Application Resources

Service connection time varies depending on:

• The complexity of your project
• The number of projects we have in progress

For information about your specific project, contact your job owner.

Find answers to questions on how to pay for construction services, how to submit contracts and engineering advances, and how to change your service rate plan in the Rates, payments & contracts FAQs.

Helpful information around paying for your project can be found here: Paying for your project (PDF)

Any trenching, plumbing or electrical work that is required to prepare for your new gas or electric service is your responsibility. You may do this work if you are qualified or you may choose to hire a licensed contractor.

Are you working on a construction project or using electrical equipment at your site before regular electric service is installed? If so, you may need temporary power.

• Visit Project Resources to find more information on requesting temporary power.
• To request temporary power, call 1-877-743-7782 or apply online at Your Projects.

After we receive your application for gas or electric service, you will be contacted by a PG&E representative within three business days. If a site visit is necessary, the typical wait time for an appointment is two weeks.

Many manufacturers include energy usage info in user manuals or on the equipment. Your plumbing or electrical contractor can also help you determine these loads.

Building and renovation projects are subject to many standards. The State of California issues plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes. Each city and county has its own rules.

• You're responsible for securing all required permits and arranging inspections.
• PG&E will verify that you've met these requirements.
• PG&E may perform additional inspections before connecting your gas or electric service.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates the installation and delivery of gas and electric services. PG&E does not establish services until gas piping and electric services facilities conform to CPUC regulations. In addition to CPUC regulations, PG&E has further standards to ensure that we provide safe and reliable power.

 Note: PG&E must approve the placement of your gas meter.

Follow these guidelines for installing your gas meter:

• Place your gas meter outside of the structure in an easily accessible area that is protected from corrosion and other damage, including vandalism.
• When the meter must be placed near oncoming vehicle traffic, install the meter as far as possible from traffic. Or, surround the meter with barrier posts or bollards.
• When possible, locate the meter in a breezeway that is well ventilated by outside air. Ideally, one end of the breezeway opens into a large, unobstructed space and the other end includes two vents. At a minimum, both ends must have vents at the top and bottom of the space.
• Whenever possible, hire a qualified plumber to help you install your gas meter in the ideal location.
• When you are requesting electric service along with gas service, ensure that there is adequate separation between the gas and electric meters.

To find preferred gas meter locations, visit Project Resources.

Yes. You must be present when your gas meter is set. When we set the meter, we also check your appliances and light any pilot lights.

We recommend that you hire a qualified electrician to help avoid common problems in installing panels.

• In areas with overhead lines, we install a drop from the distribution point to an attachment point on your property.
• This drop must meet our specifications, including clearance from the ground and distance from electric service facilities.
• If possible, the connecting span should not cross any adjacent properties.
• The electrical panel for underground service should be attached to a wall, if possible.

 Note: PG&E must approve the locations of all transformers and meters. We must also approve the sizes, types and quantities of conduit.

Find preferred electric meter locations in the electric and gas services requirements. 

If you are also requesting a gas service, ensure that you have adequate separation between the gas and electric meters. For details, reference the Greenbook (PDF).

No. You do not need to be present when the meter is accessible to our crews. However, if your electrical panel is energized by jumpers from an old panel, a licensed electrician must remove the jumpers before we can set the meter.

We recommend that you hire an experienced trenching contractor to avoid typical issues. Visit Project Resources for more information on trenching.

Environment reviews assess potential environmental impact.

• Your project may require the construction of new utility service supply lines to connect to PG&E's electric and natural gas infrastructure.
• These supply lines may be adjacent to your site or extended from some distance away.
• You may need to obtain permits or approvals for these supply lines to comply with Federal, State, and local requirements, regulations and rules, including environmental laws.

Obtain permits to comply with rules and regulations

If environmental requirements are triggered, they can be quite complex, especially if multiple permits or agencies are involved.

• Lead-time for acquiring such permits can vary from weeks to years
• Processes depend on the environmental impacts and associated regulatory requirements
• PG&E is committed to working with you to ensure the environmental permits for which you are responsible.
• For detailed information, download Environmental Reviews for Service Requests (PDF)

Step 1. Contact your PG&E representative for the phone number to your local trench inspection desk. Your local trench inspection desk can help you schedule an appointment with a PG&E trench inspector.

Step 2. You must be present during the trench inspection appointment.

Step 3. After the inspection is complete, the inspector provides you or your trenching contractor with the results.

Step 4. You are notified if any additional work is needed to complete your project.

For general information about starting or stopping PG&E services, visit Start, stop or transfer service.