Electric Engineering and Operations

Palo Alto's Electric Utility System -

Empowering You Every Day!


Utility workers repair overhead electric power lines.


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 ongoing electric projects budgeted in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).


 

Utility Undergrounding Projects
Since 1965, the Utilities Department has had an ongoing program to convert overhead utility lines to underground. Our underground conversion project map shows areas of the City with underground utilities, as well as currently proposed underground projects.

 

 

Prior to an area being proposed and selected for utilities undergrounding, the City must coordinate with local telephone and Cable TV (CATV) companies to also underground their equipment and lines. Underground "district" areas need to meet City guidelines for undergrounding, as well as California Public Utilities Commission guidelines, which dictate requirements for local telephone and CATV companies. 

Reliable Public Power (RP3) Logo

The Electric Utility is proud to have earned this designation year after year by the American Public Power Association based on our superior reliability, safety and system improvement record.

Electric Capital Improvement Program

 

New Construction

If you're involved in a new construction, addition or remodeling project in Palo Alto and need a new electric meter or service, let us help you get started with the resources on our New Services webpage.




We Are #CommunityPowered - Celebrating Public Power & Natural Gas Week

Oct 6-12, join us in celebrating your community-owned utility empowering Palo Alto for over 100 years!


We Are #CommunityPowered - Celebrating Public Power & Natural Gas WeekMore...		Engineering Staff
City of Palo Alto Utilities & Wildfire Safety

PG&E may shut off power in parts of the state if conditions create a wildfire risk. Read about potential impacts in Palo Alto.


City of Palo Alto Utilities & Wildfire SafetyMore...		Hills sunset power lines
Prepare for Seismic Hazards & Other Emergencies

Recent earthquakes are an important reminder to be prepared for emergencies at any time. Learn what you can do to stay informed and ready.


Prepare for Seismic Hazards & Other EmergenciesMore...		News Image ID 72358
City of Palo Alto MSC Open House

Thank you to all who joined us at the MSC Open House on July 5! Share your feedback with us & view pictures here.


City of Palo Alto MSC Open HouseMore...		News Image ID 64769
Upgrade Downtown Construction is Complete

The Upgrade Downtown construction project is complete! Thank you for your patience while we replaced gas & water pipes to improve safety & reliability.


Upgrade Downtown Construction is CompleteMore...		Utility work ahead
Palo Alto Earns 5th Consecutive Tree Line USA Award

For the 5th year in a row, Palo Alto is recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation for delivering safe and reliable electricity while maintaining healthy community trees.


Palo Alto Earns 5th Consecutive Tree Line USA AwardMore...		Tree-lined street in Palo Alto
Mylar Balloon Causes Another Power Outage

On July 2, 2018, a mylar balloon caused a power outage for 1,800 customers. This is the second outage in less than 30 days caused by a mylar balloon. Help keep us all safe by choosing an alternative to metallic foil or mylar balloons and hold on to those balloons!


Mylar Balloon Causes Another Power OutageMore...		News Image ID 65345
Palo Alto Utilities Recognized as Diamond Level Public Power Provider

City of Palo Alto Utilities recognized as a "Diamond" level Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) by the American Public Power Association!


Palo Alto Utilities Recognized as Diamond Level Public Power ProviderMore...		News Image ID 65677
Utilities Wooden Pole Inspections & Replacements Underway

City of Palo Alto Utilities contractors are inspecting, treating, reinforcing or replacing wooden utility poles throughout the City.


Utilities Wooden Pole Inspections & Replacements UnderwayMore...		News Image ID 65712
Upgrade Downtown - Construction Underway

Updates on construction work, maps, road closures, parking, contact info.


Upgrade Downtown - Construction UnderwayMore...		News Image ID 64140
City of Palo Alto Ranks in National Top 10 for Most Solar Watts per Customer

Utility ranked third out of more than 300 utilities nationwide for 2015!



City of Palo Alto Ranks in National Top 10 for Most Solar Watts per CustomerMore...		Palo Alto Resident Installs Solar PV Array
City of Palo Alto Utilities Named 2016 Tree Line USA by Arbor Day Foundation
Utility is recognized for second year in a row for demonstrating how trees and utilities can co-exist for community and citizen benefits.


City of Palo Alto Utilities Named 2016 Tree Line USA by Arbor Day FoundationMore...		Tree-Lined Street in Palo Alto
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.
Palo Alto Utilities Sends Aid to Fire VictimsMore...		CPAU Workers Help Rebuild 21kv line
LED Streetlights Shine
PHASE 3 expected to finish this summer---see how the new LED street lights are transforming our town!
LED Streetlights ShineMore...		News Image ID 16103
Power, Gas & Fiber Optic Service Disruptions

Be prepared for outages with these tips. Also, receive notifications on emergencies impacting your neighborhood via AlertSCC at http://www.alertscc.com/.


Power, Gas & Fiber Optic Service DisruptionsMore...		News Image ID 28750
Palo Alto Adds Two New Large-Scale Solar Projects, 60 MW to Renewable Energy Portfolio
Solar energy now supplying one-third of Palo Alto’s total electric needs each year!
Palo Alto Adds Two New Large-Scale Solar Projects, 60 MW to Renewable Energy PortfolioMore...		Large scale solar panels tilt toward the sun.
Apply Online for Electric Residential Disconnect and Reconnect
Learn if you are ready to apply Online for Electric Residential Disconnect and Reconnect.
Apply Online for Electric Residential Disconnect and ReconnectMore...