What is a temporary power pole?
A temporary power pole (TPP) is a short-term electrical service for a construction site. It is a pole set on your property with a meter base and a temporary panel, usually 100A or 200A, with outlets your crews can plug tools into. The serving utility connects it to its system and installs a meter, and it stays in place until the permanent service is energized.
The process, step by step
- Request a quoteSend us the job address, the serving utility and a photo of the entire property showing the nearest utility pole(s). A site plan helps if you have one.
- PermitOnce the job is signed, we pull the electrical permit with the city or county building department where the job is located. Permit fees are priced separately at that point.
- Utility service requestWe submit the temporary service request to the serving utility. A utility planner reviews the site and decides where the temporary pole goes, so you do not need to know the location ahead of time.
- InstallationOur crew sets the pole, meter base and temporary panel, typically 3 to 5 business days after the permit is issued and the utility approves the location.
- InspectionThe building department inspects the installation, and we coordinate the inspection for you.
- Meter and energizationThe utility installs the meter and energizes the service. The utility sets this schedule, and it is separate from our installation timeline.
- RemovalOnce your permanent power is on, we remove the temporary pole and equipment.
How long does it take?
Our installation takes 3 to 5 business days after the permit is issued and the utility approves the location. The total time from first call to power on depends on how quickly the building department issues the permit and how quickly the utility reviews the request and schedules the meter, and those timelines vary by city and by utility.
Tip: Request your temporary power quote when you apply for your building permit, not when the framers are ready to start. Starting early is the best way to avoid waiting on power.
Removal, rental or purchase
We remove the pole once your permanent service is on. We can quote a rental or a purchase option for your temporary power pole, so you can choose what fits the length of your project. A rental fits shorter jobs, and buying can make more sense for long builds.
How to avoid delays
- Make sure the job address is posted and easy to find.
- Keep a clear path for a bucket truck and digger derrick to reach the area the utility planner marks.
- Respond quickly if the utility planner or building department asks for information.
- Keep materials and equipment out of the marked pole location.