Undergrounding Electrician in San Diego
SDG&E is actively removing overhead power lines and converting neighborhoods to underground service. During this process, many homeowners discover they need updates to their electrical panel, meter socket, grounding, or service equipment.
If your street is currently being undergrounded — or construction crews are nearby — this page explains what you need to know and how I can help.
⚠️ Why Homeowners Need an Electrician During Undergrounding
SDG&E handles:
trenching
street conduit
new underground service lines
disconnection and reconnection
But SDG&E does not upgrade or fix the electrical equipment on your house.
You are responsible for:
panel upgrades
meter socket upgrades
proper grounding and bonding
bringing outdated equipment up to current standards
panel relocation if your setup no longer meets clearance requirements
If your system doesn’t pass SDG&E’s safety requirements, they may not reconnect your home to the new underground system until a licensed electrician updates it.
🔍 Common Issues Homeowners Face During Undergrounding
• Old or obsolete panels
Zinsco, Sylvania, FPE, Pushmatic, and other outdated panels often fail reconnection.
• Undersized service
Many older homes with 60A or 100A panels can’t support modern loads, especially with EV chargers or AC.
• Meter socket incompatibility
Some older sockets physically cannot accept new underground service conductors.
• Panel location violations
If your panel is too close to a window, gas meter, or tight recess, SDG&E may require relocation.
• Outdated grounding and bonding
Older homes often lack proper ground rods, water bonding, or safe conductor paths.
All of these can delay your reconnection unless addressed ahead of time.
🛠️ How I Help Homeowners During Undergrounding
As a licensed electrician in San Diego, I provide:
1. Panel + Meter Socket Evaluations
You send me photos → I tell you whether SDG&E is likely to require a panel upgrade.
2. Panel Upgrades (125A–200A)
Modern, clean installations that meet SDG&E and code requirements.
3. Meter Socket Replacements
Recommended when converting from overhead to underground.
4. Grounding & Bonding Corrections
Ensures your home passes SDG&E’s reconnection standards.
5. Panel Relocation (if required)
Clean, compliant, permit-approved relocations.
6. Coordination With SDG&E Requirements
I make sure the work is done to the exact specs the utility requires.
This keeps your home ready for reconnection without delays.
🚧 What to Look For on Your Street
You may be in an active undergrounding zone if you see:
trenching on your block
SDG&E markings on the asphalt
temporary power poles
contractor trucks (Motiv, Henkels & McCoy, etc.)
conduit being laid in sidewalks
SDG&E door notices
Once the crews reach your street, the timeline moves quickly.
📸 How to Know If You Need Upgrades (Send Photos)
You can get answers fast by sending photos of:
your electrical panel (inside + outside)
the meter
the overhead lines currently feeding your home
any corrosion or damage you notice
I can usually tell within minutes whether SDG&E is likely to require upgrades.
💬 Why It Helps to Act Early
If you wait until conversion day to find out your panel is too old or incompatible, you may face:
temporary loss of power
delayed reconnection
urgent or rush-price electrical work
scrambling to schedule inspections
Getting ahead of it avoids all of that.
🧰 Service Areas for Undergrounding Support
I serve all SDG&E undergrounding zones in San Diego, including:
Clairemont
La Jolla
Pacific Beach
Point Loma
North Park
South Park
Mission Hills
College Area
Serra Mesa
Linda Vista
And surrounding neighborhoods
If your street is being converted, I can evaluate your existing system and prepare it for reconnection.
✅ Need Your Panel Checked?
If undergrounding is happening on your block and you want to know whether your electrical panel is ready, you can request an evaluation with photos.
It’s fast, simple, and can save you from surprises during conversion.
