From city permit to PG&E meter in Los Altos
- City permit. Building permits go through Development Services (Building Division), using plan submittal by email to the Building Division, and eTRAKiT for simple permits and inspections.
- 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. Los Altos lists an Electric Meter Release inspection; the city's checklist then says to deliver the electric release to PG&E. The gas meter release is granted at final.
- Meter set. PG&E sets the meter and energizes once it has the release and its own work is done.
Los Altos rules that affect PG&E work
Undergrounding
Municipal Code 12.68.020 requires undergrounding for all new or relocated services, and for additions over 50% of floor area or 750 sq ft or more. New service drops run underground from the pole. On a Los Altos rebuild, plan for it.
Demolition
A demolition permit needs PG&E letters showing the electric is de-energized and the gas is terminated at the property line, and the demo permit must be finaled before the new-home permit is issued. A late disconnect delays the whole rebuild.
What MeterSet handles in Los Altos
- 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 Los Altos builders ask
Does a Los Altos rebuild need underground electric service?
Yes. Code 12.68.020 requires undergrounding for all new or relocated services and for large additions, and new service drops must run underground from the pole.
Why does the PG&E disconnect hold up a Los Altos new-home permit?
The city needs PG&E letters confirming the electric is de-energized and the gas is terminated at the property line, and the demolition permit must be finaled before the new-home permit is issued.
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.