Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about building and renovation services

Where do I return my signed design contract and engineering advance?
Mail your signed design contract and engineering advance in the return envelopes included in your contract packet. Mailing the documents in these envelopes can help avoid possible processing delays. Local PG&E offices cannot accept this paperwork.

If you have a "Your Projects" account, you can upload pertinent documents from your dashboard.

If you misplace the return envelopes:

Mail your signed design contract to:
PG&E CFM/PPC Department
PO Box 997340
Sacramento, CA 95899-7340

Mail your engineering advance to:
Bill Print Mail and Payment Processing Facility
PO Box 997310
Sacramento, CA 95899-7310

How do I submit the results of my local inspection?
Many municipal agencies directly forward the results to PG&E. Check with the agency that performs your inspection.
If you’re responsible for forwarding local inspection results to PG&E, refer to the information outlined here for instructions by region.

Northern Region, including these counties:

• Alameda
• Butte
• Colusa
• Contra Costa
• El Dorado
• Glenn
• Humboldt
• Lake
• Lassen
• Marin
• Mendocino
• Modoc
• Napa
• Nevada
• Placer
• Plumas
• Sacramento
• San Francisco
• San Mateo
• Shasta
• Sierra
• Siskiyou
• Sonoma
• Sutter
• Tehama
• Trinity
• Yolo
• Yuba

Mail Northern Region inspection results to: Sacramento Resource Management Center

You can also email the inspection results to PGENorthernAgencyInspections@pge.com or FAX the inspection results to 1-800-700-5723.

Southern Region, including these counties:

• Alpine
• Amador
• Calaveras
• Fresno
• Kern
• Kings
• Madera
• Mariposa
• Merced
• Monterey
• San Benito
• San Bernardino
• San Joaquin
• San Luis Obispo
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Clara
• Santa Cruz
• Stanislaus
• Tulare
• Tuolumne

Mail Southern Region inspection results to: Fresno Resource Management Center
You can also email the inspection results to PGESouthernAgencyInspections@pge.com or FAX the inspection results to 1-800-700-5722.

Do I need permits for my project?
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 ordinances.

You’re responsible for securing all required permits and arranging for inspections. PG&E verifies that you have met these requirements, and 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.

What is the Statement of Applicant's Contract Anticipated Costs (SACAC)?
The Statement of Applicant's Contract Anticipated Costs (SACAC) is the estimate of costs that you provide on Form 79-1003. You must complete and sign this form when you request gas or electric service. If you hire a contractor for your project, your contractor should estimate the cost for you.

Must I hire a contractor to prepare my project for gas or electric service?
Any trenching, plumbing or electrical service 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.

How long will it take to schedule an initial site visit to start gas and electric service?
A PG&E representative will contact you within three days of receiving your application for gas or electric service. If it’s necessary to schedule a site visit, the typical wait time for an appointment is two weeks.

How long does it take to get gas or electric service connected?
Service connection time varies depending on the complexity of your project and number of projects we have in progress. For information about your specific project, please talk with your Job Owner.

Will I need temporary power?
If you are working on a construction project or using electrical equipment at your project site before your permanent gas and electric service is installed, you’ll probably need temporary power. Get information on requesting temporary power. Download Building and Renovation Services - Electric Service - Temporary Construction Power (PDF, 553 KB).

To request temporary power, call 1-877-743-7782 or apply online. Visit PG&E Building and Renovation Services Online Login.

How do I determine my gas and electric load requirements?
Many manufacturers include energy usage information in user manuals or on equipment. Your plumbing or electrical contractor can also help you determine load requirements.

How do I decide where to locate my gas meter?
Follow these guidelines for installing your gas meter:

PLEASE NOTE: PG&E must approve the placement of 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 possible vandalism.
• If 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.
• If 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.
• If possible, hire a qualified plumber to help you install your gas meter in the ideal location.

Find preferred gas meter locations by viewing the PG&E Greenbook. Visit Electric and Gas Service Requirements.

If you’re requesting electric service along with gas service, ensure that there is adequate separation between the gas and electric meters.

Must I be present when my gas meter is set?
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.

How do I determine where to place my electrical panel?
We recommend that you hire a qualified electrician to help you avoid common problems in installing electrical panels.

In areas served by overhead lines, PG&E installs 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.

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.Visit Electric and Gas Services Requirements.
• Download New Electric Service for Your Agriculture Business (PDF, 292 KB).
• Download Electric Service: Overhead (PDF, 5.3 MB).
• Access our additional guide on electric from underground lines.Download Building and Renovation Services New Electric Service Power from Underground Lines (PDF, 674 KB).
• If you’re also requesting gas service, ensure that you have adequate separation between the gas and electric meters. For details, download Building and Renovation Services New Gas Service (PDF, 245 KB).

Must I be on location when my electric meter is set?
You need not be present when your electric meter is set, as long as the meter is accessible to our crews. However, if your electrical panel is energized by jumpers from an old panel, the jumpers must be removed by a licensed electrician before we can set the meter.

Must I excavate a trench when I start my project? What are the requirements?
We recommend that you hire a qualified trenching contractor to help avoid common problems. Read our guide to get started.Download Building and Renovation Services Trenching (PDF, 270 KB).

My trench is finished. How do I get my trench inspected?
Contact your PG&E account 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.

You must be present during the trench inspection appointment. After the inspection is complete, the inspector provides you or your trenching contractor with the results. You are notified if any additional work is needed to complete your project.

What forms of payment are accepted?
PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:

• Online payment with simple, safe ACH transfer (e-check)
  • For temporary power, per meter charge, or Engineering Advance payments:
    • Sign into "Your Projects" and select Pay Invoice.
    • Furnish your bank routing and account information and hit Submit.
  • For contracts, after signing the contract, be sure to hit Finish. Provide the information requested in the payment pop-up.
• PG&E does not save any of your financial information after the transaction is complete. You can rely on confidentiality and security when using our online payment system.
• If you do not have a "Your Projects" account, visit our payment submission page to pay your invoice or contract online.
• Check or cashier’s check
• Money order

Can I make installment payments for construction services?
No, we require payment in full before beginning construction services or installing a meter.

What is the Income Tax Component of Contribution (ITCC) tax?
The ITCC was established as part of the 1986 Federal Tax Reform Act. ITCC requires the payment of tax on the advance payment that PG&E collects for installing facilities. PG&E must collect this tax according to guidelines set up by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

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