From city permit to PG&E meter in Campbell
- City permit. Building permits go through Community Development (Building Inspection Division), using MyGovernmentOnline (MGO).
- PG&E application. The new service, upgrade or disconnect is a separate application to PG&E. A complete package the first time is what keeps it moving.
- PG&E design and scheduling. PG&E assigns a job owner, designs the service and schedules its crews. This is where most jobs stall without follow-up.
- City final and release. Campbell's service checklist says service equipment may not be energized until the city has inspected and released it; after the city releases the meter, you contact PG&E. A separate temporary gas/electric meter release form can let meters be set before final.
- Meter set. PG&E sets the meter and energizes once it has the release and its own work is done.
Campbell rules that affect PG&E work
Undergrounding
Municipal Code 21.18.140 requires undergrounding for new single-family homes, and for additions of 50% or more within five years, on arterial and collector streets. Local and residential-collector streets are exempt, and so are stand-alone service upgrades. Check your street classification first.
Demolition
A demolition permit needs a Demolition Clearance Form signed by West Valley Sanitation District, PG&E and the Bay Area Air District. The PG&E signature is usually the slow one.
Gas appliances
Campbell suspended its gas ban (Ordinance 2290) in May 2024, but Ordinance 2316, in effect since October 3, 2024, bans NOx-emitting appliances in new buildings and rebuilds. In practice, size the electric service for all-electric appliances.
What MeterSet handles in Campbell
- New electric and gas service for new homes and rebuilds, from application to meter set
- Panel and service upgrades to 200A and 400A, including Express Connect where the job qualifies
- Temporary construction power
- Electric and gas disconnects and the PG&E letters your demolition permit needs
- Escalation when a PG&E date slips, measured against PG&E's own published timelines
Questions Campbell builders ask
When can PG&E set the meter on a Campbell job?
After the city inspects and releases the service. Campbell also has a temporary gas/electric meter release form for setting meters before final.
Does a Campbell rebuild need underground electric service?
On arterial and collector streets, yes, for new single-family homes and large additions. Homes on local and residential-collector streets are exempt, as are stand-alone service upgrades.
Want PG&E off your desk?
MeterSet files, tracks and escalates PG&E work for Bay Area builders — new service, upgrades, temp power, disconnects. Flat fees. Weekly updates. 250+ utility engagements.