Palo Alto's electric utility system--- empowering you every day!
The job of maintaining and operating the entire electric distribution system falls to both the Engineering and Operations Divisions of the department. The Engineering Division is also responsible for the engineering and construction involved in providing new services and for the on-going electric projects budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program.
Undergrounding Overhead Lines Since 1965, the Utilities Department has had an ongoing Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to underground overhead utility lines.
Prior to an area being selected and proposed for undergrounding, the City's Electric Utility engineering staff must determine whether the local telephone and the Cable TV (CATV) companies will also be willing to underground their lines. Hence, underground district areas selected need to meet not only the City guidelines for undergrounding, but also the California Public Utilities Commission guidelines, which dictate what areas local telephone and the CATV companies can underground.
The Electric Utility is proud to have earned this designation by the American Public Power Association based on our superior reliability, safety and system improvement record.
Need a new electric service? Need a meter installation?
If you're involved in a new construction, addition or remodeling project on a Palo Alto building click on the "Start New Services" button on the far left.
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2015
Palo Alto Utilities Sends Aid to Fire Victims City of Palo Alto Utilities crews are providing restoration assistance for damaged power generating facilities, transmission lines and distribution lines, other power equipment impacted by the Northern California wildland fire. [more]
LED Streetlights Shine PHASE 3 expected to finish this summer---see how the new LED street lights are transforming our town! [more]
Utilities Operations Office Municipal Service Center 3201 East Bayshore Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94303 Electric Phone: 650-496-6934 Fax: 650-493-8427 Water, Gas, Wastewater Phone: 650-496-6982 Fax: 650-496-6924 Hours: Mon-Fri 7:00-3:30pm
