CPAU Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate (EV Charger Service Upgrade)
Utility Service Capacity Fee Rebate: when a residential EV charger install requires CPAU to upgrade the City's transformer or service, CPAU credits the service fees above standard connection charges, up to $10,000 per single-family service address; the customer still pays the E-15 base fee. Multifamily (Electric Service Connection Fee Incentive): up to $10,000 per port (make-ready junction box, Level 1 or Level 2), maximum $100,000 (10 ports), installed within 18 months of approval. Must have applied for an EV charger permit. New single-family homes are not eligible; multifamily new construction qualifies only for ports beyond code. Funding limited and subject to availability; no published end date. Apply through the CPAU EV capacity form. CPAU has no residential charger-equipment rebate; income-qualified drivers may get up to $2,000 through Clean Cars for All (the federal 30C credit ended for installs after 2026-06-30). Stored min/max are the single-family and multifamily caps, not a floor.
Palo Alto credits up to $10,000 of the City's service-upgrade fees when a home EV charger install requires a transformer or service capacity upgrade, and up to $10,000 per port ($100,000 max) for multifamily properties, subject to funding availability.
Guidance
The City of Palo Alto Utilities offers rebates between $10,000 and $100,000 to cover the costs of electric service capacity upgrades required for EV charger installations. Single-family homes can receive up to $10,000, while other property types are eligible for up to $100,000.
Homeowner Tasks
- Submit Part 1 of the online application
This initial application must be completed before proceeding with the upgrade process.
- Pay all required building and utility fees
Ensure all associated fees are fully settled.
- Provide a copy of the EV DMV registration
Required as part of the final documentation to prove EV ownership.
- Provide proof of payment for service capacity upgrades
Keep all records and receipts to submit with the final application.
Contractor Tasks
- Obtain necessary permits
Apply for a permit from the City of Palo Alto Development Services for the installation.
- Install qualifying EV charger equipment
Purchase and install the EV charger(s) according to local codes and program guidelines.
- Provide final paid invoices and contact information
Provide the homeowner with a final paid invoice for the installation and your contractor contact details.
- Submit Part 2 of the online application
Submit the second part of the application with the completed permit and all required documentation.
Qualification
- Pre-approval required
- Permit required
Not required: energy star certified equipment · ahri matched pair · income-qualified · has income-qualified portion · contractor enrollment required · fuel switching required
How to Submit
Complete Part 1 of the online application. Apply for a permit from the City of Palo Alto Development Services. Pay all required building and utility fees. Purchase and install qualifying EV Charger(s). Keep copies of all required documentation. Submit Part 2 of the online application within 180 days of submitting Part 1, attaching all required documentation (Retailer/Contractor contact info, final paid invoice(s) for EV Charger installation, completed permit and final inspection, proof of payment for service capacity upgrades, copy of EV DMV registration). Schedule and host CPAU for an on-site post-installation inspection. If approved, receive a rebate check in the mail within 30 business days.