Commercial service upgrades, step by step.
From load study through PG&E coordination through after-hours install, here's the actual phase-by-phase sequence of a commercial service upgrade in Marin.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
Commercial service upgrades run 8-14 weeks from contract signing to closed permit. Phase breakdown: load study and quote (1-2 weeks), engineering and permit application (2-4 weeks), PG&E coordination (4-8 weeks parallel), install (1-3 working days, overnight or weekend), inspection (1 week). The critical path is usually PG&E commercial coordination — start that early. Most calendar time is non-installation work.
01What each phase actually requires.
Phase 1 — load study and quote (weeks 1-2): we conduct an on-site assessment of existing service, measure or estimate current loads, identify upgrade drivers (capacity, code compliance, equipment additions), and quote both the engineering scope and the install. For larger upgrades (above 400A or voltage class changes), we engage commercial electrical engineer for stamped drawings at this phase.
Phase 2-4 (parallel) — engineering (weeks 2-4), PG&E application (weeks 2-8), permit pull (weeks 3-5): commercial drawings filed with AHJ for plan review, PG&E service request submitted, engineering deliverables completed in parallel. PG&E queue time is the long pole — start early. AHJ plan review 2-4 weeks typical for Marin jurisdictions; longer for larger upgrades or expedited expedites available.
02Three critical coordination points.
Engineering before PG&E application
PG&E needs engineering drawings to process the service request. Engineering must complete before PG&E coordination begins. Sometimes engineering happens during the quote phase to avoid serial dependency.
Load study verifies sizing
Existing service amperage isn't always the right reference for upgrade sizing — actual peak load often exceeds nameplate, or upgrade-driver loads (new equipment) determine future sizing. Load study during quote phase prevents post-quote scope changes.
Install window confirmed by business operations
Commercial upgrades happen overnight or weekend in most cases. Confirm install window with business operations early — some businesses have specific quiet periods, end-of-quarter restrictions, or coordination requirements that affect scheduling.
03Why the process matters more than the install.
The actual electrical install for a commercial service upgrade is 1-3 working days of on-site work. The remaining 8-14 weeks is engineering, permitting, PG&E coordination, scheduling, and inspection. Process management determines whether the project completes on time and on budget; install execution is usually the easy part for experienced commercial contractors. Marin commercial upgrades that go badly almost always go badly during the process phase, not the install.
Process management responsibilities split: we own engineering coordination, AHJ permit pull, and install execution. The business owns coordinating install window with operations and signing required PG&E forms. Joint responsibility: scheduling alignment between PG&E install date, our install crew, and AHJ inspector. We typically own this coordination as part of our scope — keeping the business informed of progress and managing the multi-party timing.
Common questions.
How long is the actual install?
On-site install work concentrates in 1-3 working days, typically scheduled overnight or weekend to minimize business disruption. Larger upgrades (800A+, voltage class changes) may extend to 2-3 nights. We sequence work so the business operates normally during business hours throughout the project — only the actual swap window requires power interruption.
Can I do this during the day?
Possible for some scopes (e.g., adding sub-panels without main service interruption, equipment additions on dedicated circuits), but main service upgrades almost always happen overnight or weekend. The main service swap requires power off for several hours; that's typically unacceptable during business hours for most operations. We schedule around your operational realities.
What if PG&E delays?
PG&E commercial coordination is the longest-pole timeline item. Delays beyond initial 4-8 week estimate happen occasionally (PG&E workload, engineering rework, scope changes). We update the business on PG&E status weekly throughout the coordination phase. If PG&E delays push past contract date, we re-confirm install timing with business operations and adjust.
What's included in your scope vs PG&E's?
PG&E scope: from transformer (line side) to meter, including service drop conductors, meter base modifications. Our scope: from meter (load side) through main panel and beyond, including service entrance conductors, main breaker, panel hardware, internal panel work, branch circuit interfaces. PG&E handles their side; we handle ours. Coordination at the meter interface is where both scopes meet.
How do you handle pricing — flat fee or hourly?
Both, depending on scope. Routine service calls and predictable scope (panel replacement, EV charger install, transfer switch install, fixture replacement) are flat-fee quoted up front. Diagnostic visits and emergency scope are hourly because we don't know what we'll find. Either way, you get a written quote before work starts on anything significant, and we don't proceed beyond the quote without your sign-off.
How quickly can you schedule?
Depends on scope and season. Emergency dispatch: same-day across Marin County (1-3 hours business hours, 1-4 hours after-hours). Same-day standard service: 3-6 hours from call when capacity allows; otherwise next business day. Scheduled service work: 1-3 weeks typical. Larger projects requiring permits and PG&E coordination: 4-12 weeks depending on scope. We're upfront about timeline at the quote stage.
What warranty do you offer on work?
Our standard residential warranty: 2 years on labor, manufacturer warranty on parts (varies by product — typically 1-10 years). Major installs (panels, generators, EV chargers) often have longer manufacturer warranties (5-10 years). If there's an issue with our work in the warranty period, we come back and fix it at no cost. We also stand behind work past warranty — repeat customers and referrals matter more than a transactional fix.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. California State License Board C-10 Electrical Contractor #989290, in good standing. Carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance as required by California law. Bondable on projects requiring it. Happy to provide proof of insurance to clients or property managers on request. License lookup: cslb.ca.gov.
Talk to a licensed electrician in Marin.
Family-run, C-10 #989290, 20+ years in the trade. Honest scoping, fair pricing, work that lasts.