In April 2018, PG&E implemented the Applicant Designer Qualification Program. The program was launched in response to California Public Utilities Commission's Decision 97-12-099. The Decision approved Applicant Design as a regular utility tariff option. It also allowed utilities to prequalify designers in order to promote quality design and minimize the number of plan checks.
Review the requirements and register
Designers must meet prequalification requirements before participating in the program.
For more information, download the Applicant Designer Qualification Program Overview (PDF)
Once you understand the prequalification process, register for the program. You'll receive instructions for scheduling your exam and a list of reference materials.
Find the current PG&E Qualified Applicant Designers
See our lists of gas and electric applicant designers prequalified to date.
Download the Qualified Electric Applicant Designer List (PDF)
Download the Qualified Gas Applicant Designer List (PDF)
NOTE: PG&E's publication of the Qualified Applicant Designer lists does not constitute any approval, endorsement or guarantee of the financial stability or service quality of the entities included. PG&E is not responsible and cannot be held liable for the accuracy, completeness or validity of these lists.
Understanding applicant design and installation responsibilities
Applicants must provide design drawings and support documentation including:
- Gas layout drawings.
- Single line drawings, Key Sketch.
- Base maps.
- Construction detail drawings.
- Street light design and rate schedules, to be approved by applicable governmental agencies.
- Joint Trench drawings.
- Engineering calculations, including:
- Voltage drop.
- Flicker.
- Short circuit duty.
- Pulling tension.
- Pole sizing.
- Guying.
- Substructure information.
- Stub, complete service and branch service locations (pre-approved by utility).
- Main locations.
- Meter locations (pre-approved by utility) with meter set and manifold detail.
- Identified required permits.
- Identified rights-of-way as required by the utility.
- Intents. (JT Notice of Intent is provided by the trench design coordinator.)
- Form B.
- Coordination with other utilities.
- Tentative design and construction scheduling descriptions.
- Conflict check descriptions.
- Material list with breakdown, at the individual sketch location and in the material summary, for example:
- Rule 15.
- Rule 16.
- Franchise or third party.
- Private property.
- Final drawings stamped and signed by a registered Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Professional Engineer (PE).
- Pole and anchor staking, trench route staking.
- Resolution of design changes during construction resulting from field conflicts.
- Field check of project site to verify the location of existing facilities.
- Additional copies of construction drawings after original distribution.
Our design submission process has changed. Applicant designers must now send design packages directly to our Resource Management Center. Mailing instructions for the design packages are included in the Applicant Designer global information provided by your PG&E contact.
PLEASE NOTE: As the applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the designer uses the most current design standards.
Select one of the following options.
Select installation by PG&E as a competitive bid
We will provide and install gas and/or electric facilities for your project according to tariff provisions. Before construction, you must pay any applicable advances to us. You are responsible for:
- Route clearing.
- Land rights acquisition.
- Trenching.
- Conduit.
- Substructures.
- Inspections.
Select construction by applicant as a qualified contractor
A qualified contractor must provide all the necessary material and installation of the gas and/or electric facilities for the project. You must select a qualified contractor to perform the work to PG&E design and construction specs.
Before starting construction, you must pay any applicable advances to PG&E. Advances include the estimated costs of:
- Engineering.
- Administration.
- Tie-ins.
- Additional facilities and labor necessary to complete the extension.
Contact your local PG&E office for more information.
Download the following files for further information:
More resources for building projects
Speak with a professional
- Find energy-efficiency specialists. Visit Energy Savings Programs.
- Search for Trade Professionals.
- Find more building energy code resources. Visit Energy Code Ace.
Still have questions?
- First, contact your PG&E account representative or Business Customer Service.
- If you still need help, call our Building Services expert at 1-877-743-7782.