• Do I need to talk to Utilities Department for my new project?
• How can I apply for the installation of a new utility service connection?
• Do I have to pay to have new utility services connected?
• Who do I call for the schedule of my new water service installation?
• When will my requested utility service be installed?
• What forms do I need to apply for disconnection of utility services?
• Who approves and inspects backflow preventer devices? 

Applying for Electric Service

• How long will it take to review the electric service submittal?
• What kind of costs can I expect for an electric service?
• How do I go about scheduling a Disconnect/Reconnect for a simple service upgrade (200amp or less)?
• I am preparing to submit plans for permit on a new Commercial Development, but before I do, I would like to know what can be expected in putting in a new electric service?
• Are you located at the Development Center down town?
• I now live in main house and I have a rental cottage located at the rear of my property. I would like to have a separate meter for the cottage. Can that be done?

Q: Do I need to talk to Utilities Department for my new project?

A: Yes. New Water, Gas and Wastewater (WGW) services and meter installations that are the result of new construction, addition or remodel of a building within the limits of the City must work with the Utilities department.  The process starts when the customer submits a request for new or a change in the existing WGW services.


Q: How can I apply for the installation of a new utility service connection?

A: The applicant must present to the Utilities Department at the Development Center, 285 Hamilton Avenue, a completed " W-G-W APPLICATION FOR UTILITY SERVICE CONNECTION" (LOAD SHEET) including all service demands and one set of plans with a site plan showing the location of existing and new utilities.


Q: Do I have to pay to have new utility services connected?

A: To obtain City of Palo Alto utility service, the applicant must first pay for the facilities necessary to deliver these utilities to the property. Payment for these facilities is collected as a connection charge.

Connection charges are computed according to rules as published in the "Rate and Regulations Applicable to Utility Service with Information Affecting Rates and Service of City of Palo Alto, California."  Schedules W-5, G-5, and S-5 discuss connection charges for water, gas, and wastewater service, respectively. If the estimated cost of the service installation exceeds the standard connection fee, then the customer is billed for the higher estimated costs. The Engineering Manager must approve the engineer's estimate.


Q: Who do I call for the schedule of my new water, gas, and/or wastewater service installation?

A: Contact the Water, Gas and Wastewater Utilities Operations at (650) 496-6960.


Q: When will my requested utility service be installed?

A: Utility service connections are installed between 30 and 40 days after receipt of full payment. Large developments must allow sufficient lead time (six weeks minimum) for utility construction performed by the City of Palo Alto Utilities.


Q: What forms do I need to apply for disconnection of utility services?

A: The applicant shall submit a request to disconnect all utility services and/or meters, including a signed affidavit of vacancy. Utilities will be disconnected or removed within 10 working days after receipt of request. The demolition permit will be issued after all utility services and/or meters have been disconnected and removed.  (Application for utility disconnections must be turned in prior to building demolition).


Q: Who approves and inspects backflow preventer devices?

A: All backflow preventer devices must be approved by the WGW Engineering Division, inspected by the Utilities Cross Connection Inspector and tested by a licensed tester before activation of the water service. To contact the Cross Connection Inspector call (650) 496-6972.

 Applying for Electric Service Requests 

Q: How long will it take to review the project submittal?

A: Providing all the information is available at the time of submittal, you can expect a 10 day or less turn around time.

Q: What kind of costs can I expect for an electric service?

A: Depending on what kind of service is being requested and what the City must do to provide that service, you can expect either a flat connect fee or an estimated work order inclusive of labor and materials costs to provide the requested service.

Q: How do I go about scheduling a Disconnect/Reconnect for a simple service upgrade (200amp or less)?

A: The City asks for a load sheet to be submitted for approval on all service upgrades. We recommend you secure an inspection date with the Building Department to approve your new panel. Once that has been done, you must call Electric Dispatch at 650-496-6914 to schedule on the same day as your inspection (disconnect/reconnect) for your service. NOTE: we can only reconnect if the Building Inspector approves the new panel.

Q: I am preparing to submit plans for permit on a new Commercial Development, but before I do, I would like to discuss what can be expected to provide electric service?

A: We are happy to meet with you for a preliminary review of your electric service needs. We can lay out your service options and determine a service location relevant to the available source. We can provide a clear explanation of utilities' standards and policies regarding your service request.

Q: Are you located at the Development Center down town?

No, we are located at 1007 Elwell Court off of East Bayshore Road near the San Antonio exit from Highway 101.

Q: I now live in main house and I have a rental cottage located at the rear of my property. I would like to have a separate meter for the cottage.  Can that be done?