If you'd like a preliminary cost estimate, you may be required to provide an advance.
Rates
You may be able to choose from several different rates for the gas and electricity you use. The best rate for you depends on your rate class (residential, commercial or agricultural), the appliances and loads you install, and your lifestyle or end-use needs.
