City of Palo Alto Homepage
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Location:
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Telephone:
Phone: 650-329-2161
Fax: 650-329-2154
Hours:
Mon-Thu 7:30-5:30pm
Fri 8-5pm (Closed Alt Fri.)
Forms and Publications

Utilities
All About Your Utilities
Learn more about Palo Alto’s homegrown utility services, its recent accomplishments and future plans.
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Bank Draft Authorization Application
Fillable PDF form - Bank Draft Authorization Application
Revision Date: 07/19/2007
Before you dig...
What to do before you dig.
Revision Date: 07/20/2007
Coord. of Utility and Street Work in the College Terrance Neighborhood
Revision Date: 06/26/2008
Gas Leak Detection Survey-2008
gas survey map
Revision Date: 04/14/2008
Greenlight Film Festival Playback Schedule
Revision Date: 04/14/2008
Palo Alto Recycled Water Project Description
Revision Date: 08/31/2007
Palo Alto's Urban Forest Program
Keeping Palo Alto Green.
Revision Date: 07/20/2007
Urban Water Management Plan
The City of Palo Alto's Urban Management Plan.
Revision Date: 07/20/2007
Emergency Water Supply Project
Draft EIR
Draft EIR for Emergency Water Supply and Storage Project
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
EIR Authorization
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
El Camino Park
Revision Date: 09/19/2007
Final EIR
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Notice of Preparation
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Planning and Transportation Commission Meeting Presentation
Draft EIR Presentation 11-29-2006
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Environmental Rebates and Programs
Rebates and programs to reduce water and energy and cut greenhouse gases.
Geoexchange Heat Pump at the Children's Library
Poster of the geoexchange heat pump in the Palo Alto Children's Library.
Revision Date: 11/07/2007
Growing a Healthy Garden
Growing a Healthy Garden to Manage Pests Naturally
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Investigation Request Form
Revision Date: 08/16/2007
Landscape Standards 082002
Revision Date: 08/14/2007
Landscape Techniques
Landscape Techniques for Pest Reduction
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Landscaping Elements
Landscaping for Storm Water Treatment
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Refrigerator Recycling
Revision Date: 08/27/2007
Water Heaters
Water Heater Bill Insert
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Commercial Advantage Program
We're offering rebates on a range of eligible equipment for every kind of business, so you can choose from our menu of eligible technologies and add up your benefits.
Boiler Rebate Information Catalog
Boiler Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Chillers and Heat Rejection Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Chillers and Heat Rejection Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Commercial Advantage Program Rebate Application
Commercial Advantage Program Rebate Application
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Custom Rebate Specifications
Custom Rebate Specifications
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Food Service Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Food Service Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
HVAC Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
HVAC Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Lighting Rebate Information Catalog
Lighting Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Refrigeration Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Refrigeration Equipment Rebate Information Catalog
Revision Date: 06/27/2006
Energy Efficiency (Smart Energy) for Residents
Residential Energy Programs
Free Summer Workshops
Energy Saving, Workshops
Revision Date: 06/03/2008
How to reduce the amount of energy your water heater is using.
Energy Saving Tips
Revision Date: 07/20/2007
Program Application Form
Smart Energy Program Application Form
Revision Date: 06/28/2006
Qualifying Measures Eligible for Rebates
Rebate Calculation Section Complete All Boxes To Determine The Amount Of Your Rebate
Revision Date: 06/28/2006
Two Speed Pool Controller
"NEW" Pool Products Eligible for Rebates - 2006 Two-Speed Controller Eligibility List - A two-speed controller must be purchased along with a two-speed or variable-speed pool pump and motor in order to qualify for the rebate.
Revision Date: 06/28/2006
Two Speed Pool Pump Motor
"NEW" Pool Products Eligible for Rebates - 2006 Cpau Two-Speed Pump Motor Eligibility List - Must be a two-speed motor of equal or lesser HP than the HP of the existing single-speed pump and motor (if retrofit applicable)
Revision Date: 06/28/2006
Variable Speed Pool Pump and Motor
"NEW" Pool Products Eligible for Rebates - 2006 CPAU Variable-Speed Pool Pump And Motor Eligibility List - Must be a two-speed or variable-speed pump and motor of equal or lesser HP than the HP of the existing single-speed pump and motor (if retrofit applicable) Must install or use a two-speed controller capable of controlling both speeds separately.
Revision Date: 06/28/2006
Fiber Program
Commercial Fiber Licensing Services
Information on Commercial Fiber Services
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Commercial Fiber Service Connection Fees
Commercial Fiber Fees
Revision Date: 07/24/2007
Photovoltaic (PV) Partners Program
Commercial Pre-Submittal Permit Checklist
Checklist for commercial Photovoltaic Permits.
Revision Date: 05/28/2008
Interconnection Agreement & Standards
Photovoltaic/Solar and Wind Electric Generating Facilities. Provide your name, installation address, equipment manufacturer and model number, total system output rating in kilowatts-AC, installation date, and contact phone and fax numbers on the agreement.
Revision Date: 07/18/2007
More Information About PV Partners Program
Includes both CPAU and Other Governental PV Sites.
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
Net Energy Metering Agreement
Provide your name, installation address, CPAU electric service account number, mailing address, and contact phone and fax numbers on the agreement.
Revision Date: 07/18/2007
Photovoltaic Electric Load Sheet
Photovoltaic Electric Load Sheet
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Program Requirements and Forms
Requirements and forms related to the PV Partners Program.
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
PV Inspection Checklist
Photovoltaic Permit Inspection Checklist
Revision Date: 04/25/2008
Residential Pre-Submittal Check List
Requirements for residential Photovoltaic Permits.
Revision Date: 07/23/2007
SB1 Report
CPAU SB1 Report for period 7/1/07 to 3/31/08
Revision Date: 05/08/2008
Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP)
Solar Water Heating Design & Installation
Solar Water Heating System Design & Installation
Revision Date: 06/10/2008
Solar Water Heating Diagrams
Diagrams of a Solar Water Heating System
Revision Date: 06/10/2008
Solar Water Heating Eligible Contractors
Contractors eligible to assist customers with the City of Palo Alto Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
Revision Date: 06/30/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Application
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Application
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Contractor Participation Application
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Contractor Participation Application
Revision Date: 05/27/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Handbook
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Handbook
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Incentive Claim Form
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Incentive Claim Form
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Installation Checklist
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Installation Checklist
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Project Cost Affidavit
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Project Cost Affidavit
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Project Cost Summary
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Project Cost Summary
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Step-by-Step Application Process
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Step-by-Step Application Process
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Program Technical Handbook
CPAU Solar Water Heating Program (SWHP) Technical Handbook
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Solar Water Heating Workshop Overview
Solar Water Heating Workshop Overview Presentation
Revision Date: 06/10/2008
Solar Water Heating Workshop--CALSEIA Presentation
Solar Water Heating Workshop presentatino by CALSEIA
Revision Date: 06/10/2008
Power Content Labels
2008 Power Content Label, 2nd Quarter
Power Content Label, 2nd Quarter 2008
Revision Date: 06/03/2008
2008 Power Content Label, 3rd Quarter
Power Content Label, 3rd Quarter 2008
Revision Date: 06/19/2008
Power Content Label 2002
Power Content Labels
Revision Date: 07/18/2002
Power Content Label 2003
Power Content Labels
Revision Date: 07/18/2003
Power Content Label 2004
Power Content Labels
Revision Date: 07/18/2004
Power Content Label 2005
Power Content Labels
Revision Date: 07/18/2005
Power Content Label 2006
Power Content Labels
Revision Date: 07/18/2006
Power Content Label 2006
Revision Date: 08/27/2007
Power Content Label 2007 Final
Revision Date: 04/02/2008
Power Content Label 2008 1st Quarter
Revision Date: 04/02/2008
Rates Schedules for Utilities
As part of the City's proposed 2007-08 budget, and after careful consideration of financial revenues, expenses and reserves, the following rate increases took effect in July 2007:
Notice of Utility Rate Changes
On June 9, 2008, the Palo Alto City Council approved changes in the City's water and refuse collection services rates for Fiscal Year 2008-09.
Revision Date: 04/28/2008
Utility Rate Changes FAQs
Frequently asked questions about FY 2008-09 rate changes
Revision Date: 05/04/2008
City Facility Utility Rates
Utilities rates schedules for City facilities
Compressed Natural Gas Service
This schedule applies to the sale of compressed natural gas (CNG) at the City-owned natural gas fueling stations to customers who use CNG for fueling CNG vehicles. Utility Rate Schedule G-10
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Municipal Electric Service
This schedule applies to service for buildings and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule E-18
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Municipal Gas Service
This schedule applies to service buildings and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Palo Alto and not currently served under G-11 or G-12. Utility Rate Schedule G-6
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Municipal Green Power Electric Service
This schedule applies to sevice for buildings and facilities owned and/or operated by the City of Palo Alto receiving power under the Palo Alto Green plan. Utility Rate Schedule E-18-G
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Street Lights
This schedule applies to street and highway lighting installations owned by any governmental agency other than the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule E-14
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Unmetered Electrical Service
This schedule applies to unmetered service and other miscellaneous Electric Utility fees to various public agencies and private entities. Utility Rate Schedule E-16
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Commercial Utility Rates
Utilities rates schedules for commercial customers
Dark Fiber Licensing Services ( For all new accounts after 9-18-2006 )
This rate schedule applies to customer created after September 18, 2006, and also may be elected at any time by customers existing prior to this date. This rate schedule applies to Fiber Optic services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) pertaining to the City's network (Backbone and associated connections). Utility Rate Schedule EDF-3
Revision Date: 09/18/2006
Dark Fiber Licensing Services ( For existing accounts prior to 9-18-2006 )
This rate schedule applies to customer accounts established prior to September 18, 2006, unless the customer elects to apply the EDF-3 rate to the entire customer account. This rate applies to Fiber Optic services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities (CPAU) pertaining to the City's network (Backbone and associated connections). Utility Rate Schedule EDF-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Dark Fiber Service Connection Fees
This schedule applies to all connections, expansions, and upgrades to the City's Dark Fiber network (Backbone). Utility Rate Schedule EDF-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
E-3 Electric Retail Rate for Customer-Owned Generation
The following rates shall apple to customer-owned power generating facilities that are not eligible for net metering.
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Electricity - Large Commercial Electric Service
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for large commercial customers with a maximum demand of at least 1,000 kilowatts per month per site, who have sustained this demand level at least three consecutive months during the last twelve months, and who have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-7
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Large Commercial Electric Time of Use Service
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a demand of at least 1,000 kilowatts per month per site, who have sustained this demand level at least three consecutive months during the last twelve months, and who have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-7 TOU
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Large Commercial Green Power Electric Service
This schedule applies to demand metered electric service for large commercial customers who receive power under the Palo Alto Green plan and have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-7-G
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Medium Commercial Electric Service
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a maximum demand below 1,000 kilowatts who have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-4
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Medium Commercial Electric Time of Use Service
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a demand between 500 and 1,000 kilowatts who have sustained this level of usage for at least three consecutive months during the most recent 12 month period, and who have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-4 TOU
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Medium Commercial Green Power Electric Service
This schedule applies to demand metered secondary electric service for commercial customers with a maximum demand below 1,000 kilowatts who receive power under the Palo Alto Green plan and have waived electric direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule E-4-G
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Small Commercial Electric Service
This schedule applies to non-demand metered electric service for small commercial customers and master-metered muti-family facilities. Utility Rate Schedule E-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Small Commercial Green Power Electric Service
This schedule applies to non-demand metered electric service for small commercial customers and master-metered multi-family facilitied receiving retail energy services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities under the Palo Alto Green plan. Utlilty Rate Schedule E-2-G
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Natural Gas - Commercial Natural Gas
This schedule applies to non-residential customers who use less than 250,000 therms per year at a single address. Utility Rate Schedule G-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Natural Gas - Large Commercial Custom Commodity Gas Service
This schedule applies to large commercial customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site and have retained gas direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule G-12
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Natural Gas - Large Commercial Fixed-Term Commodity Gas Service
This schedule applies to large commercial customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site and have retained gas direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule G-11
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Natural Gas - Large Commercial Gas Service - Market-based Commodity
This schedule applies to service for large commercial customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year at one site and have retained gas direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule G-3
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Natural Gas - Large Commercial Gas Transportation Service
This schedule applies to gas transportation service for large commercial customers who use at least 250,000 therms per year and have retained gas direct access eligibility. Utility Rate Schedule G-4
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Refuse - Commercial Refuse Collection
This schedule applies to all occupied establishments other than domestic dwelling as required by City ordinance. Utility Rate Schedule R-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Refuse - Commercial Refuse Collection
This schedule applies to commercial establishments and multi-unit apartment dwellings using refuse containers rented from the contractor. Utility Rate Schedule R-3
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Storm Drain - General Storm Drain and Surface Water Drainage
This schedule applies to all storm and surface water drainage service, excepting only those users and to the extent that they are constitutionally exempt under the Constitution of the State of California or who are determined to be exempt pursuant to Rule and Regulation 25. Utility Rate Schedule D-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Wastewater - Commercial Wastewater Collection and Disposal
This schedule applies to all establishments other than domestic dwelling units. Utility Rate Schedule S-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2006
Water - General Non-Residential Water Service
This schedule applies to non-residential water service in the City of Palo Alto and its distribution area. This schedule is also applicable to multi-family residential customers served through a master meter. Utlity Rate Schedule W-4
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Water - Irrigation Water Service
This schedule applies to non-residential water service supplying dedicate irrigation meters in the City of Palo Alto and its distribution area. Utility Rate Schedule W-7
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Miscellaneous Utility Rates
Utilities rates schedules for items not covered under other groupings.
Fire Service Connections
This schedule applies to all public fire hydrants and private fire service connections. Utility Rate Schedule W-3
Revision Date: 07/01/1992
Hauled Liquid Waste Charges
This schedule applies to wastes as defined in Rule and Regulation 23. Utility Rate Schedule S-4
Revision Date: 07/01/2002
Industrial Waste Laboratory and Analysis Charges
This schedule applies to all industrial waste. Utility Rate Schedule S-3
Revision Date: 07/01/2002
Water Service from Fire Hydrants
This schedule applies to all water taken from fire hydrants for construction, maintenance, and other uses in conformance with provisions of a Hydrant Meter Permit. Utility Rate Schedule W-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2007
Residential Utility Rates
Utilities rates schedules for residential customers
Electricity - Fiber to the Home Trial Participation Fee
This schedule applies to Fiber to the Home (FTTH) Trial Program participants. Utility Rate Schedule EFTH-T
Revision Date: 05/06/2002
Electricity - Net Energy Metering Service
This schedule is applicable to residential or commercial customers who own solar or wind turbine electrical generating facilities or hybrid systems of both located on customers' premises. Utility Rate Schedule E-10
Revision Date: 07/01/2001
Electricity - Residential Electric Service
This schedule applies to separately metered single-family residential dwellings receiving retail energy services from the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule E-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Residential Green Power Electric Service
This schedule applies to separately metered single-family residential dwellings receiving retail energy services from the City of Palo Alto Utilities under the Palo Alto Green plan. Utility Rate Schedule E-1-G
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electricity - Residential Rate Assistance Program
This schedule applies to residential premises that qualify for participation in the Utilities Residential Tate Assistance Program (RAP). Utility Rate Schedule C-4
Revision Date: 06/01/2005
Natural Gas - Residential Gas Service
This schedule applies to natural gas service to individually metered single family premises, including those separately metered in a multi-family complex. Utility Rate Schedule G-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Net Energy Metering Service Rate
All solar and wind generating system owners must complete, sign and the Net Metering and Interconnection Agreements.
Revision Date: 07/18/2007
Refuse - Domestic Refuse Collection
This schedule applies to each occupied domestic dwelling as required by City ordinance. Utility Rate Schedule R-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Storm Drain - General Storm Drain and Surface Water Drainage
This schedule applies to all storm and surface water drainage service, excepting only those users and to the extent that they are constitutionally exempt under the Constitution of the State of California or who are determined to be exempt pursuant to Rule and Regulation 25. Utility Rate Schedule D-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Wastewater - Domestic Wastewater Collection and Disposal
This schedule applies to each occupied domestic dwelling unit. Utility Rate Schedule S-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2006
Water - General Residential Water Service
This schedule applies to all residential single family water service. Utility Rate Schedule W-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Service Calls / Connection Fees
Utilities rates schedules for service calls and connection fees
Customer Deposits
This schedule applies to customers within the City limits of Palo Alto who may or may not be th recorded owner of the real property and are required to provide a deposit by the Utility. Utlilty Rate Schedule C-2
Revision Date: 07/01/1992
Dark Fiber Service Connection Fees
This schedule applies to all connections, expansions, and upgrades to the City's Dark Fiber network (Backbone). Utility Rate Schedule EDF-2
Revision Date: 07/01/2008
Electric Service Connection Fees
This schedule applies to all connections, expansions, and upgrades to the City's electric distribution system except those that serve street lighting or traffic signals. Utility Rate Schedule E-15
Revision Date: 07/01/2006
Gas Service Connection Fees
Inside the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule G-5
Revision Date: 07/01/2006
Sewer Service Connection Fees
Inside the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule S-5
Revision Date: 07/01/2005
Utility Service Calls
Service calls and other service work rates. Utility Rate Schedule C-1
Revision Date: 07/01/2005
Water Service Connection Fees
Inside the incorporated limits of the City of Palo Alto and on land owned or leased by the City of Palo Alto. Utility Rate Schedule W-5
Revision Date: 07/01/2006
Safety Information
Downloadable Utilities safety publications dealing with Electricity, Gas, Water and Wastewater.
Electrical Safety Tips
Electricity enhances and eases our lives, but can also hurt us through incorrect or careless use.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Furnace Tune-Up Check List
Furnace Tune-Up Checklist
Revision Date: 06/11/2007
Gas Pipeline Safety
Gas pipeline safety is everyone's responsibility.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Gas Safety Tips
Be safe around natural gas.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
How To Keep Your Sanitary Sewer Working Properly
Bill Insert about Sewer Laterals and Lateral Cleanouts.
Revision Date: 12/20/2007
Planting the Right Tree Near Power Lines
Choose appropriate trees to plant under power lines.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Sewer Backup Prevention
Sewer Monsters do exist - don't feed them.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Sewer vs. Storm Drain
Sewer vs. Storm Drain - make sure you know the difference
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Storm Preparedness
Winter Storm Tips
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Surge Suppressors Protect Valuable Electronics
Save your property with surge protectors.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Utility Meter Accessibilty Requirements
Remove Utility meter obstacles.
Revision Date: 07/16/2007
Utilities Engineering
Map of Current Major Utility Projects
Map of Current Major Utility Projects
Revision Date: 06/05/2008
CIP Projects
Electric Service Underground Conversion Conduit Installation Drawings
Electric Service Underground Conversion Conduit Installation Drawings
Revision Date: 05/18/2008
Electric Service Underground Conversion Specifications
Electric Service Underground Conversion Specifications
Revision Date: 05/17/2008
Electric Underground District 41 Boundary Map
Electric Underground District 41 Boundary Map
Revision Date: 05/17/2008
Electric Underground District 41 FAQ's
General questions on service conversion for Electric Underground District 41
Revision Date: 05/27/2008
Electric Utility Completed Capital Improvement Projects Map
Electric Utility Completed Capital Improvement Projects Map
Revision Date: 05/16/2008
Electric Utility Proposed Capital Improvement Program Map
Electric Utility Proposed Capital Improvement Program Map
Revision Date: 05/15/2008
General Drawings
General WGW Standard Details - Appendix A (Complete Download)
General WGW Standard Details - Appendix A (Complete Download 362 KB)
Revision Date: 04/17/2008
General Service Application Forms