Agriculture Project Resources

Download our Local Inspection Desk Contact List (PDF) for your local area's email address.

To make changes to an approved design, reach out to your PG&E Job Owner. Provide them with a mocked-up version of the new design using the existing drawings or plans. This might require you to also update your:

• Globals
• Site plans
• Elevation plans
• Single line diagrams
• Switchgear cut sheets and/or loads

The PG&E Job Owner will submit them to our External Estimator team on your behalf. If you receive approval on the mockups, then the revisions will be completed in about 30 days.

"Civil as-builts" are final substructure drawings. They show detailed electric underground infrastructures (substructures), including:

• Conduit lengths
• Enclosure and/or vaults
• Pad locations
• Redlines for any changes to substructure

Yes, all contractors must provide a copy of the "civil as-builts" at the final inspection. The plans must have a signature, date, and company name per PG&E Design Standards. To learn more about the process, speak with your PG&E Job Owner. They can provide more details about TD-2051P-10-B002, "Electric Operations AIF As-Built Acceptance Process."

If your agriculture construction project requires the installation of new electric service, PG&E can help. Get help to meet the technical requirements and coordinate your service installation. Depending on your city or county, you may have two options. You may need to choose overhead service wires or underground service wires.

Selecting your rate

• Most agriculture customers are required to receive electric service at an agricultural rate. Qualification for agricultural rates is defined in Tariff Rule 1. Tariff Rule 1 is located on our Electric Rules page at pge.com/tariffs.
• Call if you are having trouble selecting the best rate for your agriculture business. Please contact the PG&E Agricultural Customer Service Center at 1-877-311-3276.

Submitting your application

• Apply for new electric service using Your Projects.
• Upload all required documents, including permits (if applicable) in the online application.

Application review

• Once you submit your application, a dedicated PG&E Job Owner is assigned to you. This person will become the point of contact for you or your contractor. PG&E recommends that you contact a contractor to help you plan your new service installation.
• A PG&E Job Owner will contact you within five business days. You or your contractor will be asked to supply details of the project. Details of the project include scope, timeline, blueprints, and the load requirements for appliances. You will need to provide details about any appliances or equipment you plan to install. Your PG&E Job Owner can answer additional questions. They can inform you of issues you may not have taken into consideration. Issues can be potential costs or technical Design Standards.
• If payment for an engineering advance is required, your PG&E Job Owner will notify you at this time.
• If necessary, a field meeting will be scheduled. PG&E uses the information you supply during a phone or on-site meeting to prepare a project design.

 Note:  You are required to provide all mandatory documents and materials. Deliver them to your PG&E Job Owner. Avoid application cancellation by submitting the documents within 35 calendar days. The document deadline date is no later than 35 days after you submit the application. Complete the application review process with your PG&E Job Owner. Complete it within 66 calendar days from application submission. The review deadline date is no later than 66 days after submission. This process complies with CPUC timeline regulations.

PG&E prepares project design

During the project design phase, we identify your costs and prepare construction drawings. We order critical materials with long lead times.

Additional references

You or your contractor may need to refer to the Greenbook (PDF). The following sections may be especially useful. Refer to them when preparing for your electric overhead service:

• Section 4: Overhead Electric Service
• Section 7: General Metering Information
• Electric Design Standard 058087, "Agricultural Overhead Service 300 Horsepower or Less"

Contract execution and payment

Along with the project design, you will receive a contract including an invoice for the project work to execute via DocuSign.

• Contracts must be executed within 90 days of receipt.
• Your contract, once executed, is valid for up to 12 months.
• Your design is valid for up to 18 months from issuance.

Construction scheduling

Work with your PG&E Job Owner to:

• Schedule any construction work to be completed by PG&E.
• Establish a new account if the location has not previously received electric service from PG&E.

Inspections and meter connection

Arrange for the appropriate local government agency to inspect the electric panel. Once it has passed inspection, contact PG&E to schedule the meter connection.

If you are making changes to your existing electric service at your agriculture business PG&E can help. You may need help installing a new pump, adding new equipment, or upgrading your panel. Get help to meet the technical requirements and coordinate your service change. Once you submit your application to PG&E, we will create a schedule to meet your service connection needs.

Selecting your rate

• Most agriculture customers are required to receive electric service at an agricultural rate. Qualification for agricultural rates is defined in Tariff Rule 1. Tariff Rule 1 is located on our Electric Rules page at www.pge.com/tariffs.
• Call if you are having trouble selecting the best rate for your agriculture business. Please contact the PG&E Agricultural Customer Service Center at 1-877-311-3276.

Submitting your application

• Apply for changes to your existing electric service using Your Projects.
• Upload all required documents, including permits (if applicable) in the online application.

Application review

• Once you submit your application, a dedicated PG&E Job Owner is assigned to you. This person will become the point of contact for you or your contractor. PG&E recommends that you contact a contractor to help you plan your service change.
• A PG&E Job Owner will contact you within five business days. You or your contractor will be asked to supply details of the project. Details of the project include scope, timeline, blueprints, and the load requirements for the electrical appliances. You will need to provide details about any or equipment you plan to install. Your PG&E Job Owner can answer additional questions. They can inform you of issues you may not have taken into consideration. Issues can be potential costs or technical Design Standards.
• If payment for an engineering advance is required, your PG&E Job Owner will notify you at this time.
• If necessary, a field meeting will be scheduled. PG&E uses the information you supply during a phone or on-site meeting to prepare a project design.

 Note: You are required to provide all mandatory documents and materials. Deliver them to your PG&E Job Owner. Avoid application cancellation by submitting the documents within 35 calendar days. The document deadline date is no later than 35 days after you submit the application. Complete the application review process with your PG&E Job Owner. Complete it within 66 calendar days from application submission. The review deadline date is no later than 66 days after submission. This process complies with CPUC timeline regulations.

PG&E prepares project design

During the project design phase, we identify your costs and prepare construction drawings. We order critical materials with long lead times.

Additional references

You or your contractor may need to refer to the Greenbook (PDF). The following sections may be especially useful. Refer to them when preparing for your electric service:

• Section 4: Overhead Electric Service
• Section 3: Underground Electric Service
• Section 7: General Metering Information
• Electric Design Standard 058087, "Agricultural Overhead Service 300 Horsepower or Less"
• Electric Design Standard 054619, "Agricultural Underground Service 500 Horsepower of Less"
• Electric Design Standard 064309, "Box-Pad for Pad-Mounted Transformers"

Trenching

• Upgrading underground electrical lines may require the excavation of a trench. Your PG&E Job Owner will provide you with drawings that illustrate the trench route and specifications. Customers are responsible for trenching and permit costs.
• For more information about excavating a utility trench refer to the "Undergrounding Construction FAQs."
• Before you dig, call Underground Service Alert at 811, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for holidays, or visit call811.

Contract execution and payment

• In certain situations, your PG&E Job Owner may find that there is no need to upgrade. Updates to your electric service or the utility facilities in your neighborhood are not necessary. You will be notified that there are no further steps to be taken.
• We may find that alterations need to be made to your overhead or underground electric service. Along with the project design, you will receive a contract including an invoice for the project work to execute via DocuSign.
• Contracts must be executed within 90 days of receipt.
• Your contract, once executed, is valid for up to 12 months.
• Your design is valid for up to 18 months from issuance.

Construction scheduling

Work with your PG&E Job Owner to schedule any construction work to be completed by PG&E.

Inspections and meter connection

Arrange for the appropriate local government agency to inspect the electric panel. Once it has passed inspection, contact PG&E to schedule the meter connection.

If your agriculture business construction project requires the installation of new electric service. Let PG&E help you meet the technical requirements and coordinate your service installation.

Selecting your rate

• Most agriculture customers are required to receive electric service at an agricultural rate. Qualification for agricultural rates is defined in Tariff Rule 1. Tariff Rule 1 is located on our Electric Rules page at www.pge.com/tariffs.
• Call if you are having trouble selecting the best rate for your agriculture business. Please contact the PG&E Agricultural Customer Service Center at 1-877-311-3276.

Submitting your application

• Apply for new or upgraded underground electric service using Your Projects.
• Upload all required documents, including permits (if applicable) in the online application.

Application review

• Once you submit your application, a dedicated PG&E Job Owner is assigned to you. This person will become the point of contact for you or your contractor. PG&E recommends that you contact a contractor to help you plan your new service installation.
• A PG&E Job Owner will contact you within five business days. You or your contractor will be asked to supply details of the project. Details of the project include scope, timeline, blueprints, and the load requirements for appliances. You will need to provide details about any appliances or equipment you plan to install. Your PG&E Job Owner can answer additional questions. They can inform you of issues you may not have taken into consideration. Issues can be potential costs or technical Design Standards.
• If payment for an engineering advance is required, your PG&E Job Owner will notify you at this time.
• If necessary, a field meeting will be scheduled. PG&E uses the information you supply during a phone or on-site meeting to prepare a project design.

 Note: You are required to provide all mandatory documents and materials. Deliver them to your PG&E Job Owner. Avoid application cancellation by submitting the documents within 35 calendar days. The document deadline date is no later than 35 days after you submit the application. Complete the application review process with your PG&E Job Owner. Complete it within 66 calendar days from application submission. The review deadline date is no later than 66 days after submission. This process complies with CPUC timeline regulations.

PG&E prepares project design

During the project design phase, we identify your costs and prepare construction drawings. We order critical materials with long lead times.

Additional references

You or your contractor may need to refer to the Greenbook (PDF). The following sections may be especially useful. Refer to them when preparing for your electric underground service:

• Section 3: Underground Electric Service
• Section 5: General Metering Information
• Electric Design Standard 064309, "Box-Pad for Pad-Mounted Transformers"
• Electric Design Standard 054619, "Agricultural Underground Service 500 Horsepower of Less"

Trenching

• Upgrading underground electrical lines may require the excavation of a trench. Your PG&E Job Owner will provide you with drawings that illustrate the trench route and specifications. Customers are responsible for trenching and permit costs.
• For more information about excavating a utility trench refer to the "Undergrounding Construction FAQs."
• Before you dig, call Underground Service Alert at 811, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. except for holidays, or visit call811.

Contract execution and payment

Along with the project design, you will receive a contract, including an invoice for the project work to execute via DocuSign.

• Contracts must be executed within 90 days of receipt.
• Your contract, once executed, is valid for up to 12 months.
• Your design is valid for up to 18 months from issuance.

Construction scheduling

Work with your PG&E Job Owner to:

• Schedule any construction work to be completed by PG&E.
• Establish a new account if the location has not previously received electric service from PG&E.

Inspections and meter connection

Arrange for the appropriate local government agency to inspect the electric panel. Once it has passed inspection, contact PG&E to schedule the meter connection.

To determine if your pole is approved by PG&E, refer to:

• Table 1: "Approved Suppliers for Permanent Wood Poles," in PG&E Design Standard 025055, "Requirements for Customer-Owned Poles" for approved suppliers.
• Table 3: "Pole Setting Depths," in PG&E Design Standard 025055, "Requirements for Customer-Owned Poles" shows the minimum depths to set poles by terrain and length of pole.

Generally, the following will determine the pole's approval status in the following table below:

Per PG&E Design Standard 025055, "Requirements for Customer-Owned Poles." Ground rods must be:

• At the base of the "customer-owned" pole and below the meter panel
• Installed no more than 12-inches from the pole
• Connected to the meter panel's ground terminations with a Grounding Electrode Conductor (ground wire)

To install a meter panel to a pole, see PG&E Design Standard 065374, "Overhead and Underground Panel Board Construction."

Installation

To setup the conduit mast per PG&E Design Standard 065374, "Overhead and Underground Panel Board Construction:"

• Use conduit PVC Schedule 40 (minimum)
• Securely fastened to the Heavy Duty 2-Hole Pipe Strap Every 36-inch
• Enter into the top of the meter panel or gutter (not the rear or side) of the meter panel

To set up the weatherhead:

• Be situated at the top of the conduit mast
• Provide a 36-inch curve, "drip loop," for service conductors
• Be installed at a height that meets clearance requirements

A "down guy bob" is a non-conductive equipment, also known as an insulator, used to segregate the tensioned wire to prevent electric current from running down the guy wire.

Installation:

According to PG&E Design Standard 022178, "Construction Requirements for Pole Line Guys," a down guy bob may be installed as per the following:

An anchor rod (also known as "guy anchor") is a device used to provide stability and support to a pole.

It is required to be installed when the following conditions are met per PG&E Design Standard 025055, "Requirements for Customer-Owned Poles:"

• Where conductors cross, a public or private paved street or road
• Non-paved (i.e., gravel, dirt) routes in agricultural areas
• Poles set in areas with soft soil

• For backfilling material, competent native soil is preferred for bedding, shading, and backfilling throughout the trench. Native soil is preferred to help with corrosion, logistical, and affordability concerns. However, if the native material is deemed unsuitable, you must use PG&E-approved imported fine material. Or you can use sand that meets the requirements. The requirements are specified in Engineering Material Specification (EMS)-4123.
• The soil must be properly compacted according to specific requirements:
  • For trenches across or along public roads, streets, or franchise areas: minimum 95% density compaction
  • For trenches across private properties and all other areas: minimum 90% density compaction
• A Compaction Test Report may be required by PG&E. The report must include the testing company's name, address, and contact information.Special consideration should be given to trenches. Trenches that are on slopes or grades, where bags of concrete and red dye may be required. Concrete and red dye may be required on top of the conduit to prevent backfill movement.
  
• Then, place "warning tape" above the sand. See PG&E Design Standards 038193. See "Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities."
• Finally, cover with native soil or additional imported sand until it meets the ground level.

Based on the type of trench (secondary/service/streetlight or primary), the minimum coverage will differ. See PG&E Design Standards 038193, "Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities" for measurement details. 

Refer to Table 3, "Minimum Separation and Clearance for Electrical Conduit by Facility Type" Then refer to PG&E Design Standard 038193. See "Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities."

For PVC-to-PVC conduit connections, refer to Table 1, "Cement for Use with Plastic Conduits" in PG&E Design Standard 062288, "Underground Conduits."

There is a 315-degrees maximum bend allowed. This per PG&E Design Standard 038193, "Minimum Requirements for the Design and Installation of Electric Conduit, Insulated Cable, and Facilities."  It is allowed for service conduit up to 200 feet.

For service conduits longer than 200 feet, the maximum bend is 300-degrees.

For example, to compute the degree of conduit bend for services conduits longer than 200 feet:

1. Sum all angles of the bends in the conduit run ("box-to-panel")
   
   • 90-degree refers to standard elbow
   • 45-degree refers to half elbow
   • 30-degree
   • 22.5-degree
   • or 11.25-degree refers to smooth sweeps
2. Ensure that the total degree is less than or equal to 300-degrees

Conduit end bell is a fitting that is installed at the end of the conduit. It prevents cable damage when cable is pulled through the conduit and while in service.

See additional details in PG&E Design Standard 062288, "Underground Conduits."

"Working Space" refers to the clear and level area in front of, around, and above underground electrical equipment. For example, transformers, switchgear, and enclosures. Working space allows safe access for operation, inspection, and maintenance.

See working space requirements in PG&E Standard 051122, "Clearances and Location Requirements for Enclosures, Pads, and Underground Equipment," and 2026 Greenbook, Table 7-4, "Metering Working Space Dimensional Requirements."

Follow the checklist outlined in PG&E Design Standard 063927, "Methods and Requirements for Installing Residential Underground Electric Services 0-600 V to Customer-Owned Facilities:"

1. Confirm the meter panel is properly rated for your building (i.e., 120/240 volts, 120/208 volts, etc.).
   
2. Verify you have an approved meter panel by checking the label. Ensure it states the panel has been certified as "Underwrites Laboratories-Listed (UL)." Or that the meter panel is tested by a National Recognized Testing Laboratory. This ensures the meter panel meets the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Check that the meter panel has met PG&E Greenbook requirements.
3. Ensure the panel location is:
   • On an exterior wall, readily accessible
   • Not behind fences, inside garages, or obstructed by other objects
   • 36-inches of clear working space in front of the meter and 78-inches above the ground
   •  Mounted with the meter's center 48-inches to 75-inches above finished grade
   • Not within 36" of a home window
4. Ensure ground rods, clamps, wires, and bonding wires are installed properly. Refer to California Electrical Code (CEC). Also refer to and PG&E Design Standard 013109, "Corrosion Resistant Ground Rods and Ground Rod Clamps" for more information.
5. Ensure the neutral and ground are bonded together only in the main breaker (main switch) section of the main panel.
6. Ensure the panel is sealed from water intrusion. Do so by by sealing conduits at both ends and using an approved method per PG&E Design Standard 062288, "Underground Conduits."
7. Properly labeling the panel in accordance with Greenbook Section 7.7.1, "Properly Identifying and Marking Meters." The panel must have a permanent, weather-resistant address label. The labels must be clearly visible from the street or access point.
8. Pass local City/County inspections.

Per Section 7.9, "Grounding," of the Greenbook, customers ground their meter panel by:

• Not using PG&E's gas equipment to ground the electric equipment
• Locating the disconnection point, also known as "terminations" (e.g., ground terminal) for their Grounding Electrode Conductors (GECs). They are outside any section that PG&E seals.
• Grounding wire comes out of where the circuit breaker wires. These are the wires that lead into the home's outlets (also known as the "load side of the breaker")
• Not locating Grounding Electrodes, Grounding Electrode Conductors, or Grounding Ring Conductors inside or near any PG&E electrical equipment, enclosures, or vaults.
• Ensuring a grounded neutral connection exists in the PG&E-sealed meter section. Ensure it is terminated in the same enclosure as the Grounding Electrode Conductor.

The responsibilities for an inspection of a ground meter panel:

A "drain box" is also referenced as a "splice box/enclosure or #2 box/enclosure" which measures 17" x 30" and 26" deep. The purpose of this box is to allow any water that may enter the conduit system to drain out of the box which prevents the water from running into the meter panel and building.

Installation

1. Install drain box next to the meter panel or within 6-feet of the meter panel along the service run. This standard is per PG&E Design Standard 063927, "Methods and Requirements for Installing Residential Underground Electric Services 0-600 V to Customer-Owned Facilities,"
2. Place the box on 12-inch base of 1-inch rock. This facilitates water drainage. Then organize the conduits in a horizontal layout.
   Maintain a minimum depth from finished grade to top of the conduit:
   • 18-inches for existing installations
   • 24-inches for new installations
3. See PG&E Design Standard 063927, Figure 1, "Methods and Requirements for Installing Residential Underground Electric Services 0-600 V to Customer-Owned Facilities," for additional details.

• Per PG&E Design Standard 025055, "Requirements for Customer-Owned Poles," conduit couplers or joints need to be 6-inches below and need to be swept up 90-degrees against the pole.
• The conduit must be either rigid galvanized steel if "floating" (not attached to pole or structure) or 2-inch minimum diameter Schedule 40 PVC if attached to the pole or structure.
• The conduit must be strapped to the pole. This is for earthquake safety.