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?
Are you working on a building or renovation project? PG&E can help if you're:
Explore our online tools and resources to help you through the process.
Follow a step-by-step description of the process for building and renovation services.
PG&E's Building and Renovation Services guides walk you through your gas and/or electric services installation.
If digging severs a pipeline, an Excess Flow Valve (EFV) greatly restricts unplanned or uncontrolled natural gas flows.
PG&E offers several gas service options for our customers, including elevated gas pressure at customer facilities in qualifying locations.
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:
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?
Where do I return my signed design contract and engineering advance?
Use the return envelopes found in the contract packets.
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?
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:
Mail Northern Region inspection results to: Sacramento Resource Management Center
You can also:
Southern Region, including these counties:
Mail Southern Region inspection results to: Fresno Resource Management Center
You can also:
What permits are needed for my project?
Building and renovation projects are subject to many standards.
You’re responsible for:
PG&E verifies that you have met these requirements
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulates the installation and delivery of gas and electric services.
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.
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.
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.
How long does it take to get gas or electric service connected?
Service connection time varies depending on:
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:
To get information on requesting temporary power:
Download Building and Renovation Services - Electric Service - Temporary Construction Power (PDF).
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.
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:
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.
PG&E must approve the locations of all transformers and meters. We must also approve the sizes, types and quantities of conduit.
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:
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.
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.
What forms of payment are accepted?
PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:
For temporary power, per meter charge, or Engineering Advance e-check payments:
PG&E does not save any of your financial information after the transaction is complete.
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.
Your Projects is a web-based tool that enables you to easily submit, track and manage applications for gas and electric service.
Get plug-in ready today with PG&E. Visit Plug-in with Electric Vehicles and PG&E.
Potential environmental impact
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.
PG&E is committed to working with you to insure the environmental permits for which you are responsible.
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.
Use the email address and phone number that your PG&E representative provided.
You can also call the Building and Renovation Service Center at 1-877-743-7782.
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.
Use the return envelopes found in the contract packets.
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
Many local agencies directly forward the results to PG&E.
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.com
Counties in the Northern Region include:
Send Southern Region panel inspection results to the Fresno Resource Management Center.
FAX: 1-800-700-5722
Email: PGESouthernAgencyInspections@pge.com
Counties in the Southern Region include:
Get help with managing your installation.
Service connection time varies depending on:
For information about your specific project, contact your job owner.
After we receive your application for gas or electric service, you will be contacted by a PG&E representative within three days.
Any trenching, plumbing or electrical work that is required to prepare for your new gas or electric service is your responsibility.
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.
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.
The SACAC is the estimate of costs that you list on Form 79-1003.
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.
Many manufacturers include energy usage info in user manuals or on the equipment.
Note: PG&E must approve the placement of your gas meter.
Follow these guidelines for installing your gas meter:
Find preferred gas meter locations. Visit electric and gas service requirements.
Yes. You must be present when your gas meter is set.
We recommend that you hire a qualified electrician to help avoid common problems in installing panels.
Note: PG&E must approve the locations of all transformers and meters. We must also approve the sizes, types and quantities of conduit.
If you’re also requesting a gas service, ensure that you have adequate separation between the gas and electric meters.
No. You do not need to be present when the meter is accessible to our crews.
We recommend that you hire an experienced trenching contractor to avoid typical problems. Reference the following guide to get started.
Find answers to questions on how to pay for construction services and taxes associated with your project.
PG&E accepts the following forms of payment:
For temporary power, per meter charge, or Engineering Advance e-check payments:
For contracts:
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.
No. We require full payment before beginning construction or installing a meter.
The ITCC was established as part of the 1986 Federal Tax Reform Act.
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.
Download the Building and Renovation Glossary of Terms (PDF).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
For general information about starting or stopping PG&E services, visit Start or Stop Service.
Not sure where to start?
Simplify the application process with our online tools and resources. We can help with starting a new service or changing an existing service for your commercial property.
Property management
Still have questions? Call our Building Services expert at 1-877-743-7782 between Monday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.