Short answer. Overhead temporary power up to 200A, where PG&E infrastructure already exists at the site, qualifies for Express Connect — PG&E's published averages are ~34 days to approval and ~66 to energization. Anything larger, underground, or needing new facilities runs the standard process, and you should plan on months, not weeks.
Fast or slow — the three questions
- Is there existing overhead infrastructure at the site? A pole with secondary within reach. If PG&E has to set a pole or extend a line, it's not Express Connect.
- Is the request 200A or less? Larger temp services are standard process.
- Overhead, not underground. Underground temp power is standard process.
What to have ready before you apply
- Site plan marking the temp pole location relative to PG&E's pole
- Panel size and the loads you'll run (tools, trailer, dewatering, heaters)
- Permit status — the AHJ inspects the temp pole before PG&E connects
- Who owns the pole install: your electrician installs the temp pole, meter socket and panel; PG&E connects
Sequencing it with the rest of the job
- Teardowns: the permanent disconnect of the old service and the temp power request are separate PG&E jobs. File both early; the disconnect gates demolition (how that works).
- Permanent service: file the permanent application while temp power is running. Standard-process design is up to 60 business days — start it the day you have the site plan.
- Removal: the temp service has to come off at the end. Schedule it with the permanent meter set, not after.
MeterSet handles temp power as a flat-fee job — application through connection — and can arrange temp pole install, removal and rental as an add-on.
Questions builders ask
How long does PG&E temp power take?
If it qualifies for Express Connect (overhead, ≤200A, existing infrastructure), PG&E's published averages are about 34 days to approval plus about 66 days to energization. Otherwise it is standard process.
Does PG&E install the temp pole?
No. Your electrician installs the pole, socket and panel; the local building department inspects it; PG&E connects the service.
Can I skip temp power and just get permanent service early?
Sometimes, on a panel-upgrade or same-location rebuild. On a teardown with a new service route, permanent service is usually months out — temp power bridges it.
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.
More PG&E guides
How long does PG&E take for new electric service?Application to energization, by project type — and what the CPUC now requires.PG&E Express Connect: who qualifies, how long it takesThe ~100-day fast path for residential jobs up to 320A, and the two deadlines that knock you out of it.Upgrading to 200A or 400A with PG&EPanel upgrade, service upgrade, added load — which path you're on and what PG&E needs.PG&E electric and gas disconnects for demolitionGetting services terminated before the demo permit — the step that stalls teardowns.
Sources. PG&E Building & Renovation Services (pge.com); PG&E Express Connect Customer Journey (PDF); PG&E Applicant Design Process (PDF); CPUC Decision D.24-09-020 and the June 2025 energization-timelines workshop deck (cpuc.ca.gov); PG&E Electric Rules 15, 16 and 29. Figures are PG&E's published averages and CPUC targets as of September 2026 and can change.