Temporary Power Pole Installation in Altadena, CA
Construction power for Eaton Fire rebuilds and new builds: set to code, permitted with LA County, inspected and released to SCE for connection.
Temporary Power Is the First Step in Every Rebuild
Before framing crews can run saws or a site can have lighting, security cameras or pool equipment, it needs power. For most Altadena properties rebuilding after the Eaton Fire, the original service is gone. A temporary power pole provides a metered, code-compliant construction service until the permanent service on the new home is ready.
The process involves three parties: you, Southern California Edison, and LA County Public Works Building & Safety. Most delays come from doing the steps in the wrong order. Here is the sequence the County sets out.
The Temporary Power Pole Process in Altadena
- SCE location approvalContact Southern California Edison, set up an account for the property, and get the pole location approved. The County permit comes after this step.
- Electrical permitApply for the temporary power pole electrical permit with LA County Building & Safety. As your electrician, we can prepare and file this for you.
- Installation to codeA licensed electrician sets the pole, meter base, disconnect, GFCI-protected receptacles and grounding to County and SCE requirements.
- County inspectionAn LA County inspector checks the installation. Anything that fails has to be corrected and re-inspected, which is where amateur installs lose weeks.
- Release to SCEOnce the pole passes, the County inspector submits a release to SCE.
- SCE connectionYou request the service connection, SCE connects the pole, and you have construction power.
What We Handle
Permit filing
We prepare and file the electrical permit with LA County and schedule the inspection.
Code-compliant install
Pole, meter base, main disconnect, GFCI receptacles and grounding electrode set to County and SCE requirements, first time.
Inspection support
We meet the inspector, correct anything flagged, and keep the release to SCE moving.
Fee Waivers for Eaton Fire Rebuilds
LA County waives many permit and inspection fees for qualifying fire rebuilds. To qualify, the property owner must have owned and lived in the property before January 7, 2025. Waived fees include building permit and inspection fees, plan review and several related review fees. Utility connection fees, surveys, designer costs and some deposits are not waived.
Eligibility rules are set by the County and can change, so confirm yours with LA County Recovery before you budget.
After the Pole: Your Permanent Service
Temporary power is one piece of the electrical work on a rebuild. We can also plan your permanent service, panel and circuits, including EV-ready wiring, surge protection and a standby generator if you want backup power. Designing these into your plans now is much cheaper than adding them later. See our full electrical services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a temporary power pole to rebuild in Altadena?
Most rebuilding homeowners do. If your original electrical service was removed or destroyed, you are doing a full rebuild, or you need power on site for construction, pool equipment or security, you will need temporary service. If your property still has an active electrical service, a temporary pole may not be needed. We can confirm on a site visit.
Who issues the permit for a temporary power pole in Altadena?
LA County Public Works Building & Safety. Altadena is unincorporated LA County, so permits do not go through the City of Pasadena or LADBS.
What do I need to do before the pole can be permitted?
Contact Southern California Edison first to get location approval and set up an account. The County’s guidance is that you apply for the temporary power pole permit after you have coordinated with SCE.
Are permit fees waived for fire rebuilds?
LA County waives a range of permit and inspection fees for qualifying Eaton Fire rebuilds where the owner both owned and lived in the property before January 7, 2025. Some costs, such as utility connection fees, are not waived. Confirm your eligibility with LA County Recovery before you budget.
How long does it take to get temporary power?
The installation itself is usually quick. The overall timeline depends mostly on SCE scheduling and the County inspection queue, which have been busy during the rebuild. Starting the SCE request early is the best way to avoid waiting.
Can the temporary pole be reused for my permanent service?
No. The temporary pole is removed once your permanent service is installed, inspected and energised. We can plan both at the same time so the changeover is smooth.
Get Power on Your Rebuild Site
Call us once SCE has approved your pole location, or earlier if you want help with the sequence.