Building Project Center
Building questions, straight answers
Upgrading a panel, converting to gas heat, or breaking ground on new construction? These are the questions our project center hears most — with the answers contractors wish they'd had sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions
I need to upgrade my gas or electric service. Where do I start?
Submit a service request through our project center with your address, the scope of work, and your licensed contractor's details. We assign a project representative who stays with your case from application through energization — one name, one number, no starting over.
How long does a new service or upgrade take?
Simple meter or panel upgrades often complete within a few weeks. Projects requiring new service lines, street excavation, or municipal permits typically run two to six months. Your project representative provides a milestone schedule up front — the single biggest driver of speed is submitting complete drawings the first time.
Is there a fee for inspections or service installation?
Standard inspections of contractor work are provided at no charge. Costs for new or upgraded service lines depend on the work required; you'll receive a written estimate before anything is scheduled, and nothing proceeds until you approve it.
How can I check the status of my project?
Every case has a tracking number. Check status online through your account or contact your assigned project representative directly — status updates are also pushed by email at each milestone.
My electric service is overhead. Can I switch to underground?
Often, yes. Underground conversions require a site review, trenching on your property by your contractor, and in some areas municipal approval. Your representative can tell you quickly whether your block's infrastructure supports it and what the conversion involves.
Does my new gas meter have to go outdoors?
Outdoor placement is preferred for safety and access wherever feasible. Where building constraints make that impractical, indoor placements are reviewed case by case against current code — your project representative will confirm the approved location before installation.
Why does my municipality need to authorize the contractor's work?
Local authorities issue the permits for street openings, sidewalk work, and building modifications, and they inspect to their own codes. We coordinate our work with those permits, but the municipal sign-off protects you — it confirms the work meets local requirements independent of ours.
For Contractors
Specifications and standards
Full technical specifications for gas and electric service — clearances, meter locations, conduit standards, and approved materials — are available through the project center. Building to spec the first time is the fastest path through inspection.
- Electric service and metering specifications
- Gas service and piping standards
- Pre-submission checklists for common project types
- Dedicated support line for licensed contractors
Didn't Find Your Answer?
The project center team handles everything from studio renovations to ground-up towers — ask us anything at 1-800-555-0115.