How to Apply for Utility Service

To apply for electric, water, gas, and sewer (wastewater) services and meters installations as a result of new construction, addition or remodel of a building please contact or visit Utilities Engineering located at 1007 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303 (click link for map directions) between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Electric Engineering: (650) 566-4500 or email utilities.engineering@cityofpaloalto.org

Water, Gas, Wastewater Engineering: (650) 566-4501 or email utilities.engineering@cityofpaloalto.org

The following steps are necessary to set up utility services in the City of Palo Alto:

STEP 1: SELECT THE PROPER UTILITY SERVICE APPLICATION. Click HERE for Forms and Guidelines

STEP 2: IF NEEDED, CONTACT OR VISIT THE UTILITIES ENGINEERING OFFICE FOR A PRE-PROJECT INQUIRY

STEP 3: SUBMIT UTILITY SERVICE APPLICATIONS AND PLANS TO BUILDING INSPECTION

STEP 4: PAY UTILITIES SERVICE CONNECTION FEES

STEP 5: OBTAIN REQUIRED BUILDING PERMITS AND SCHEDULE INSPECTIONS

STEP 6: COORDINATE UTILITY SERVICE INSTALLATION

STEP 7: CALL FOR UTILITY & BUILDING INSPECTIONS

STEP 8: SERVICE AND METERS WILL BE INSTALLED

Overview of Process

Do you need to submit an Electric Application?

You NEED to submit an electric application, If your project is:

You DO NOT need to submit an electric application, If your project is:

Commercial / Multi – family service New or replacing panel and/or meter base Relocating, or upgrading your electric service Adding electrical load that is greater than 20% of existing load Installing a pool or spa Installing a temporary electric service Converting electric service from an Overhead service to an Underground service Requesting electric service greater than 400amps or 3 Phase Requesting multiple electrical meters

Installing new light fixtures ONLY Doing a small interior remodel that does not require electrical upgrade Redoing a bathroom and/or kitchen that does not require electrical upgrade Doing an exterior remodel not requiring a change to your main electric meter panel Adding/reconstructing a driveway  If you are unsure of whether or not to complete an electric application, please call Electric Engineering at (650) 566-4500

For information in the following areas:

• Pre-Project Inquiry
• Residential Utility Service
• Non-Residential Utility Service
• Change Existing Service
• Seasonal Shut-off, service Turn On/Off, Start/Stop Service, and/or Billing Inquires. Contact the Customer Service Center, (650) 329-2161