PG&E commercial coordination: plan for 4-8 weeks.
PG&E commercial service requests involve engineering review, planner assignment, transformer sizing, and specific documentation. Here's the actual process timeline.
By Steven Lockhart · Reviewed by Alex Towery, C-10 #989290
Updated 2026-06-16
PG&E commercial service request process: submit application with our coordination (week 1), PG&E assigns planner and conducts engineering review (weeks 2-4), transformer sizing and equipment ordering if needed (weeks 3-6), service entrance work coordination (weeks 5-7), final connection and meter installation (weeks 7-9). Total PG&E timeline 6-10 weeks for typical small commercial service request. Long-lead items (transformer changes, feeder upgrades) extend timeline. Start PG&E coordination immediately after engineering completes — it's the longest pole.
01The phases PG&E moves through.
Phase A — application submission and intake (week 1): we submit the service request with engineering drawings, load study summary, business information, and timeline preferences. PG&E acknowledges receipt typically within 3-5 business days. Intake review confirms application completeness; incomplete applications get returned for additional information, adding 1-3 weeks. Quality application package matters for timeline.
Phase B — engineering review (weeks 2-4): PG&E commercial engineer reviews the request, confirms feeder capacity, verifies transformer sizing matches load study, identifies any infrastructure work needed on PG&E's side (transformer change, feeder reinforcement, service drop replacement). Engineering issues findings to us; we address questions and confirm scope. Most projects clear engineering within 2-3 weeks.
02Three coordination points where we add value.
Quality application package
Complete, accurate application packages clear PG&E intake faster. We've submitted hundreds of commercial applications across Marin — we know what PG&E commercial intake looks for, what level of detail prevents return-for-more-info, what edge cases need extra documentation. Quality submission saves 1-3 weeks of timeline.
Engineering question responsiveness
PG&E engineering occasionally asks follow-up questions during review. Fast responses (same-day or next-business-day) keep the project moving; slow responses can pause review and add weeks. We monitor for engineering questions and respond proactively as the customer's representative.
Install date coordination
Once engineering clears, PG&E schedules service installation. Coordination involves matching PG&E install crew availability with our install crew availability and business operational window. Multi-party scheduling sometimes requires multiple iterations to find a window that works for everyone.
03Timeline expectations and management.
Realistic PG&E commercial timeline 6-10 weeks for straightforward upgrades, 10-16 weeks for projects with PG&E-side infrastructure work (transformer change, feeder reinforcement), 16-24 weeks for major projects requiring substation work or significant distribution upgrades. Most Marin small commercial sits in the 6-10 week band. We set expectations with business operations based on initial PG&E review of project scope.
Delays can happen — PG&E workload, unexpected engineering complications, supply chain issues for major equipment. We update business operations weekly on PG&E status throughout the coordination phase. When delays occur, options include accepting the delay, exploring scope adjustments that simplify PG&E work, or in rare cases escalating with PG&E commercial account management. Most projects complete within original timeline estimate.
Common questions.
Can the PG&E timeline be expedited?
Limited expedite options. Routine commercial coordination follows standard PG&E timelines. Expedite scenarios: urgent restoration after damage (PG&E prioritizes), specific business hardship documentation (PG&E commercial accounts sometimes accommodates), or paying expedite fees for engineering review (available for some service classes). Most Marin commercial customers accept standard timeline; expedite costs and complexity often don't favor the alternative.
What if PG&E says feeder doesn't support the upgrade?
Occasional finding. PG&E feeder capacity is limited; major upgrades sometimes exceed available feeder capacity. PG&E response options: feeder reinforcement (PG&E scope, 6-12 month timeline, sometimes customer-funded contribution required), service deferral until feeder upgrade completes, or scope reduction to fit available capacity. We work with PG&E to identify path forward; some projects pause for feeder upgrade, others adjust scope.
Do I need a PG&E commercial account manager?
For very large projects (1200A+ services or special voltage classes), yes — PG&E commercial account managers help navigate larger upgrades. For typical small/medium commercial (200-800A services), standard commercial service request process handles the work. We can request account manager involvement if specific complications warrant; otherwise standard process is the efficient path.
What documentation does PG&E require?
Standard commercial application package: business information, site address and parcel info, electrical engineering drawings (sealed for larger projects), load study summary, requested service amperage and voltage, equipment list for major loads, timeline preferences. PG&E provides application forms; we complete with engineering coordination. Application package quality affects timeline materially.
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.