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How to Set Up a Temporary Power Pole for Eaton Fire Victims in Altadena

·6 mins
Temporary Power Altadena Eaton Fire SCE Construction
Table of Contents

Updated 5-15-2025 with permit guidance

Introduction #

This handbook provides guidance specifically for Eaton Fire victims in Altadena who need temporary power for rebuilding projects within Southern California Edison (SCE) territory.

TL;DR? Skip to the “TPP Quick Checklist” section at the end for a condensed list of steps.

Understanding the Players #

There are four main entities involved in setting up temporary power:

  1. Temporary Power Pole Company: Installs the physical power pole with electrical panel and outlets
  2. Southern California Edison (SCE): The utility company that connects electrical service to the pole
  3. LA County Public Works/Building & Safety: Issues permits and inspects the installation
  4. You as Owner-Builder: Responsible for permit applications and coordinating the process

Cost Overview (As of 2025) #

Expect to pay for:

  • Power pole installation: $500-800 (one-time fee)
  • SCE connection fee: Approximately $437 (one-time fee)
  • LA County permit fee: Varies (typically $100-300)
  • Monthly pole rental: $50-60 per month
  • Monthly electricity usage: Varies based on consumption

Key Process Overview #

Initial Setup #

Contact SCE to create a service request and get a commercial account number. An SCE planner from Monrovia will determine the pole location. Apply for a permit through LA County Public Works EPIC LA portal as an Owner-Builder. Get quotes from several temporary power pole companies (like A-Co Temporary Power at 818-255-3560, but shop around for competitive offers). Complete SCE paperwork, arrange payment, and schedule installation.

Installation and Inspection #

Once the pole is installed, schedule an inspection with LA County. After passing inspection, notify SCE so they can connect power, which typically takes 2-8 weeks.

Important Notes #

  • Always mention you’re an Eaton Fire victim in all communications
  • The Monrovia Planning Office (626-303-8489) often routes to voicemail; be persistent
  • Ask about the current process for submitting forms, as email addresses may change
  • Having both 110V and 220V outlets is essential for most construction needs

Keep documentation of all communications, payments, and approvals throughout the process.

LA County Permit Application Process #

This step is mandatory and a good place to start:

  1. Apply online at EPIC LA Portal

    • Create an account if you don’t already have one
    • Select “Apply for Permit” and choose “Electrical” category
    • Apply as “Owner-Builder” (important for fire victims)
    • Clearly state your immediate project need (e.g., “Temporary power for pool cleanup, repair and maintenance following Eaton Fire damage”)
    • Include your parcel number and property information

  2. Complete the Owner Builder Declaration Form

    • You’ll be contacted by a permit technician to complete this required form
    • For the Owner Builder Declaration section:
      • Check the second option if you’re exclusively hiring licensed contractors to do the work (most common for temporary power poles)
      • Check the acknowledgment box regarding selling owner-built structures (required)
    • For the Workers Compensation Declaration:
      • Check the third box if you won’t be employing workers directly
    • For Hazardous Material Declaration:
      • Answer “No” to both questions (temporary power poles don’t typically involve hazardous materials)
    • For Asbestos Notification:
      • Check the box declaring asbestos removal is not applicable to your project
    • Sign and date all required sections
    • This form certifies you understand your responsibilities as an Owner-Builder

  3. Provide Required Documentation

    • Site plan showing proposed pole location
    • Any additional documentation requested by the permit technician

  4. Respond to Requests Promptly

    • A permit technician may contact you for additional information
    • Respond quickly to avoid delays
    • Keep all email communications for your records

  5. Pay Permit Fees

    • Fees can be paid online through the EPIC LA portal
    • Keep receipt for your records

Eaton Fire Fast Track Permit Office:

  • Location: 464 W Woodbury Rd, Altadena
  • Phone: 626-424-6743
  • This special permit office was established to assist Eaton Fire victims
  • Available to answer questions and check permit status
  • We don’t know how long this office will remain available, so call before visiting

Note: You must obtain this permit before requesting inspection. The approved inspection is required for SCE to energize your temporary power pole.

Important Documentation for SCE Process #

Keep copies of these essential documents:

  • LA County permit and receipt
  • SCE Service Request Number
  • Commercial Account Number
  • SCE Invoice and payment confirmation
  • Completed DS-111 form
  • Completed CSD-274 form
  • Power pole company invoice and contract
  • Building inspection approval

SCE Payment Information #

SCE currently requires payment of their invoice by either:

  • Wire transfer (follow instructions on invoice)
  • Mailed paper check to the address specified on the invoice

Online payment options are not currently available for temporary power connections. Allow extra time for payment processing.

SCE-Specific Tips for Eaton Fire Victims #

  • Set Clear Expectations: The entire process typically takes 6-10 weeks from application to energized service with SCE
  • Mention Eaton Fire: Always mention you are an Eaton Fire victim in all communications
  • Regular Follow-ups: If you don’t hear from an SCE planner within 7 days of creating your service request, call 1-800-655-4555
  • Monrovia Planning Office: Be persistent with the Monrovia office (626-303-8489) if your planner is hard to reach
  • Documentation: Send all communications to SCE via email when possible to maintain a paper trail
  • Mutual Support: Stay in contact with other Eaton Fire victims to share experiences and tips

Common Issues with SCE Temporary Power #

  • Delayed Response: SCE planners handle many requests - follow up weekly if you don’t receive a response
  • Missing Information: Incomplete DS-111 or CSD-274 forms will delay your application
  • Location Disputes: If you disagree with the SCE planner’s pole location recommendation, address this early
  • Billing Confusion: Temporary power is billed as a commercial account - contact SCE Commercial Services for billing questions
  • Permit Issues: Failing to obtain proper LA County permits will delay the entire process

TPP Quick Checklist for Eaton Fire Victims #

  1. Create SCE Service Request

    • Call SCE: 1-800-655-4555
    • Request temporary power pole (TPP) for Eaton Fire rebuild
    • Record service request number

  2. Get Commercial Account Number

    • Call SCE Commercial: 1-800-990-7788
    • Provide service request number
    • Get commercial account number assigned

  3. Apply for LA County Permit

    • Go to EPIC LA Portal
    • Apply as “Owner-Builder”
    • Specify your immediate project need (e.g., pool cleanup after fire)
    • Expect to complete an Owner Builder Declaration form (sent by permit technician)
    • Pay permit fees
    • Save all permit documentation

  4. Meet with SCE Planner

    • Wait for call from Monrovia Planning Office (626-303-8489)
    • Schedule site visit to determine pole location
    • Follow their pole placement recommendation

  5. Get Pole Installation Quote

    • Request quotes from multiple companies (A-Co Temporary Power at 818-255-3560 is one option)
    • Shop around for competitive pricing and services
    • Request quote for 100A temporary power pole
    • Confirm 110V and 220V outlets included

  6. Complete SCE Forms

    • Fill out Customer/Project Information Sheet (DS-111)
    • Complete Temporary Service Contract (CSD-274)
    • Email to SCE - check with Monrovia Planning Office for current submission process
    • The email MonroviaTTPApps@sce.com may not be current - verify with your planner

  7. Pay SCE Connection Fee

    • Pay invoice (approximately $437) by wire transfer or mailed check
    • Include document number with payment
    • Allow time for payment processing

  8. Schedule Pole Installation

    • Accept quote from pole company
    • Schedule installation date
    • Pay installation fee (approximately $500-800)

  9. Pole Installation

    • Power pole company installs pole at approved location
    • Verify outlets are working properly

  10. County Inspection

    • Schedule inspection through LA County Building & Safety
    • Have your permit information ready
    • Be present during inspection if possible
    • Get inspection approval

  11. Notify SCE of Inspection Approval

    • Call SCE planner directly
    • Or call 1-800-655-4555 with service request number
    • Provide inspection approval number and permit information

  12. SCE Connection (2-8 week wait)

    • SCE schedules meter installation and connection
    • Follow up weekly if delayed
    • Pole will be ready for use once connected

This guide is specific to Eaton Fire victims in Altadena served by Southern California Edison as of 2025. While the process outlined is accurate, always verify current requirements by contacting SCE directly at 1-800-655-4555 and LA County Public Works at 626-458-3173.

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