SCE Underground Ready Framework: Altadena
Your guide to Southern California Edison's process in unincorporated LA County. Track your project and get help when you need it.
Project Progress Tracker
Click a phase number to mark it as complete and see your project's progress.
The Detailed SCE Framework
Click any item's title to see the detailed, step-by-step process.
Phase 1: Project Initiation & Feasibility
💡 Define Project Scope & Load Requirements
Complete a detailed electrical load calculation to determine the required service amperage (e.g., 200A, 400A, 800A) and voltage. This is the most critical piece of information for SCE.
Need a second opinion?
We can verify your load calculations to prevent costly redesigns down the road.
Get Expert Help🗺️ Initial Site Assessment & Records Research
Obtain a current property survey and review title reports for existing utility easements. Identify all existing SCE infrastructure (poles, transformers, vaults) on or near the property.
Struggling with research?
We can handle the due diligence and leverage LA County's One-Stop Permit Centers for you.
Get Expert Help🖥️ Submit "New Service Request" Online
Go to the SCE website's "Building & Renovation Projects" section to initiate a new project request. This gets your project into their system and assigns it a Work Order (W.O.) number.
Want to start off right?
We can manage your online submittal to ensure all initial information is correct, preventing delays from the start.
Get Expert HelpPhase 2: Design & Engineering
📐 Develop SCE-Compliant Design Plans
Your engineer must create a comprehensive set of plans (Site Plan, Single-Line Diagram, Load Calcs) that strictly conform to SCE's Electrical Service Requirements (ESR) Manual.
Are your plans SCE-proof?
We review engineering plans to ensure they meet every SCE requirement before submittal, preventing costly delays.
Get Expert Help📤 Submit Plans to SCE Planner
Once an SCE planner is assigned, submit the complete design package (PDF and CAD files) to them for review.
Tired of paperwork?
We'll manage the entire submittal package, ensuring it's complete and correct the first time.
Get Expert HelpPhase 3: Plan Submittal & SCE Review
⏳ SCE Engineering Review
Your assigned planner acts as a liaison while SCE's internal engineers review your plans for compliance, capacity, and construction standards. Expect comments and revisions during this time.
Facing endless revisions?
We speak their language. Let us interface with the SCE engineers to resolve comments quickly and efficiently.
Get Expert Help📦 Receive "Design Package" from SCE
Once approved, SCE issues an official "Design Package" containing final drawings, conduit requirements, and a cost estimate. This is your green light for permitting and construction.
Confused by the design package?
We can review the final design and cost estimate with you to ensure it's accurate and meets your project's needs.
Get Expert HelpPhase 4: Construction & Inspection
🎟️ Obtain County Permits
Submit the SCE-approved design package to Los Angeles County Public Works to apply for an Excavation Permit and any necessary electrical permits.
Drowning in permit applications?
We can manage the entire LA County permitting process on your behalf.
Get Expert Help🛠️ Install Underground Infrastructure
Your contractor excavates and installs the conduit and substructures exactly as specified by SCE. 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 SCE spec, guaranteeing a passed inspection.
Get Expert Help✅ Schedule & Pass Inspections
You must schedule and pass two separate inspections of the open trench: one from SCE and one from LA County Public Works.
Let us handle the inspectors.
We'll coordinate with both SCE and County inspectors to get your trench approved and backfilled.
Get Expert HelpPhase 5: Energization & Closeout
💸 Final Payments & Paperwork
Pay all outstanding costs to SCE and return any signed contracts or easement documents.
Confused by the final bill?
We can review all final charges for accuracy before you pay.
Get Expert Help✅ Final County Approval
Your electrician completes the on-site wiring and passes a final inspection with an LA County Building & Safety inspector, who then sends a "meter release" to SCE.
Let us handle the final sign-off.
We'll coordinate with your electrician and the County inspector to secure the meter release.
Get Expert Help⚡ Schedule Energization
Once SCE receives the meter release and final payment, they will schedule a crew to pull cable, install the meter, and energize your service.
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