- Higher gas delivery pressure is no longer available or
- It negatively affects our gas delivery system
Note: Elevated gas pressure is offered at PG&E’s discretion. When available, it may increase the cost of delivery at some locations. Special facilities charges may apply as detailed in PG&E’s Gas Rule 2.
For more information:
- Visit pge.com/tariffs.
- See PG&E’s Greenbook Manual.
- Call our Building and Renovation Service Center at 1-877-743-7782 during regular business hours.
- Getting started
- Contact PG&E
- Managing your projects
- Making payments
- Commonly used terms
Keep your construction projects on track
Do you want technical information about connecting to the PG&E system?
Do you want to learn more about setting up new service for electric or gas?
What are the requirements for filing paperwork?
Where do I return my signed design contract and engineering advance?
Use the return envelopes found in the contract packets.
- Mailing the documents in these envelopes may help avoid possible processing delays.
- Local PG&E offices cannot accept this paperwork.
Upload documents to Your Projects
Do you have a Your Projects account? You can upload 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 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
- Email the inspection results to PGENorthernAgencyInspections@pge.com
- 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
- Email the inspection results to PGESouthernAgencyInspections@pge.com
- FAX the inspection results to 1-800-700-5722
What milestones would I need to manage?
What permits are needed 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
- Arranging for inspections
PG&E verifies that you have met these requirements
- We 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 SACAC is the estimate of costs that you provide on Form 79-1003.
- You must complete and sign Form 79-1003 when you request gas or electric service.
- If you hire a contractor for your project, your contractor should estimate the cost for you.
Am I required to hire a contractor to prepare my project for gas or electric service?
You are responsible for any trenching, plumbing or electrical service that is required to prepare for your new gas or electric service.
- 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
- The number of projects we have in progress
For information about your specific project, please talk with your Job Owner.
Will I need temporary power before my permanent gas and electric service is installed?
You’ll probably need temporary power if:
- You are working on a construction project
- You are using electrical equipment at your project site
To get information on requesting temporary power:
To request temporary power:
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?
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
- It should be protected from corrosion and other damage, including possible vandalism
- Install the meter as far as possible from traffic
- Surround the meter with barrier posts or bollards
- 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.
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.
Am I required to 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?
The electrical panel for underground service should be attached to a wall, if possible.
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.
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).
- Download Electric Service: Overhead (PDF).
- Access our guide on electric from underground lines. Download Building and Renovation Services New Electric Service Power from Underground Lines (PDF).
- 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).
Note: We recommend that you hire a qualified electrician to help you avoid common problems in installing electrical panels.
Am I required to be on location when my electric meter is set?
No. You don't have to be present when your electric meter is set. However:
- The meter must be accessible to our crews.
- 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.
Am I required to excavate a trench when I start my project?
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).
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 other work is needed to complete your project.
How do I make payments for construction services
What forms of payment are accepted?
PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:
- Online payment with simple, safe ACH transfer (e-check)
- Check or cashier’s check
- Money order
For temporary power, per meter charge, or Engineering Advance e-check payments:
- Sign into Your Projects and select "Pay Invoice".
- Furnish your bank routing and account information. Click "Submit".
- If you have signed a 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.
- Don't have a Your Projects account? Visit our payment submission page to pay your invoice or contract online.
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.
- TCC 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).
How can I access or sign up for "Your Projects"?
Your Projects is a web-based tool that enables you to easily submit, track and manage applications for gas and electric service.
- Create a new account for Your Projects.
- Learn more about the benefits of setting up a Your Projects account.
How do I check if I'm plug-in ready?
What are environmental reviews?
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 in order 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
- Process depends on the environmental impacts and associated regulatory requirements
PG&E is committed to working with you to insure the environmental permits for which you are responsible.
- For detailed information, download Environmental Reviews for Service Requests (PDF).
PG&E can help your construction projects run smoothly from start to finish. Connect with PG&E early in your project's timeline for the best results.
How can I contact a PG&E representative?
Use the email address and phone number that your PG&E representative provided.
- If your PG&E representative is unavailable for a day or more, you may be redirected to another representative.
You can also call the Building and Renovation Service Center at 1-877-743-7782.
How do I contact PG&E Building and Renovation Services?
Generally, your PG&E representative is the connection between you and Building and Renovation Services.
If your PG&E representative is not available, call the Building and Renovation Service Center at 1-877-743-7782.
Where are signed design contracts and engineering advances sent?
Use the return envelopes found in the contract packets.
- Mailing the documents in these envelopes may help avoid possible processing delays.
- Local PG&E offices cannot accept this paperwork.
Upload documents to Your Projects
Do you have a Your Projects account? You can upload 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 95899-7340Mail your engineering advance to:
Bill Print Mail and Payment Processing Facility
PO Box 997310
Sacramento, CA 95899-7310What is the submission process for local inspection results?
Many local agencies directly forward the results to PG&E.
- Check with the agency that performs your inspection.
If you’re responsible for forwarding inspection results to PG&E, refer to the info outlined in the following list for instructions by region.
Send Northern Region inspection results to:
Sacramento Resource Management Center
FAX: 1-800-700-5723
Email: PGENorthernAgencyInspections@pge.comCounties in the Northern Region include:
- 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
Send Southern Region panel inspection results to the Fresno Resource Management Center.
Counties in the Southern Region include:
- 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
Get help with managing your installation.
How long does it take to get gas or electric service connected?
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.
How long does it take to schedule an initial site visit?
After we receive your application for gas or electric service, you will be contacted by a PG&E representative within three days.
- If a site visit is necessary, the typical wait time for an appointment is two weeks.
Must a contractor be hired to prepare the project for services?
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 permits needed for installation projects?
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.
- We verify that you’ve met these requirements.
- We 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 cost (SACAC)?
The SACAC is the estimate of costs that you list 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 this cost for you.
Will temporary power be needed for installation services?
Are you working on a construction project or using electrical equipment at your site before regular electric service is installed? You probably need temporary power.
- Get more info on requesting temporary power. Download Electric Service Temporary Construction Power (PDF).
- To request temporary power, call 1-877-743-7782 or apply online. Visit "Your Projects."
How are gas and electric load requirements determined?
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.
Where should a gas meter be located?
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 possible 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.
- When possible, hire a qualified plumber to help you install your gas meter in the ideal location.
- When 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.
Where should an electrical panel be located?
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. Visit electric and gas services requirements.
If you’re also requesting a gas service, ensure that you have adequate separation between the gas and electric meters.
- For details, reference Section 2 Gas Service from the following file. Visit Section 2 Gas Service (PDF).
Must I be on location when the electric meter is set?
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, the jumpers must be removed by a licensed electrician before we can set the meter.
Must a trench be excavated to start the project? What are the requirements?
We recommend that you hire an experienced trenching contractor to avoid typical problems. Reference the following guide to get started.
- Download Building and Renovations Services Trenching (PDF).
What is the inspection process after trench work is finished?
- 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.
- 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.
Find answers to questions on how to pay for construction services and taxes associated with your project.
Which forms of payment are accepted?
PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:
- Online payment with simple, safe ACH transfer (e-check)
- Check or cashier’s check
- Money order
For temporary power, per meter charge, or Engineering Advance e-check payments:
- Sign into Your Projects
- Select "Pay Invoice".
- Furnish your bank routing and account information
- Click "Submit".
- After signing the contract, click "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.
- Don't have a "Your Projects" account? Visit our payment submission page to pay your invoice or contract online.
Does PG&E allow installment payments for construction services?
No. We require full payment before beginning construction 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.
- We must collect this tax according to CPUC guidelines.
When you request new electric or gas service, you might come across unfamiliar words. Here is a list of the most common components for gas service, overhead and underground electric.
Common terms for overhead electric systems
Cross arm. Usually made of wood, horizontal brackets mount on the power pole. Wires are then attached to conduct electricity.
Insulator. Glass or porcelain fixtures atop the pole that insulate conductors and the current they carry from returning to the ground.
Primary distribution line extension. The high voltage or input side of a transformer. It includes the circuit that feeds into the transformer.
Riser. Pole-installed, this piece connects underground distribution facilities to overhead facilities.
Secondary distribution line extension. The output side of a transformer and its connected circuit. The voltage it delivers is between 0 and 750 volts. It is also known as service delivery voltage.
Service drop. The wire that connects the weather head on your roof to the electric pole. PG&E maintains the service drop; you maintain your weather head.
Transformer. Device that takes the high voltage from distribution and turns it into lower voltage that you can use.
- Most overhead transformers are secured to wood poles. Overhead high voltage cables connect them to your service meter.
- We use green steel cabinets for underground transformers, mounted to concrete pads.
- They’re connected to your service meter by underground high voltage cables.
Note: Voltage regulators, capacitor banks and reclosers are not transformers.
Weatherhead. Periscope-like structure on your roof that’s made of metal conduit. It’s where your electric service and our overhead service drop line connect.Common terms for residential overhead electric service
Circuit breaker. Device that shuts down the flow of electricity if you unexpectedly overload your circuit, and the current goes over its preset limit.
Electric panel. Located on your property this service center contains fuses, breakers and meters.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI or GFI). Device that can prevent electric shock when you have wall plugs close to water, like in a bathroom, garage or kitchen. They are available as outlets or breakers.
Main switch. Device designed to protect your equipment installed past the meter.
Weatherhead. This periscope-like structure, made of metal conduit, is where your electric service and our overhead service drop line connect. It’s typically located on your rooftop.
Common terms for temporary overhead electric service
Customer-owned temporary service pole. Poles that PG&E does not own, operate or maintain.
Weatherhead. This periscope-like structure, made of metal conduit, is where your electric service and our overhead service drop line connect. It’s usually on your rooftop.
Common terms for residential gas service
Branch service. Another source of supply for your service, other than a gas main.
Gas houseline. Measuring 1 to 3/4 inch in diameter, small pipes that run out of the meter and onto your property, carrying natural gas to home appliances.
Service delivery point and gas meter. Exact location on your property where PG&E supplies service. An example is your electric meter or gas meter.
Service line or pipe. Pipelines, valves and fittings that carry natural gas from the main distribution to a building’s gas meter.
Common terms for underground electric systems
Cabling. The conductors, connectors and switches for primary, secondary, and service installations. Cabling may also include cable-in-conduit.
Circuit breaker. Device that shuts down the flow of electricity if you unexpectedly overload your circuit and the current goes over its preset limit.
Conduit. Ducts, pipes or tubes made from a variety of approved materials used to protect electric wires and cables during installation. PG&E uses a variety of conduit. We may also use pull wires and concrete encasement.
Electric panel. Located on your property, a service center that contains fuses, breakers and meters.
Electric Service Extension. Extension of electric service from the main energy supply line to your facility.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI or GFI). Device that can prevent electric shock when you have wall plugs close to water, like in a bathroom, garage or kitchen. They are available as outlets or breakers.
Main switch. Device designed to protect your equipment installed past the meter.
Service delivery point and electric meter. The exact location on your property where PG&E supplies service. Examples are your electric meter or gas meter.
Splice box. Device found in underground systems that is used to enclose splices in cables, making them readily available for repair.
Common terms for temporary underground electrical service
Cabling. The conductors, connectors and switches for primary, secondary, and service installations. Cabling may also include cable-in-conduit.
Conduit. Ducts, pipes or tubes made from a variety of approved materials used to protect electric wires and cables during installation. PG&E uses a variety of conduit. We may also use pull wires and concrete encasement.Electric panel. Located on your property, this service center contains fuses, breakers and meters.
Ground rod. Grounding that provides an electrical connection between non-current-carrying metallic parts of equipment and the earth to prevent or limit an overload of power from lightning, line surges and contact with higher voltage lines. Installation follows the National Electric Code (NEC).
Splice box. Device found in underground systems that is used to enclose splices in cables, making them readily available for repair.
Common terms for franchise areas
A franchise area is our legal right to occupy public streets, roads, highways and other public places under franchise agreements in place with the agency that has jurisdiction. Following are common terms for franchise area electrical equipment:
Electric distribution lines. Overhead and underground lines including the poles, power lines, substations and transformers that belong to PG&E, supplying at least two services to homes and businesses.
Gas distribution mains. Mains, service connections and equipment that carry or control the supply of natural gas from the local supply point to and including the meter.
Protective structures. Fences, sound barriers, retaining walls, posts, barricades and other structures installed to help protect our distribution equipment.
Transformer. Device that takes the high voltage from distribution and turns it into lower voltage that you can use. Most overhead transformers are secured to wood poles. Overhead high voltage cables connect them to your service meter. We use green steel cabinets for underground transformers, mounted to concrete pads. They’re connected to your service meter by underground high voltage cables.
Trench. To dig or excavate with the purpose of providing more than one service. Trenching may involve these services:
- Gas
- Electricity
- Cable television
- Telephone
