LADWP Underground Utility Ready Framework
Your interactive guide to navigating the LADWP's undergrounding process. Track milestones and manage your checklist for a smoother path to energization.
Project Progress Tracker
Click a phase number to mark it as complete and see your project's progress.
The Detailed LADWP Framework
Click any item's title to see the detailed, step-by-step process.
Phase 1: Initiation & Feasibility
🗺️ Due Diligence & Site Assessment
Gather and review property surveys, legal descriptions, and easement documents. Identify all existing utilities and determine if the project is within 15 feet of any LADWP equipment, which would trigger an Encroachment Application.
Feeling overwhelmed already?
This initial step is critical. Our experts can handle the research and ensure nothing is missed.
Get Expert Help💡 Define Scope & Load Requirements
Complete a preliminary load calculation to determine service size and voltage. Establish a desired in-service date, keeping LADWP's long lead times in mind.
Need a second opinion?
We can verify your load calculations and help set a realistic timeline with LADWP.
Get Expert Help📞 Initial LADWP Contact & Info Gathering
Identify the correct Electric Service Representative (ESR) for your project. Submit a Service Advisory Request (SAR) and obtain the latest versions of the Electric Service Requirements Manual and standard drawings.
Don't know who to call?
We have established relationships with LADWP planners and can get your project in front of the right people, fast.
Get Expert HelpPhase 2: Design & Engineering
📐 Develop Comprehensive Plans
Create a full set of plans: Plot/Site Plan, One-Line Diagram, Load Schedule, and Street Improvement Plans. All must be to scale and highly detailed.
Are your plans DWP-proof?
We review engineering plans to ensure they meet every LADWP requirement before submittal, preventing costly delays.
Get Expert Help📖 Adherence to LADWP Standards
Ensure every aspect of the design complies with the LADWP Electric Service Requirements Manual. Specify only LADWP-approved materials and construction methods.
Worried about compliance?
The rulebook is thick. We live and breathe these standards so you don't have to.
Get Expert HelpPhase 3: Plan Submittal & Permitting
📤 Assemble and Submit Application Package
Complete the formal Electric Service Request and submit all plans in both PDF and CAD formats. Pay all applicable initial fees to get into the queue.
Tired of paperwork?
We'll manage the entire submittal package, ensuring it's complete and correct the first time.
Get Expert Help⏳ LADWP Review Process
LADWP reviews the submittal for compliance. Be prepared for comments and required revisions. The process concludes when LADWP provides an official "meter spot" diagram.
Facing endless revisions?
We speak their language. Let us interface with the LADWP engineers to resolve comments quickly and efficiently.
Get Expert Help🎟️ Obtain Necessary Permits
Once LADWP approves the design, secure an electrical permit from the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) and an excavation permit from the Bureau of Engineering (BOE).
Drowning in permit applications?
We can manage the entire permitting process with both DBS and BOE on your behalf.
Get Expert HelpPhase 4: Construction & Inspection
🤝 Pre-Construction Coordination
Schedule a pre-construction meeting with the LADWP ESR. Notify the ESR at least 5 working days before starting, and call Underground Service Alert (811) 2 working days before digging.
Need help coordinating?
We'll run the pre-construction meeting and ensure all parties are aligned before a single shovel hits the ground.
Get Expert Help🛠️ Install Underground Infrastructure
Your contractor excavates and installs the conduit and substructures exactly as specified by LADWP. CRUCIAL: Do not backfill the trench before inspection.
Want to avoid costly rework?
We provide on-site supervision during trenching to ensure work is done to LADWP spec, guaranteeing a passed inspection.
Get Expert HelpPhase 5: Inspection, Energization & Closeout
✅ Final Inspections
The LADWP ESR performs a final inspection of all customer-installed facilities. Separately, the DBS inspector approves on-site wiring and issues a "meter release" to LADWP.
Let us handle the final sign-offs.
We'll coordinate with both LADWP and DBS inspectors to secure the final approvals needed for energization.
Get Expert Help💸 Final Steps for Energization
Pay all outstanding LADWP charges. Once LADWP receives the DBS meter release and all fees are paid, a Field Order is issued to their construction forces.
Confused by the final bill?
We can review all final charges for accuracy before you pay.
Get Expert Help⚡ Energization & Project Closeout
LADWP construction crews will schedule the installation of cables, transformers, and meters. After installation, they will energize the service and the project is complete.
Get your project over the finish line.
We'll track the final installation and energization, keeping you informed every step of the way.
Get Expert Help