9-3-8 Electric Meter Panel Replacement

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines to follow for Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E’s) installation options to the current gas meter setback requirements and like-for-like panel replacements of unsafe panels (e.g. Zinsco, Sylvania and FPE). This policy originates from the PG&E Green Book.

Greenbook Manual Online (PG&E)

• TD-7001M-B010
• Publication Date: 12/01/2022
• Effective Date: 12/01/2022
• Rev: 0.

With approval from the Authority Having Jurisdiction (Permit Sonoma), PG&E will allow a variance to the current gas meter setback requirements, for like-for-like panel replacements of unsafe panels (e.g., Zinsco, Sylvania and FPE). A requirement of this variance is the customer must provide PG&E with a letter from the Permit Sonoma stating that the panel replacement is required.

PG&E will allow a variance provided the customer:

1. obtains approval from the Permit Sonoma; and,
2. provides PG&E with a letter from Permit Sonoma stating that the panel replacement is required.

It should be noted that each case is reviewed by PG&E independently and the exceptions described in the Updates Document to the PG&E Greenbook may not apply to each location accordingly.

Permit Sonoma will accept a C-10 licensed electrician’s inspection and unsafe conditions statement of an existing electric meter panel. Examples would be adding additional electrical loads to an existing unsafe electrical panel, signs of wear, etc. Once a panel is deemed unsafe by a licensed electrician, the panel shall be replaced or decommissioned within 90 days of approval/permit issuance.

The unsafe conditions statement shall be uploaded and included with the application for the panel replacement. Upon permit issuance, Permit Sonoma will provide the PG&E required letter.

1. Upon applying for a permit:
   1. The electrician must submit the Statement of Inspection and Unsafe Conditions when applying for permit
   2. Permit Sonoma will provide the approval letter requiring change out of electric panel
   3. Customer submits approval letter to PG&E
   4. Electrician installs new meter and then:
      1. Requests the 174 and 199 Inspections which must be approved for final and meter release.

Approved By: Nathan Quarles, Deputy Director Engineering and Construction
Reviewed By Department Deputy Director: Nathan Quarles, Deputy Director Engineering and Construction
Reviewed By Department Manager: Brad Cannon, Building Division Manager
Reviewed By County Counsel: Not Applicable
Lead Author: Brad Cannon, Building Division Manager